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This work wants to investigate the potential of Cu-Si52, Cu-C52, Cu-Al26N26, Cu-doped nanotubes (6, 0) to adsorb and deliver the Favipiravir as COVID-19 drug by DSD-PBEPBE-D3/aug-cc-pVDZ method. This work aims to propose the suitable materials for drug delivery of Favipiravir as COVID-19 drug. Results indicated that the Cu adoption can be increased the stability of Si52, C52, Al26N26, SiNT (6, 0), CNT (6, 0) and AlNNT (6, 0), significantly. The ΔGadsorption of complexes of Favipiravir with Cu-Si52, Cu-C52, Cu-Al26N26, Cu-doped nanotubes (6, 0) are -3.14, -3.25, -3.40, -3.89, -4.03 and -4.13 eV, respectively. The recovery time (τ) values of complexes of Favipiravir with Cu-Si52, Cu-C52, Cu-Al26N26, Cu-doped nanotubes (6, 0) in gas phase are 50.0, 51.8, 55.0, 56.3, 58.3 and 63.0 s. The Cu-AlNNT (6, 0) and Cu-Al26N26 have higher recovery time (τ) than Cu-Si52, Cu-C52, Cu-doped nanotubes (6, 0). Results shown that the Cu-Si52, Cu-C52, Cu-Al26N26, Cu-doped nanotubes (6, 0) have higher capacitates and abilities to deliver and transfer of the Favipiravir than other nanostructures in previous works. Finally, the Cu-AlNNT (6, 0) and Cu-CNT (6, 0) are proposed as acceptable structures to deliver and transfer of Favipiravir as drug of Coronavirus disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of super-resolution imaging techniques has revolutionized our ability to study the nano-scale world, where objects are often smaller than the diffraction limit of traditional optical microscopes. Super-resolution superlenses have been proposed to solve this problem by manipulating the light wave in the near field. A superlens is a kind of metamaterial-based lens that can enhance the evanescent waves generated by nano-scale objects, utilizing the surface plasmon phenomenon. The superlens allows for the imaging of nano-scale objects that would otherwise be impossible to resolve using traditional lenses. Previous research has shown that nanostructures can be imaged using superlenses, but the exact shape of the superlens must be known in advance, and an analytical calculation is needed to reconstruct the image. Localized plasmon structured illumination microscopy is an approach to achieve super-resolution by imaging the superlens-enhanced evanescent wave with illumination shifts. This study proposes a new approach utilizing a conditional generative adversarial network to obtain super-resolution images of arbitrary nano-scale patterns. To test the efficacy of this approach, finite-difference time-domain simulation was utilized to obtain superlens imaging results. The data from the simulation were then used for deep learning to develop the model. With the help of deep learning, the inverse calculation of complex sub-diffraction-limited patterns can be achieved. The super-resolution feature of the superlens based on deep learning is investigated. The findings of this study have significant implications for the field of nano-scale imaging, where the ability to resolve arbitrary nano-scale patterns will be crucial for advances in nanotechnology and materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mathematical chemistry is a field of mathematics where chemical compounds are studied by associating a graph to it. A topological index serves as a mathematical invariant that elucidates the underlying topological arrangement of molecules or networks. This paper explores the neighborhood M-Polynomial concerning various graph operations of regular graphs. Additionally, it addresses and rectifies several erroneous results pertaining to cycle-related graphs that were previously reported. Furthermore, we examine the applications of the neighborhood M-Polynomial to the VPHX[m, n] nanotubes and VPHY[m, n] nanotori, presenting their potential in real-world. Through this comprehensive investigation, we aim to advance the understanding of topological indices and their practical implications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Starting from poly(4-vinylpyridine) ((P4VP)n), poly(2-vinylpyridine) ((P2VP)n), and [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]m-b-P2VP20 block copolymers, a series of metal-containing homopolymers, (P4VP)n⊕MXm, (P2VP)n⊕MXm, and [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]m-b-P2VP20]⊕MXm MXm = PtCl2, ZnCl2, and Eu(NO3)3, have been successfully prepared by using a direct and simple solution methodology. Solid-state pyrolysis of the prepared metal-containing polymeric precursors led to the formation of a variety of different metallic and metal oxide nanoparticles (Pt, ZnO, Eu2O3, and EuPO4) depending on the composition and nature of the polymeric template precursor. Thus, whereas Eu2O3 nanostructures were obtained from europium-containing homopolymers ((P4VP)n⊕MXm and (P2VP)n⊕MXm), EuPO4 nanostructures were achieved using phosphorus-containing block copolymer precursors, [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]m-b-P2VP20]⊕MXm with MXm = Eu(NO3)3. Importantly, and although both Eu2O3 and EuPO4 nanostructures exhibited a strong luminescence emission, these were strongly influenced by the nature and composition of the macromolecular metal-containing polymer template. Thus, for P2VP europium-containing homopolymers ((P4VP)n⊕MXm and (P2VP)n⊕MXm), the highest emission intensity corresponded to the lowest-molecular-weight homopolymer template, [P4VP(Eu(NO3)3]6000, whereas the opposite behavior was observed when block copolymer precursors, [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]m-b-P2VP20]⊕MXm MXm= Eu(NO3)3, were used (highest emission intensity corresponded to [N=P(O2CH2CF3)]100-b-[P2VP(Eu(NO3)3)x]20). The intensity ratio of the emission transitions: 5D0 → 7F2/5D0 → 7F1, suggested a different symmetry around the Eu3+ ions depending on the nature of the polymeric precursor, which also influenced the sizes of the prepared Pt°, ZnO, Eu2O3, and EuPO4 nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic intragap nanostructures (PINs) have garnered intensive attention in Raman-related analysis due to their exceptional ability to enhance light–matter interactions. Although diverse synthetic strategies have been employed to create these nanostructures, the emphasis has largely been on PINs with simple configurations, which often fall short in achieving effective near-field focusing. Three-dimensional (3D) complex PINs, distinguished by their intricate networks of internal gaps and voids, are emerging as superior structures for effective light trapping. These structures facilitate the generation of hot spots and hot zones that are essential for enhanced near-field focusing. Nevertheless, the synthesis techniques for these complex structures and their specific impacts on near-field focusing are not well-documented. This review discusses the recent advancements in the synthesis of 3D complex PINs and their applications in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). We begin by describing the foundational methods for fabricating simple PINs, followed by a discussion on the rational design strategies aimed at developing 3D complex PINs with superior near-field focusing capabilities. We also evaluate the SERS performance of various 3D complex PINs, emphasizing their advanced sensing capabilities. Lastly, we explore the future perspective of 3D complex PINs in SERS applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of efficient, recyclable, broad-spectrum photocatalysts was the primary objective in the field of photocatalytic wastewater degradation. Herein, a novel highly efficient ternary magnetic semiconductor composite was synthesized by integrating SrFe12O19, MoS2 nanoflower clusters, and SnS2 nanoflowers using high-temperature calcination and a one-step solvothermal method. The synthesized heterojunction nanocomposite was characterized using numerous analytical techniques, and its photocatalytic activity was evaluated under half sunlight intensity irradiation. The integration of SnS2 with SrFe12O19 and MoS2 effectively modified the crystal structure and morphology of SnS2 nanoflowers, leading to an increase in active sites while overcoming the significant electron–hole recombination rates of the individual components. The SrFe12O19/SnS2/MoS2 composite achieved 98.69% degradation of MB dye at a suitable pH of 6 and a period of 120 min of irradiation. Additionally, it maintained an excellent magnetic phenomena which contributed to it effortless to collect and reclaim from the residual mixture. After three cycles, the MB dye degradation remained at 84.07%, demonstrating its endurance and resilience. The scavenger test identified the superoxide radical as the primary agent responsible for dye destruction. This work provides study presents a synthesis method for highly efficient photocatalysts using in natural visible-light that can be recovered by simply applying an external magnetic field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work is the first study of the Mn and Co dopants effect on the physical properties of ZnO thin films electrodeposited on aluminum substrate. In order to synthesize these samples, electroplated Zn thin layers were thermally oxidized in atmospheric air for 2 h at 500 °C. The elaborated films were analyzedby X-ray diffraction (XRD), Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The contact angle between the surface of the films and a deposited water drop (WCA) is measured to evaluate the wettability properties of the synthesized films. Mn and Co-doped ZnO thin films were studied and compared in order to better understand the effects of the dopant element on the physical properties of the host crystal, and to improve their hydrophobic properties.XRD analyses of a prepared mico/nanostructured material confirm the incorporation of substitutional transition metal ions on cation sites, and no secondary phase linked to Mnor Co is detected. This result was checked with EDX analysis. However, with increasing Mnor Co concentration, new modes appear in the Raman spectroscopy. The FEG-SEM images show that the surface morphologies change with dopant nature. The Mn-doped sample shows flower-like microstructures with an average size of 9µm, which are covered with spherical ZnO nanostructures with a size around 28 nm. This can lead to an improvement of the hydrophobicity of the ZnO coating compared to Co-doped films. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cellulose nanocrystals (CNC) and nanofibers (CNF) have been broadly studied as renewable nanomaterials for various applications, including additives in cement and plastics composites. Herein, life cycle inventories for 18 previously examined processes are harmonized, and the impacts of CNC and CNF production are compared with a particular focus on GHG emissions. Findings show wide variations in GHG emissions between process designs, from 1.8-1100 kg CO2-eq/kg nanocellulose. Mechanical and enzymatic processes are identified as the lowest GHG emission methods to produce CNCs and CNFs. For most processes, energy consumption and chemical use are the primary sources of emissions. However, on a mass basis, for all examined production methods and impact categories (except CO emissions), CNC and CNF production emissions are higher than Portland cement and, in most cases, are higher than polylactic acid. This work highlights the need to carefully consider process design to prevent potential high emissions from CNCs and CNF production despite their renewable feedstock, and results show the magnitude of conventional material that must be offset through improved performance for these materials to be environmentally favorable.

