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High-performance plasma-sprayed feedstocks are crucial in the fabrication of high-performance coatings. Thus far, rare-earth silicates have attracted considerable attention. As far as we know, nanostructured Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 feedstocks for plasma-sprayed environmental barrier coatings (EBCs) were prepared via nanopowder reconstruction herein for the first time. The microstructure of the Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 feedstocks was investigated comprehensively and their physical properties were characterized. The results show that the grain size of the spherical Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 feedstocks with a single phase is approximately 65 nm, with the median particle size being 43.69 μm. The apparent density and tap density of the feedstocks are 1.72 and 2.04 g/cm3, respectively. The as-prepared nanostructured Lu 2 Si 2 O 7 feedstocks are believed to be promising for advanced EBCs in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the possible reactions of N2O reduction on Ti-C60, Ti-Si60, Ti-CNT(9, 0) and Ti-SiNT(9, 0) are investigated by DFT model, M06-2X and PW91 functional. The ∆Eadsorption of N2O via O atom on Ti-C60, Ti-Si60, Ti-CNT(9, 0) and Ti-SiNT(9, 0) are -2.72, -2.78, -2.88 and -2.95 eV. The CO2 and ethylene oxide are easily desorbed from catalysts surfaces. The ∆Eformation of Ti-C60, Ti-Si60, Ti-CNT(9, 0) and Ti-SiNT(9, 0) are -4.01, -4.14, -4.28 and -4.40 eV. The Ti-doped nanotubes and nanocages for N2O reduction have lower Eactivation values than metal catalysts. The ∆Greaction of Ti–O* + CO → Ti* + CO2 on Ti-C60, Ti-Si60, Ti-CNT(9, 0) and Ti-SiNT(9, 0) are -0.27, -0.27, 0.28 and -0.29 eV. The CO is adsorbed on *O-Ti-C60, *O-Ti-Si60, *O-Ti-CNT(9, 0) and *O-Ti-SiNT(9, 0) to eliminate the nano-Ti–O*. Finally, the Ti-CNT(9, 0) and Ti-SiNT(9, 0) are proposed as effective catalysts for N2O reduction with higher abilities than metal catalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructured indium tin oxide (ITO) coating is one of the transparent conductive oxides (TCO) materials utilized as a transparent electrode. Due to its high demand in various applications like liquid crystal displays, touch screens, light emitting devices, and solar cells, ITO coatings have garnered significant research attention, owing to their excellent properties of high visible light transmittance and low resistance. Nanostructured coating of tin -doped Indium Oxide (ITO) was fabricated on glass slides utilizing the instrument of chemical spray pyrolysis (CSP), with varying levels of Sn-doping at 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt%. The effect of tin content on the many physical characteristics of the resulting coatings has been examined. The analysis of x-ray diffraction (XRD) displayed the characteristic In2O3 orientations. The coatings have a polycrystalline cubic lattice structure along (400) as the preferred growth direction. Morphological measurements indicate that the samples possess a highly uniform surface and the grain size for the ITO samples is ≤ 100 nm displaying a nanostructure for all samples. The optical transmittance was measured over 75% for coating with tin content equal to 0wt%, while the transmittance of the Sn-doped films can range from 78% to 84% at 700 nm and the values of the direct bandgap (Eg) were measured as 3.6, 3.65, 3.675, and 3.7eV for Sn doping 0, 3, 6, and 9 wt% respectively. In the visible area, the nanostructured ITO coatings exhibit elevated values of transmittance which makes them suitable for various optoelectronic applications such as window materials in solar cells. The results indicate a desirable reduction in the electrical resistivity with rising the number of carriers per unit volume and mobility with increasing tin content in the samples. The minimum electrical resistivity (0.1459 Ω . cm) and maximum carrier concentration (2.128 × 1018 cm-3 ) were achieved for ITO coating with tin content equal to 9wt%. The incorporation of Sn dopant significantly changes the overall electrical properties of indium oxide films, this is favorable for transparent conducting oxide. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Osteoporosis is with porous bones, which refers to a decrease in the bone mineral density and weakens the bones to become brittle. Osteoporosis often progresses without any pain or symptoms until the bone fractures. Monitoring the condition of bone regularly helps to identify the bone that weakens at its earlier stages. In general, radiological techniques have been used to measure bone mineral density, are expensive, and the procedures are complicated. Therefore, researchers are focusing on the alternative method of biomarker quantification to identify bone mineral density. This research work was focused on quantifying the osteoporosis biomarker of C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX‐I) on an interdigitated electrode (IDE) sensor. Gold nanomaterial‐modified anti‐CTX‐I antibody was attached to silica nanomaterial‐decorated IDE and then identified by CTX‐I interaction. Higher immobilization of antibodies was recorded on diamond‐modified IDE through gold nanoparticles, and detected CTX‐I as low as 0.5 pg/mL [y = 1.5507x − 0.9043 R2 = 0.9715], determined on a linear curve at the range 0.5–3.5 ng/mL. Further, specific identification of CTX‐I was confirmed by control performances with osteopontin, IL‐6, and anti‐IgG antibody. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we investigated the influence of pressure and the quantity of Co/CoO catalyst on an artificial photosynthesis process that converts CO2 and H2O into hydrocarbons (CnH2n+2, where n ≤ 18). The adsorption of CO2 and H2O on Co/CoO surfaces proved to be pivotal in this photo-catalytic reaction. Photoexcited carbon dioxide and water molecules ((CO2)* and (H2O)*) generated by illuminating the catalyst surface led to the formation of alkene hydrocarbon molecules with carbon numbers following an approximate Poisson distribution. The optimal pressure was found to be 0.40 MPa. Pressure less than 0.40 MPa resulted in low CO2 adsorption, impeding excitation for photosynthesis. At greater pressure, oil/wax accumulation on Co/CoO surfaces hindered CO2 adsorption, limiting further photosynthesis reactions. The average number of carbon atoms in the hydrocarbons and hydrocarbon yield were correlated. The amount of Co/CoO was also found to affect the hydrocarbon yield. Our study contributes to the understanding of Co/CoO-catalyzed photosynthesis and suggests that an open-flow system could potentially enhance the productivity of long-chain hydrocarbons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zinc selenide (ZnSe) nanostructure's optical and structural characteristics were investigated in this study. Pulse laser deposition of thin films on glass substrates was achieved using an Nd:YAG laser (wavelength 1064 nm) at different laser powers (100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 mJ) with fixed pulses 100 pulses, repetition rate 6 Hz and distance 10 cm between laser and the substrate with a thickness of films 200 nm. An atomic force microscope (AFM) and X-ray diffraction method were used to research the impact of altering the laser intensity on the structural characteristics. A branched (100) polycrystalline type and a plane (111) and branched (100) polycrystalline type are prevalent (002). In addition, AFM measurements further revealed that the smallest granular size achieved at high laser power was 48.40 nm at 100 mJ. The findings showed that it is possible to construct nanostructures with medium grain sizes of alumina (72.99 nm). The study of the relationship between laser energy and nanostructure optical characteristics was explored and it was discovered that the transitions had a specific range of 2.83–3.10 eV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: What are the main findings? Doping can improve TCO's electrical conductivity whilst minimizing any significant loss in their optical transmission. Further modification techniques increase the surface energy of TCO, reduce particles and defects, and improve electrical conductivity. What is the implication of the main finding? TCO materials show promise for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of photoelectrochemical devices. Advancements for TCO materials lead to the development of photoelectrochemical conversion technology. Photoelectrochemical cells (PECs) are an important technology for converting solar energy, which has experienced rapid development in recent decades. Transparent conductive oxides (TCOs) are also gaining increasing attention due to their crucial role in PEC reactions. This review comprehensively delves into the significance of TCO materials in PEC devices. Starting from an in-depth analysis of various TCO materials, this review discusses the properties, fabrication techniques, and challenges associated with these TCO materials. Next, we highlight several cost-effective, simple, and environmentally friendly methods, such as element doping, plasma treatment, hot isostatic pressing, and carbon nanotube modification, to enhance the transparency and conductivity of TCO materials. Despite significant progress in the development of TCO materials for PEC applications, we at last point out that the future research should focus on enhancing transparency and conductivity, formulating advanced theories to understand structure–property relationships, and integrating multiple modification strategies to further improve the performance of TCO materials in PEC devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ti-Ni shape memory alloys (SMA) are used extensively in the field of orthopedics owing to their unique physical and mechanical features, excellent corrosion resistance, and good biocompatibility in the human body environment. This study aims to investigate how milling time affects the characteristics of Ti-Ni alloys which were synthesized with equal atomic percentages by using a high-energy ball milling type (Planetary Micro Mill Pulverisette P7, Fritsch GmbH, Germany) under varying milling periods (2, 6, 12, and 18 h). The duration of the grinding process refines the grain and diminishes the material's porosity, improving the material's physical and structural characteristics as well as its photocatalytic activity. The milled powders of Ti50-Ni50 alloys underwent characterization employing scanning electron microscopy (SEM) associated with an energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and spectrophotometery of visible and ultraviolet light (UV–VIS) to measure the solution