The optical and thermal properties of nanoparticles have attracted much interest due to their extinction effectiveness in industries like electronics, medical devices, photonics, materials sciences, drug delivery, hyperthermia, etc. In this work, the optical response of eight different geometrical nanostructures, namely Solid-CuNS, Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNS, Hollow-CuNS, Au–Ag-coated-Hollow-CuNS, Solid-CuNR, Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNR, Hollow-CuNR, and Au–Ag-coated-Hollow-CuNR, were studied for hyperthermia. Finite element analysis was performed in COMSOL Multiphysics to simulate the optical and thermal responses of the nanostructures. The size range of nanostructures was selected differently based on the hyperthermia condition to attain a temperature between 42 °C and 46 °C. An appropriate temperature distribution of 43.8 °C was achieved in the 500 nm liver domain using an Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNS with Dsphere = 20 nm. The minimum thermal response was 42.1 °C for both Solid-CuNS and Solid-CuNR when Dsphere was 35 nm and Lcylinder was 35 nm. The highest electric field distribution of 11.2 V/m in the surrounding area was seen for Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNR, with an extinction resonance peak at 475 nm. On the other hand, the Au–Ag-coated-Solid-CuNS showed the least electric field distribution of 2.22 V/m with a corresponding resonance peak of 480 nm when Dsphere was 15 nm.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered materials with unique physicochemical properties, such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, and hexagonal boron nitride, have shown considerable potential in the electrical and electronics industries as well as society. To realize the practical applications of 2D materials, the size, shape, and edge structures must be refined. Etching is a critical processing step in the semiconducting industry and its potential as an efficient approach for fabricating diverse nanostructures of 2D materials has been demonstrated, broadening their applications in the field of nanoelectronics. In this paper, we present an overview of recent advances in anisotropic etching of various 2D materials. Anisotropic etching and the associated mechanisms are discussed in context of the synthesis, processing, and characterization of 2D materials. An overview of the applications of anisotropic etched 2D materials is provided. Finally, the challenges and future opportunities for anisotropic etching of 2D materials are discussed.

Abstract The one-step carbonization of low cost and abundant chitosan biopolymer in the presence of salt eutectics ZnCl2/NaCl results in nitrogen-doped carbon nanostructures (8.5 wt.% total nitrogen content). NaCl yields the spacious 3D structure, which allows external oxygen to easily reach the active sites for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) distinguished by their high onset potential and the maximum turnover frequency of 0.132 e site⁻1 s⁻1. Data show that the presence of NaCl during the synthesis exhibits the formation of pores having large specific volumes and surface (specific surface area of 1217 m2 g−1), and holds advantage by their pores characteristics such as their micro-size part, which provides a platform for mass transport distribution in three-dimensional N-doped catalysts for ORR. It holds benefit over sample pre-treated with LiCl in terms of the micropores specific volume and area, seen as their percentage rate, measured in the BET. Therefore, the average concentration of the active site on the surface is larger.