absorbance of methylene blue (MB). The results revealed that the milling process influences the particle size and shape of powders, where the proportion of fine particles increased with increasing grinding times from 2 to 18 h due to severe deformation and fracturing. The crystallite size was reduced, and the microstrain increased, attaining values of 29 nm and 0.99%, respectively. In addition, the pores of samples were decreased to 10 nm at higher milling times. Furthermore, solutions of MB containing powders of Ti50-Ni50 milled at 18 h exhibited good photocatalytic activity with a degradation rate value of 93.23% after 60 min of irradiation time because of a greater surface area. The improved properties of Ti50-Ni50 alloys make them clinically useful for biomedical implantation in humans. Plus, they are considered to be effective materials for photocatalytic applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are considered to be promising multifunctional electrocatalysts because of their diverse constituent elements, structural uniformity, and multiple active sites that can be applicable for various reactions. In this study, the Fe 20 Co 20 Ni 20 Cr 20 Mo 20 HEA was utilized as a substrate to rapidly synthesize a nanostructured porous film with a highly active HEA surface area via an electrochemical one-step dealloying method. The dealloyed HEA exhibited an excellent oxygen evolution activity, with a low overpotential of only 370 mV at 40 mA cm−2, which is lower than those of the commercial IrO 2 –RuO 2 –Ta 2 O 5 /Ti (500 mV) and IrO 2 –RuO 2 /Ti (542 mV) catalysts, and a Tafel slope of 119 mV dec−1. After synthesizing a nanostructured porous film through dealloying, the active surface area of the HEA increased by 30%. Following a 60-h stability test, the overpotential difference of the HEA before and after the stability test is less than 30 mV, signifying outstanding stability. The obtained results indicate that the prepared FeCoNiCrMo HEA is primarily composed of two phases, namely the σ phase and the face-centered cubic (FCC) phase. The uneven distribution of the corrosion-resistant element Cr in these phases resulted in significantly different corrosion rates for the two phases, wherein the FCC phase underwent preferential corrosion. Additionally, synergistic electronic coupling among the surface atoms of the nanostructured porous film further enhanced the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) performance. This electrochemical dealloying method demonstrated a high reproducibility and provided an effective pathway for optimizing OER catalysts. • Nanostructure was obtained on the dual-phase HEA surfaces via single-phase corrosion. • The uneven distribution of Cr led to divergent corrosion rates in the duplex phase. • The HEA after dealloying exhibited impressive oxygen evolution properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review offers a comprehensive overview of the current status of metal hydrides in hydrogen storage, addressing their vital role in the hydrogen energy landscape. This review underscores the critical significance of efficient hydrogen storage methods and delves into the intricate mechanisms that make metal hydrides a promising solution. Examining the utilization of magnesium and light metal hydrides, as well as the transformative impact of Mg 2 Ni and nano-sized structures, A variety of metal hydride technologies are examined in this review, including with a comprehensive explanation of transition metal substitutions that improve hydriding and dehydrating capability. It also discusses the influence of activation energy, oxide substitution, and the diversity of metal hydride options, encompassing rare earth metals and carbon nanotubes. Furthermore, we offer valuable insights into the challenges and prospects surrounding the practical application of metal hydrides for hydrogen storage. In conclusion, this review navigates the intricate landscape of metal hydrides, illuminating their potential to shape the future of hydrogen energy storage. • Highlighted the current status of metal hydrides in hydrogen storage. • Handled the critical significance of efficient hydrogen storage methods. • Discussed the influence of activation energy, oxide substitution, and the diversity of metal hydride options. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A data‐driven modeling approach is presented to quantify the influence of morphology on effective properties in nanostructured sodium vanadium phosphate Na3V2(PO4)​3 ${{{\rm N}{\rm a}}_{3}{{\rm V}}_{2}({{\rm P}{\rm O}}_{4}{)}_{3}}$ / carbon composites (NVP/C), which are used as cathode material in sodium‐ion batteries. This approach is based on the combination of advanced imaging techniques, experimental nanostructure characterization and stochastic modeling of the 3D nanostructure consisting of NVP, carbon and pores. By 3D imaging and subsequent post‐processing involving image segmentation, the spatial distribution of NVP is resolved in 3D, and the spatial distribution of carbon and pores is resolved in 2D. Based on this information, a parametric stochastic model, specifically a Pluri‐Gaussian model, is calibrated to the 3D morphology of the nanostructured NVP/C particles. Model validation is performed by comparing the nanostructure of simulated NVP/C composites with image data in terms of