This review highlights potential application areas for carbon-based molecular nanoparticles, such as carbon dots, carbon nanotubes, graphene quantum dots, and carbon quantum dots. The success of nano-manufacturing hinges on robust collaboration between academia and industry to advance applicable manufacturing techniques. Choosing the right approach is crucial, one that integrates the carbon base of nanomaterials with the required properties and impurities, as well as the scalability of the process. Molecular, in this context, refers to the nanoscale carbon structures that form the basis of these materials, including their arrangement, bonding, and properties at the molecular level. The article also explores the characterization of different types of molecular nanomaterials. Nanomaterials are increasingly used in almost every contemporary industry, including construction, textiles, manufacturing, and computing. This article reviews the most prominent sectors globally that employ nanomaterials. Biomasses containing lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose have become some of the most extensively studied. Initially, rice waste was utilized for bulk materials, but lately, the production of multifunctional materials has surged in interest. Carbon nanostructures derived from rice waste offer a broad spectrum of applications and enhanced biocompatibility. Recent advancements, challenges, and trends in the development of multifunctional carbon-based nanomaterials from renewable rice waste resources are considered.

Abstract Highly dispersed Cobalt doped ZnS nanostructures were successfully fabricated on the surfaces of graphene sheets via a simple hydrothermal method. X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photocurrent spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy (RS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were utilized to analyze the structural characteristics of the cobalt doped ZnS decorated with graphene $${\rm Co}_x{\rm Zn}_{1-x}{\rm S}$$ Co x Zn 1 - x S rGO nanostructures (NSs). UV-visible optical absorption (UV-vis) studies were conducted to investigate their optical properties. In laboratory studies utilizing water and visible light, the photocatalytic activity of $${\rm Co}_x{\rm Zn}_{1-x}S$$ Co x Zn 1 - x S rGO NSs at (x = 0, 1, 2, 4 and 6 atm.%) were evaluated. Graphite Oxide (GO) was successfully transformed into sheets of graphene and $${\rm Co}_x{\rm Zn}_{1-x}{\rm S \, rGO}$$ Co x Zn 1 - x S rGO NSs possessed a crystalline structure according to the findings of XRD, RS and FTIR analysis. SEM investigation showed graphene sheets enhanced with ZnS NSs possessed cuboidal, spheroidal form of structure and displayed a paper like appearance. UV-vis confirmed a noticeable rapid increase in transmittance along the UV wavelength area and confirmed a highly transparent NSs in the wavelength range of (180-800 nm). Calculations using density functional theory (DFT) revealed that the Co NSs have more negative conduction bands than ZnS, allowing for effective electron transfer from cobalt to ZnS and exhibiting a band gap decrease as Co content increased. The $${\rm Co}_{0.04}{\rm Zn}_{0.96}S$$ Co 0.04 Zn 0.96 S rGO NSs sample had the highest photocatalytic activity, measured at $$7648.9 \, \upmu {\rm mol} \, {\rm h}^{-1}$$ 7648.9 μ mol h - 1 . A combination of improved dispersion properties, greater surface area, increased absorption and enhanced transfer of photogenerated electrons, $${\rm Co}_x{\rm Zn}_{1-x}S$$ Co x Zn 1 - x S rGO NSs increased the photocatalytic hydrogen generation activity.

The demands for high resolution fabrication processes are ever-increasing, with new and optimized methodologies being highly relevant across several scientific fields. We systematically investigated thermal scanning probe lithography process and detailed how tuning temperature and probe contact time on the sample can optimize patterning and achieve 10 nm resolution. Additionally, we propose a novel fabrication methodology that integrates thermal scanning probe lithography and bilayer liftoff, achieving sub-20 nm resolution of the final metallized structures. Each step of the process, from sample preparation to the final liftoff, is described in detail. We also present a quantitative analysis comparing the accuracy of the lithography process to that of the bilayer liftoff. Finally, we show the feasibility of using thermal scanning probe lithography for the fabrication of photonic devices by validating our work with promising dipole geometries for this field.

In this work, ZnO thin film is prepared by spraying a solution of zinc acetate precursor prepared with different solvents, namely, methanol, ethanol and distilled water at optimized conditions for aluminum substrate temperature and solution concentration. The impact of different solvents on the structural and hydrophobic properties of ZnO thin films was investigated by X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscope and a Profilometer-Roughness Tester. The morphology of the elaborated ZnO thin films is spherical shaped nanostructured decorated by textures such as bumps (coexistence of ZnO micro-nanostructures). The results confirm that the different solvents used to prepare the ZnO thin films have a significant impact on the characteristics of these layers and the wettability study reveals that the surface of ZnO thin film prepared with distilled water is superhydrophobic.

The developments of nano-roughness surface textures are important to implement enhanced osseointegration, cell adhesion, and proliferation in polymers for biomedical applications such as tissue engineering scaffolds and orthopaedic implants. The hydrophilicity of the polymeric implants is a crucial factor for cell adhesion, which can be improved via adapting the roughness of the surface. This study explores the surface modification of poly (lactic acid) (PLA) polymer through an alkaline wet etching process, varying alkaline concentration and etching time under both room temperature and elevated conditions. The main objective is to refine the PLA surface through wet etching, altering its properties for potential use in biomedical contexts. The assessment of surface roughness is conducted through scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). These techniques offer a comprehensive analysis of surface topography, nanoscale roughness, and potential chemical changes resulting from the wet etching process. The nano-roughness of treated 3D printed PLA was increased by 1.4 times compared to the control 3D printed PLA. The research contributes to the broader field of biomaterial engineering, laying the groundwork for subsequent investigations that will focus on applying the derived conclusions to enhance PLA’s biocompatibility and functionality in tissue engineering and orthopaedic applications.

Despite the introduction of different semiconductor photocatalysts for removing a variety of colors and contaminants, the development of novel multi-component substances with strong light-harvesting capacity remains a challenge. The purpose of this paper is to rationally design binary CeO2/MnCr2O4 heterostructure nanocomposites through the green sol-gel self-combustion route and use them as visible light-active nano-photocatalysts in wastewater treatment. Several physicochemical instruments, including powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-Ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), were used to examine the effects of banana juice volume on crystal structure, purity, and shape of as-formed specimens. Optical results demonstrate that binary CeO2/MnCr2O4 nanocomposites have high photocatalytic activity due to their 2.9 eV band gap. As a result of using 10 mL of banana juice, the best performing product removed almost 84 % and 93 % of methyl orange (MO) in 90 minutes and 120 minutes, respectively, under visible and UV light. CeO2/MnCr2O4 nanocomposite is a promising candidate for photocatalysis according to these findings.

The temperature coefficient of resistivity (θ T) of carbon-based materials is a critical property that directly determines their electrical response upon thermal impulses. It could have metal- (positive) or semiconductor-like (negative) behavior, depending on the combined temperature dependence of electron density and electron scattering. Its distribution in space is very difficult to measure and is rarely studied. Here, for the first time, we report that carbon-based micro/nanoscale structures have a strong non-uniform spatial distribution of θ T. This distribution is probed by measuring the transient electro-thermal response of the material under extremely localized step laser heating and scanning, which magnifies the local θ T effect in the measured transient voltage evolution. For carbon microfibers (CMFs), after electrical current annealing, θ T varies from negative to positive from the sample end to the center with a magnitude change of >130% over <1 mm. This θ T sign change is confirmed by directly testing smaller segments from different regions of an annealed CMF. For micro-thick carbon nanotube bundles, θ T is found to have a relative change of >125% within a length of ∼2 mm, uncovering strong metallic to semiconductive behavior change in space. Our θ T scanning technique can be readily extended to nm-thick samples with μm scanning resolution to explore the distribution of θ T and provide a deep insight into the local electron conduction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Machine learning (ML) methods are of rapidly growing interest for materials modeling, and yet, the use of ML interatomic potentials for new systems is often more demanding than that of established density-functional theory (DFT) packages. Here, we describe computational methodology to combine the CASTEP first-principles simulation software with the on-the-fly fitting and evaluation of ML interatomic potential models. Our approach is based on regular checking against DFT reference data, which provides a direct measure of the accuracy of the evolving ML model. We discuss the general framework and the specific solutions implemented, and we present an example application to high-temperature molecular-dynamics simulations of carbon nanostructures. The code is freely available for academic research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The three-dimensional (3D) nanosized compactness of devices is in high demand for the spintronic-device applicability. However, very few self-organized, periodic magnetic 3D nanostructures of transition metal oxides are known. Here, we report the direct microscopic evidence of a self-assembled, square-shaped, periodic array of coherent orthogonal nanoblock-type structure in an epitaxial SrRuO3 (SRO) thin film (∼90 nm thickness) grown on (001) LaAlO3 (LAO) using pulsed-laser deposition technique. The evolution of different growth facets of SRO over the LAO single crystalline substrate with different thickness are observed. The combined effect of substrate-induced strain and misfit is utilized to grow such self-assembled, ordered nanostructure. The spontaneous formation of such ordered ferromagnetic nano-devices can fill the gap of a miniaturized spintronic device for magnetic memory-based applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured topological insulators (TIs) have the potential to impact a wide array of condensed matter physics topics, ranging from Majorana physics to spintronics. However, the most common TI materials, the B i 2 S e 3 family, are easily damaged during nanofabrication of devices. In this paper, we show that electron beam lithography performed with a 30 or 50 kV accelerating voltage—common for nanopatterning in academic facilities—damages both nonmagnetic TIs and their magnetically doped counterparts at unacceptable levels. We additionally demonstrate that electron beam lithography with a 10 kV accelerating voltage produces minimal damage detectable through low-temperature electronic transport. Although reduced accelerating voltages present challenges in creating fine features, we show that with careful choice of processing parameters, particularly the resist, 100 nm features are reliably achievable. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low dimensional ZnO-based materials have drawn much attention for the past few decades due to their unique electronic and optical properties and potential applications in optoelectronic devices. In this Tutorial, we will cover the past and the latest developments in ZnO thin films and micro/nanostructures in terms of excitonic and related lasing processes. First, we give a brief overview of structural and band properties of ZnO along with the linear optical and excitonic properties. Second, we introduce a feedback mechanism for lasing in various forms of ZnO, ranging from nanoparticles to nanowires, nanodisks, and thin films. As for the feedback mechanism, detailed descriptions are given to random lasing, Fabry–Pérot lasing, and whispering gallery mode lasing. Third, we discuss possible gain mechanisms, i.e., excitonic gain and electron–hole plasma (EHP) gain, in ZnO. A special interest is also devoted to the Mott carrier density, which is a crucial parameter to distinguish between excitonic and EHP contributions to lasing. Lastly, recent developments on exciton–polariton lasers based on ZnO microcavities are introduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photocathodic conversion of NAD+ to NADH cofactor is a promising platform for activating redox biological catalysts and enzymatic synthesis using renewable solar energy. However, many photocathodes suffer from low photovoltage, consequently requiring a high cathodic bias for NADH production. Here, we report an n+p-type silicon nanowire (n+p-SiNW) photocathode having a photovoltage of 435 mV to drive energy-efficient NADH production. The enhanced band bending at the n+/p interface accounts for the high photovoltage, which conduces to a benchmark onset potential [0.393 V vs the reversible hydrogen electrode (VRHE)] for SiNW-based photocathodic NADH generation. In addition, the n+p-SiNW nanomaterial exhibits a Faradaic efficiency of 84.7% and a conversion rate of 1.63 μmol h-1 cm-1 at 0.2 VRHE, which is the lowest cathodic potential to achieve the maximum productivity among SiNW-sensitized cofactor production.

The tunability of chromatic phases adapted by chromogenic polymers such as polydiacetylene (PDA) is key to their utility for robust sensing applications. Here, we investigated the influence of charged peptide interactions on the structure-dependent thermochromicity of amphiphilic PDAs. Solid-state NMR and circular dichroism analyses show that our oppositely charged peptide-PDA samples have distinct degrees of structural order, with the coassembled sample being in between the β-sheet-like positive peptide-PDA and the relatively disordered negative peptide-PDA. All solutions exhibit thermochromicity between 20 and 80 °C, whereby the hysteresis of the blue, planar phase is much larger than that of the red, twisted phase. Resonance Raman spectroscopy of films demonstrates that only coassemblies with electrostatic complementarity stabilize coexisting blue and red PDA phases. This work reveals the nature of the structural changes responsible for the thermally responsive chromatic transitions of biomolecule-functionalized polymeric materials and how this process can be directed by sequence-dictated electrostatic interactions.

This study utilized an environmentally-friendly method to synthesize SrNiO3/NiO/SrCO3 nanocomposites using glucose and lactose as fuels. A variety of fuel concentrations were investigated in order to determine their effects on SrNiO3/NiO/SrCO3 nanocomposites from both a pure and a morphological perspective. Various physiochemical techniques were employed to examine the crystal structure, morphology, optical, magnetic, and surface properties of the synthesized nanoparticles. These techniques included X-ray diffract, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), vibrating sample magnetometers, and Brunauer-Emmett-Tellers. The band gap of the as-synthesized nanoparticles was determined to be 2.5 eV, suggesting that they are capable of acting as a photocatalyst under sunlight-like conditions. The photocatalytic activity of SrNiO3/NiO/SrCO3 nanocomposites was evaluated against Methyl orange (MO) and Methyl violet (MV), and the mechanism of the photocatalyst was investigated using EDTA, benzoic acid, and benzoquinone as scavengers. A comparison of photocatalytic activity in UV and sun-like light showed that maximum degradation (92 %) and (84.8 %) were related to degradation of MO (20 ppm) and MV in 60 min, respectively. The results indicate that SrNiO3/NiO/SrCO3 nanocomposites synthesized using the auto combustion method may serve as a promising photocatalyst for the degradation of organic pollutants in the environment within a short period of time.

[Display omitted] • SEM micrographs describe the morphology of homogeneous mixtures in composites. • A high surface roughness of 130 nm supremacy a high-water contact angle of 104°, indicating strong hydrophobicity. • Excellent microwave attenuation of −18 dB reflection loss signifies efficient wave dissipation. • A high absorption rate (99.99%) and damping factor around 0.95 demonstrate superior microwave absorption. • Increased storage modulus suggests enhanced stiffness and elasticity. As technology advances, the demand for effective microwave-absorbing materials (MAM) to mitigate electromagnetic wave interference is growing. Two-dimensional (2D) materials are increasingly favored across various fields for their high specific surface area, electrical conductivity, low density, and dielectric loss properties. This study presents lightweight nanocomposites composed of graphene nanoplatelets blended with epoxy resin (ER) and cardanol with silane-functionalized (SFC) as a toughening agent. The resulting nanocomposites exhibit a high surface roughness of 130 nm and an enhanced hydrophobicity, as evidenced by a high contact angle. Notably, the ER/SFC/GNP sample at 3 wt% (0.075 g) achieves a minimum reflection loss value of −18 dB at a thickness of 10 mm, indicating improved impedance matching and enhanced dielectric loss capability. The increasing damping factor ratio to approximately 0.95 further augments the reflection loss performance. The research aims to develop cost-effective, efficient, lightweight graphene-based nanocomposite absorbers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Three-dimensional (3D) free-standing nanostructures based on electron-beam lithography (EBL) have potential applications in many fields with extremely high patterning resolution and design flexibility with direct writing. In numerous EBL processes designed for the creation of 3D structures, the multilayer resist system is pivotal due to its adaptability in design. Nevertheless, the compatibility of solvents between different layers of resists often restricts the variety of feasible multilayer combinations. This paper introduces an innovative approach to address the bottleneck issue by presenting a novel concept of multilayer resist dry stacking, which is facilitated by a near-zero adhesion strategy. The poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film is stacked onto the hydrogen silsesquioxane (HSQ) resist using a dry peel and release technique, effectively circumventing the issue of HSQ solubilization by PMMA solvents typically encountered during conventional spin-coating procedures. Simultaneously, a dry lift-off technique can be implemented by eschewing the use of organic solvents during the wet process. This pioneering method enables the fabrication of high-resolution 3D free-standing plasmonic nanostructures and intricate 3D free-standing nanostructures. Finally, this study presents a compelling proof of concept, showcasing the integration of 3D free-standing nanostructures, fabricated via the described technique, into the realm of Fabry–Perot cavity resonators, thereby highlighting their potential for practical applications. This approach is a promising candidate for arbitrary 3D free-standing nanostructure fabrication, which has potential applications in nanoplasmonics, nanoelectronics, and nanophotonics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanoparticles (NPs) with reactive oxygen species (ROS)-regulating ability have recently attracted great attention as promising agents for nanomedicine. In the present study, we have analyzed the effects of TiO2 defect structure related to the presence of stoichiometric (Ti4+) and non-stoichiometric (Ti3+ and Ti2+) titanium ions in the crystal lattice and TiO2 NPs aggregation ability on H2O2- and tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBOOH)-induced ROS production in L929 cells. Synthesized TiO2-A, TiO2-B, and TiO2-C NPs with varying Ti3+(Ti2+) content were characterized by x-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, small-angle x-ray scattering, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and optical spectroscopy methods. Given the role of ROS-mediated toxicity for metal oxide NPs, L929 cell viability and changes in the intracellular ROS levels in H2O2- and tBOOH-treated L929 cells incubated with TiO2 NPs have been evaluated. Our research shows that both the amount of non-stoichiometric Ti3+ and Ti2+ ions in the crystal lattice of TiO2 NPs and NPs aggregative behavior affect their catalytic activity, in particular, H2O2 decomposition and, consequently, the efficiency of aggravating H2O2- and tBOOH-induced oxidative damage to L929 cells. TiO2-A NPs reveal the strongest H2O2 decomposition activity aligning with their less pronounced additional effects on H2O2-treated L929 cells due to the highest amount of Ti3+(Ti2+) ions. TiO2-C NPs with smaller amounts of Ti3+ ions and a tendency to aggregate in water solutions show lower antioxidant activity and, consequently, some elevation of the level of ROS in H2O2/tBOOH-treated L929 cells. Our findings suggest that synthesized TiO2 NPs capable of enhancing ROS generation at concentrations non-toxic for normal cells, which should be further investigated to assess their possible application in nanomedicine as ROS-regulating pharmaceutical agents. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several nanotechnology-based formulation strategies have been reported for the oral administration of biological drugs. However, a prerequisite often overlooked in developing these formulations is their adaptation to a solid dosage form. This study aimed to incorporate a freeze-drying step, using either mannitol or sucrose laurate (SLAE), into the formulation of new insulin-zinc nanocomplexes to render them resistant to intestinal fluids while maintaining a high protein loading. The resulting freeze-dried insulin-zinc nanocomplexes exhibited physicochemical properties consistent with the target product profile, including a particle size of ∼ 100 nm, a zeta potential close to neutrality (∼ -15 mV) and a high association efficiency (> 90%). Importantly, integrating the freeze-drying step in the formulation significantly improved the colloidal stability of the system and preserved the stability of the insulin molecules. Results from in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the insulin activity remained fully retained throughout the entire formulation and freeze-drying processes. In brief, we present a novel protein formulation strategy that incorporates a critical freeze-drying step, resulting in a dry powder enabling efficient protein complexation with zinc and optimized for oral administration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Semiconductor nanocrystals with an anisotropic morphology exhibit unique properties, most notably their linear polarization. The colloidal growth of semiconductor nanorods with core dots inside, also referred to as dot-in-rod (DIR) structure, has enabled the synthesis of anisotropic nanocrystals with better stability and controllable fluorescence polarization. In this study, we synthesize CdSe/CdS DIR nanocrystals, in which the position of the CdSe core particle can be controlled by using different ligand compositions during the CdS growth. Varying the core position within the DIR structure, e.g., from the center to the end of the DIR particles, results in a change in the degree of linear polarization. When the core is positioned at the center of the nanorod, the linear polarization turns out to be higher compared with tip-core DIRs. Time-resolved photoluminescence analysis reveals that the center-core DIRs have higher electron–hole interaction than tip-core DIRs because of weak uniaxial strain in center-core DIR that arises from lattice dislocations at the interface to relieve accumulated strain. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a simple and one-step process was demonstrated to develop hydrophobic polymer surfaces. Commercially available polycarbonate (PC) was treated to turn the front surface hydrophobic with an average wetting contact angle (WCA) as high as 110.5°. The formation of micro-flowers with a coverage density of 9.29 × 106/cm2 on the top of fine base nanostructures was confirmed by a high-resolution field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). Impact of typical metal and metal oxide such as silver (Ag) and tungsten oxide (WO3) deposited on such hydrophobic surfaces was demonstrated. Petals of micro-flowers and fine base nanostructures were well decorated with functional metals such as Ag and thus the front surface remained hydrophobic with an average WCA as high as 106.6°. Abundant sharp spikes on the top of narrow hills and dips as revealed in the high-resolution FESEM investigation, were speculated to be the reason behind this hydrophobic characteristic. On the other hand, the hydrophobic surface (WCA of ∼ 110.5°) turned hydrophilic (WCA of ∼11.7°) when the surface was decorated with functional metal oxides, such as WO3. Sessile drop tests were carried out to record average WCA and to understand the wetting characteristics of the specimens. A plausible mechanism for such hydrophobic characteristics as well as the transition from a hydrophobic state to a hydrophilic state has been elucidated.

Xinyue Yi,1,2,&ast; Pengyuan Leng,1,&ast; Supeng Wang,2 Liangle Liu,1 Bingju Xie1 1The Third Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province, People’s Republic of China; 2Clinical Medical College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, People’s Republic of China&ast;These authors contributed equally to this workCorrespondence: Liangle Liu; Bingju Xie, Email liuliangle@wmu.edu.cn; xiebingju@wmu.edu.cnAbstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common degenerative joint disease, affecting more than 595 million people worldwide. Nanomaterials possess superior physicochemical properties and can influence pathological processes due to their unique structural features, such as size, surface interface, and photoelectromagnetic thermal effects. Unlike traditional OA treatments, which suffer from short half-life, low stability, poor bioavailability, and high systemic toxicity, nanotherapeutic strategies for OA offer longer half-life, enhanced targeting, improved bioavailability, and reduced systemic toxicity. These advantages effectively address the limitations of traditional therapies. This review aims to inspire researchers to develop more multifunctional nanomaterials and promote their practical application in OA treatment. Keywords: nanostructures, osteoarthritis, drug delivery systems, nanomedicine, precision medicine

Objective(s): Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer and the most frequently occurring form of all cancers, affecting sun-exposed areas like the face. Surgery is the main treatment, focusing on safe and minimally invasive methods for better outcomes. Technology has enabled the development of artificial skin substitutes for tissue repair. Tissue engineering uses scaffolds to create functional replacements. This project aims to create an alginate-based hydrogel with PEG-coated gold nanoparticles. Materials and Methods: The project extensively explored the modification of alginate hydrogels with PEG-coated gold nanoparticles, involving the synthesis of gold nanoparticles, their integration with the polymer, and the subsequent preparation of the concentrated hybrid hydrogel. Utilizing various physicochemical techniques, such as UV-visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering, zeta potential analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, the fabrication process was optimized and characterized. Results: The successful synthesis of the hybrid biomaterial was achieved through robust and highly reproducible methods. The MTT assay results offered valuable insights into the biocompatibility and safety of the PEG-coated gold nanoparticle-loaded alginate-based films. The incorporation of PEG-coated gold nanoparticles allowed for potential drug loading on the nanoparticle surface and, consequently, within the hydrogel. Cellular assays were conducted to assess the potential applications of this novel biomaterial. Conclusion: The addition of polyethylene glycol made it possible to load different drugs onto the gold nanoparticles and also within the hydrogel. This makes it a promising choice for potential uses in tissue engineering.

The subject matter of the article is the thermophysical and mechanical properties of surface layers of structural materials using a quantum-mechanical approach. The aim of the article is to adjust the parameters of the heat conductivity and thermoelasticity problem, considering all possible external and internal thermal effects and the quantum-mechanical description of the material structure, for electrodes in vacuum-arc nanostructuring. The task to be solved is to perform calculations using the developed model for a copper cathode considering the energy spent on the formation of nanoparticles during ion-plasma processing with oxygen ions. The methods used are methods for solving nonlinear problems. The following results were obtained. 1. The nature of the dependencies of the maximum temperature, the expected volume of nanostructures, and the maximum depth of their formation on the energy of oxygen ions with charges z = 1 and z = 2 matches previously known dependencies obtained by the classical model, but under quantum-mechanical consideration, the maximum temperature values increase by 15%, the volume of the nanocluster increases by 50%, and the maximum depth of its occurrence increases by 1.5 times. 2. When selecting the parameters of ion-plasma processing for obtaining nanostructures with ion energies 100...500 eV, the previously proposed model with general thermophysical and mechanical properties of structural materials can be used. 3. For technologies with ion energies in the range of 103...2∙103 eV, the previously proposed model can be used but with quantum-mechanical effects of structural materials considered. 4) For technologies with ion energies above 104 eV, calculations should be performed using both approaches (the classical approach and the approach considering the quantum-mechanical properties of structural materials), and after comparison, the variant whose calculation results are closest to the experimental results should be used. Conclusions. The proposed theoretical model using the thermophysical, mechanical, and quantum-mechanical properties of structural materials can be used to adjust the technological parameters of ion-plasma processing to assess the formation of nanostructures in protective and strengthening coatings.

AbstractThe current work is directed to study the synthesis of nanostructured polypyrrole (PPy) using an azo dye as a soft template. The as-prepared PPy was applied for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye. The influence of the synthesis conditions on the morphology of the synthesized nanostructured PPy was examined. Different analytical tools were used for characterization of the synthesized nanostructured PPy. The surface area of the as-prepared nanostructured PPy was measured to be 30 m2 g−1 and hence it was applied for the adsorption of MB as a model of organic dyes. The influence of different parameters on the adsorption/removal of MB was investigated. It was found that the alkaline medium enhances the adsorption rate and the adsorption capacity. Upon increasing the system temperature, the adsorption capacity of nanostructured PPy toward MB dye increased. Different kinetic models were studied, and the current system was found to follow pseudo-second order as well as intraparticle diffusion kinetic models. The equilibrium data were examined by applying Langmuir, Freundlich, and Tempkin isotherms and the first model preferably described MB dye adsorption onto the nanostructured PPy. Reusability of the synthesized nanostructured PPy for the adsorption of MB dye was investigated for many cycles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Structural color originates from the interference of light with periodic structures that feature characteristic length scales on the order of the wavelength of visible light. Long‐range order in photonic structures usually causes iridescence, and increasing disorder renders colors angle‐independent. Random disorder distributes scattering intensity over all wavelengths, producing white in the absence of absorption. Various non‐iridescent, vivid color patterns are found in Sternotomini longhorn beetles. Herein, Sternotomis virescens is investigated, where elytral scales produce a green‐blue color pattern on otherwise black elytra. Combining focused ion beam scanning electron microscopy (FIB‐SEM) tomography, ultra‐small‐angle X‐ray scattering (USAXS), structural modeling, and full‐wave optical simulations, it is found that the color originates from amorphous photonic networks based on sub‐units resembling the I‐WP unit cell, a triply‐periodic minimal surface with body‐centered‐cubic symmetry. This work provides insights into how quasi‐order produces stable colors in S. virescens longhorn beetles, highlights the advantages of volumetric imaging using FIB‐SEM tomography of porous nanostructured materials, and raises interesting questions about the formation mechanisms of amorphous structures in vivo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent times, there has been a significant focus on research into the creation of an environmentally sustainable and pollution-free hydrogen storage cell power system. Over the last ten years, a number of significant advancements in energy storage methods have been developed, impacting research, innovation, and the likely course for furthering our understanding of energy storage. We suggest a hydrogen energy storage device built using cutting-edge electrochemical techniques and electrode materials. As active materials, a range of nanocomposites based on gadolinium aluminate (Gd 4 Al 2 O 9) and carbonous compounds were created. For the fabrication of Gd 4 Al 2 O 9 nanostructures, ultrasonic radiation was used in the presence of Schiff-base ligands of N ,N′-bis(salicylidene)ethylenediamine (H 2 Salen), N,N 0 -disalicylidene-1,4-di-aminobutane (H 2 Salbn) and N , N ′-bis(salicylidene)-1,2-phenylenediamine (H 2 Salophen). Diverse carbon-based materials of g-C 3 N 4 , GO and CNT were utilized for designing nanocomposites. After 15 cycles, the hydrogen storage capacities of pure Gd 4 Al 2 O 9 were found to be 121 mAhg−1. Then, in the fifteenth cycle, the nanocomposites' capacity rose to 278 mAhg−1 at a current of 1 mA for designed nanocomposite with GO. The CNT can increase the capacity to 302 mAhg−1 (11th cycle) but the fading capacity was occurred after 11th cycle to 112 (15th cycle). The g-C 3 N 4 led to decrease in capacity due to blocking the pore and active sites of Gd 4 Al 2 O 9 nanostructures. Schematic 1. Schematic illustration for synthesis of Gd 4 Al 2 O 9 in the presence of different ligands and fabrication of composites. [Display omitted] • Sonochemical synthesis of Gd 4 Al 2 O 9 nanostructures in the presence of ligands. • Modifying Gd 4 Al 2 O 9 nanostructures using carbonous compounds in terms of capacity development. • Comparative chronopotentiometry analysis for determining of hydrogen storage activity. • Achieving capacitance of 278 mAhg−1 for optimized electrode without capacity fading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc chalcogenide nanostructures are an important class of non-toxic nanomaterials due to their biocompatible nature, surface flexibility, high degree of crystallinity, and high photoluminescence efficiency that makes them applicable in solar cells biosensors, photocatalysts, LEDs, and electroluminescence materials. There are various methods for synthesizing zinc chalcogenides, including ZnS, ZnSe, and ZnTe, through colloidal, hydrothermal, solvothermal, microwave, and core shell synthesis to prepare highly luminescent material for drug delivery and biomedical applications. The main focus of this review is to explore various synthetic approaches to tune the morphology, size, and surface properties of zinc-based chalcogenide nanostructures, revealing their potential as biocompatible quantum dots. Despite their advantages, zinc chalcogenides also have certain drawbacks, such as low mechanical strength, limited bandgap tunability, and less thermal stability, that can point the way for future research. Thus, this review may prove beneficial for developing and designing more advanced nanomaterials based on existing knowledge, protocols, and strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aluminum‐doped ZnO (AZO) were successfully prepared on polyimide (PI) film using electrochemical deposition. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) analysis revealed that as the aluminum concentration increased, the morphology of AZO nanostructures changed from pellets to nanorods. X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) was employed to study the chemical states of undoped and Al‐doped ZnO on a polyimide substrate. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns of the PI/AZO nanostructures showed a polycrystalline wurtzite structure with a crystallographic orientation along the (002) plane. The XRD analysis also indicated that the average crystallite size decreased from 50.5 nm to 31.0 nm with increasing aluminum concentration (from 0.05 mM to 10 mM). Transmittance analysis revealed that with increasing aluminum concentration, the average optical transmittance in the visible region decreased from 90 % to 75 %. The aluminum concentration has a significant effect on the electrical properties of the samples, as shown by current‐voltage (I–V) and Hall measurements. Among the samples, the AZO/PI film prepared with 5 mM aluminum concentration exhibited the minimum electrical resistivity (4.14×10−2 Ω.cm), the highest carrier density (1.10×1021 cm−3) and the Hall mobility (5.40 cm2 V−1 s−1). We also discuss the possible mechanisms underlying these results compared to undoped ZnO films. This study contributes to the potential applications in flexible electronics and optoelectronics by demonstrating the tunability of AZO nanostructures on a flexible polyimide substrate through controlled aluminum doping. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we synthesized Co3O4 thin films using a sol–gel spin coating method and investigated the effect of heat treatment on their carbon dioxide (CO2) gas sensing properties. To optimize their crystallinity and enhance their CO2 sensitivity, the thin films were annealed at temperatures ranging from 400∘C to 550∘C. We characterized the morphological, structural, electrical, and optical properties of the Co3O4 thin films to gain insights into their behavior in the low operating temperature range (OTR). Our X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed that all the thin films exhibited a cubic structure, with improved crystallinity observed at higher annealing temperatures. We observed a decrease in band edges in the optical transmittance spectra of the thin films as the annealing temperature increased, indicating a redshift in the absorption edge. Notably, the highest electrical conductivity was observed for the sample annealed at 550∘C, suggesting enhanced crystallinity and improved CO2 gas sensitivity. These findings provide valuable insights into the optimization of Co3O4 thin films for CO2 gas sensing applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite significant advancements in fabricating covalent organic frameworks (COFs) with diverse morphologies, creating COFs with superhelical nanostructures remains challenging. We report here the controlled synthesis of homochiral superhelical COF nanofibers by manipulating pendent alkyl chain lengths in organic linkers. This approach yields homochiral 3D COFs 13‐OR with a 10‐fold interpenetrated diamondoid structure (R=H, Me, Et, nPr, nBu) from enantiopure 1,1′‐bi‐2‐naphthol (BINOL)‐based tetraaldehydes and tetraamine. COF‐13‐OEt exhibits macroscopic chirality as right‐handed and left‐handed superhelical fibers, whereas others adopt spherical or non‐helical morphologies. Time‐tracking shows a self‐assembly process from non‐helical strands to single‐stranded helical fibers and intertwined superhelices. Ethoxyl substituents, being of optimal size, balance solvophobic effects and intermolecular interactions, driving the formation of superhelical nanostructures, with handedness determined by BINOL chirality. The superhelical nature of these materials is evident in their chiral recognition and spin‐filter properties, showing significantly improved enantiodiscrimination in carbohydrate binding (up to six times higher enantioselectivity) and a remarkable chiral‐induced spin selectivity (CISS) effect with a 48–51 % spin polarization ratio, a feature absent in non‐helical analogs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic rulers (PRs) linking nanoscale distance dependence spectral shifts are important for studying cellular microenvironments and biomarker detection. The traditional PR design employs tethering metal nanoparticle pairs using synthetic and biopolymers that severely suffer from reproducibility issues, as well as lack reversibility. Here, the fabrication of novel PRs is reported through the formation of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs) of photoswitchable molecular machines chemically tethered onto sharp‐tip gold nanostructures (Au NSs). This unique and highly sensitive PR utilizes localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties of Au NSs to spectroscopically evaluate dipole–dipole coupling between NSs and photoisomerizable spiropyran (SP)‐merocyanine (MC) conjugates in the solid‐state. It is observed that the SAM‐modified NSs are extremely sensitive to the photoisomerization of SP‐to‐MC, resulting in LSPR shifts as large as 5.6 nm for every 1.0 Å change in distance. The highly dipolar MC changes the NS‐SAM interfacial polarizability and alters the dipole–dipole coupling leading to the ultrasensitive PR is hypothesized. The hypothesis is supported theoretically by calculating dipole polarizability of an inorganic‐organic heterodimer model and experimentally by determining work function and interfacial dipole values. Taken together, this work represents the fabrication of next‐generation PRs, which hold great promise for advanced, plasmonic‐based sensors and optoelectronic device fabrication. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Material design based on the assembly of functional units has demonstrated tremendous technical and commercial potential. Among others, polymers are identified to be an ideal building block due to their abundant functional groups, high programmability, and great biocompatibility. In this review, introducing recently developed advanced materials enabled by rationally designed polymer self‐assembly are focussed. The working principle of typical intermolecular interactions to shape nano‐patterns and structural heterogeneity is first explained in detail. Following that, methods to prepare advanced materials and their characteristic properties are discussed. The superior performance of polymer assemblies renders numerous potential applications in ultra‐tough devices, soft robotics, electronics, sensors, and biomedicine. A brief account of representative examples is highlighted and a perspective on this field is provided at the end. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, perovskite-structured lanthanum cobalt oxide (LaCoO3/LCO) systems with particle and flake morphologies were developed using sol–gel and hydrothermal methods, respectively, in order to investigate their morphological structure-dependent properties for potential supercapacitor applications. The structural analysis confirms that both methods yield LaCoO3 with improved crystalline properties. The energy storage performance of the developed materials is studied in a three-electrode configuration using a 1 M KOH electrolyte. The results indicated superior electrochemical performance for the LCO nanoflakes, exhibiting specific capacitances of ∼215 F g–1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s–1 and ∼136 F g–1 at a current density of 1 A g–1. In comparison, the LCO nanoparticles showed ∼119 F g–1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s–1 and ∼99 F g–1 at a current density of 1 A g–1. This difference can be largely attributed to their respective morphologies, porous structures, and surface defects. Further, the nanoflakes demonstrated an exceptional capacitance retention of ∼97% even after 5000 charge–discharge cycles. The findings of this study suggest that the properties of perovskite LaCoO3 can be tuned by adjusting its morphology through various synthesis methods, making LaCoO3 a viable and robust system for energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Many organisms in nature thrive in intricate habitats through their unique bio-adhesive surfaces, facilitating tasks such as capturing prey and reproduction. It's important to note that the remarkable adhesion properties found in these natural biological surfaces primarily arise from their distinct micro- and nanostructures and/or chemical compositions. To create artificial surfaces with superior adhesion capabilities, researchers delve deeper into the underlying mechanisms of these captivating adhesion phenomena to draw inspiration. This article provides a systematic overview of various biological surfaces with different adhesion mechanisms, focusing on surface micro- and nanostructures and/or chemistry, offering design principles for their artificial counterparts. Here, the basic interactions and adhesion models of natural biological surfaces are introduced first. This will be followed by an exploration of research advancements in natural and artificial adhesive surfaces including both dry adhesive surfaces and wet/underwater adhesive surfaces, along with relevant adhesion characterization techniques. Special attention is paid to stimulus-responsive smart artificial adhesive surfaces with tunable adhesive properties. The goal is to spotlight recent advancements, identify common themes, and explore fundamental distinctions to pinpoint the present challenges and prospects in this field. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on zinc oxide by both computational and experimental methods. Pure and In-doped ZnO thin films were produced by spray pyrolysis at 300∘C onto glass substrate. X-ray patterns reveal the polycrystalline structure according to wurtzite along the (002) direction recording a smaller grain size in nanometric scale. This aspect is confirmed by AFM scanned pictures. High transparency of thin film is observed in spite of the indium insertion into ZnO lattice which decreases it slightly. A wide bandgap exceeds 3 eV of such as-grown films were recorded. Blue and orange emissions were detected as confirmed by photoluminescence analysis. Computational result analysis is used to demonstrate the ideal geometries in the ground states of pure and doped ZnO. The UV–visible absorption band shifts from 360 nm to 448 nm as a result of In-doping. The HUMO and LUMO diagrams demonstrate a drop in energy E as a result of doping, and the DOS profiles validate and confirm this detail. Also, the effect of indium on the linear and nonlinear optical parameters of zinc oxide was discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The emergence of microfluidic devices integrated with nanostructures enables highly efficient, flexible and controllable biosensing, among which zinc oxide (ZnO) nanostructure-based fluorescence detection has been demonstrated to be a promising methodology due to its high electrical point and unique fluorescence enhancement properties. The optimization of microfluidic synthesis of ZnO nanostructures for biosensing on chip has been in demand due to its low cost and high efficiency, but still the flow-induced growth of ZnO nanostructures is not extensively studied. Here, we report a simple and versatile strategy that could manipulate the local flow field by creating periodically arranged micropillars within a straight microchannel. We have explored the effects of perfusion speed and flow direction of seed solution, localized flow variation of growth solution and growth time on the morphology of nanostructures. This provided a comprehensive understanding which governs nanostructure fabrication controlled by flow. The results demonstrated that localized flow in microfluidic devices was essential for the initiation and growth of zinc oxide crystals, enabling precise control over their properties and morphology. Furthermore, a model protein was used to demonstrate the intrinsic fluorescence enhancement of ZnO nanostructures as an example to reveal the morphology-related enhancement properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]