morphological descriptors which have not been used for model calibration. Finally, the stochastic model is used for predictive simulation to quantify the effect of varying the amount of carbon while keeping the amount of NVP constant. The presented methodology opens new possibilities for a ressource‐efficient optimization of the morphology of NVP/C particles by modeling and simulation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies of Mn4Si7 coatings of different thicknesses have shown that magnetron deposition practically does not change the composition of the coating in comparison with the composition of the target. The technology and basic modes of creating the necessary targets for a magnetron sputtering device are presented. Targets were created by adding silicon and manganese powders in the required amount and heating them under vacuum conditions at high temperature and pressure. Thin silicide films (coatings) of different thicknesses were formed on the surface of silicon dioxide from the produced targets using the method of magnetron sputtering. Studies of the transmission, absorption, and reflection coefficients of coatings in the visible region of the spectrum have shown that for the Mn4Si7 coating, the reflection coefficient is practically the same at all wavelengths. It was found that the Seebeck coefficient varies from 16 µV/K to 22 µV/K, and the resistance decreases from 77 Ω to 20 Ω with increasing thickness of the thin Mn4Si7 coating. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon-based twisted laminar yarns were fabricated by the homogeneous incorporation of titanium and graphene nanoparticles into carbon multi-wall carbon nanotube (MWNT) sheets. The titanium and graphene reacted to form titanium carbide (TiC) within the MWNT host matrix when ignited by heating. The reaction between titanium and graphene within the MWNT results in the generation of 50 J/g of released heat. This indicates a roughly 28% increase in heat discharge compared to the exothermic reaction when only pure titanium and graphene are involved. The produced yarns have a Young's modulus of 1.9 GPa, indicating ~ 200% enhancement compared to the 0.63 GPa observed for the pristine yarn. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zein has garnered widespread attention as a versatile material for nanosized delivery systems due to its unique self-assembly properties, amphiphilicity, and biocompatibility characteristics. This review provides an overview of current approaches, characterizations, applications, and perspectives of nanoencapsulation and delivery of bioactive ingredients within zein-based nanocarriers. Various nanoencapsulation strategies for bioactive ingredients using various types of zein-based nanocarrier structures, including nanoparticles, nanofibers, nanoemulsions, and nanogels, are discussed in detail. Factors affecting the stability of zein nanocarriers and characterization methods of bioactive-loaded zein nanocarrier structures are highlighted. Additionally, current applications of zein nanocarriers loaded with bioactive ingredients are summarized. This review will serve as a guide for the selection of appropriate nanoencapsulation techniques within zein nanocarriers and a comprehensive understanding of zein-based nanocarriers for specific applications in the food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and agricultural industries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The nano-boron powder (n-B) exhibits remarkable efficacy as a combustion catalyst, making it a prime candidate for use in solid propellant metal burners. Nevertheless, throughout the storage phase, the surface of n-B powder is prone to oxidation and substantial agglomeration, resulting in challenges with ignition and incomplete energy dissipation when utilizing boron powder. The synthesis of nano-boron/nitrocellulose/ammonium dinitramide@fluorine rubber (n-B/NC/ADN@F2602) is accomplished via the coaxial electrospinning technique, with n-B uniformly dispersed within the core–shell fiber. The n-B is evenly distributed within the core–shell fiber, and as a result of F2602 encapsulation, the moisture absorption of n-B/NC/ADN@F2602 has decreased from 191.6 to 10.1%. In the course of combustion, the fibrous composite of n-B/NC/ADN@F2602 undergoes an escalation in the rates of energy output and energy release, owing to the constraints imposed by external F2602. The n-B/NC/ADN@F2602 demonstrates a 1.3-fold rise in peak pressure and a 1.15-fold increase in maximum pressure rise rate compared to n-B/NC/ADN. Furthermore, the maximum flame temperature is elevated by 150.5 ℃, and the combustion heat is augmented by approximately 8.7%. The findings of the energy performance assessment reveal that the mean molecular weight (MC) of the combustion byproduct of n-B/NC/ADN@F2602 stands at 27.6 g·mol−1, markedly surpassing that of n-B/NC/ADN. The aforementioned findings exemplify that coaxial electrospinning is an exceedingly efficacious technique for enhancing nanostructures, thereby amplifying the reactivity of energetic particles and offering novel insights into their application in energetic materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristics of thin-walled samples made of the 8011 aluminum alloy and Kh18N9T stainless steel after double-sided ultrasonic hardening of the surface layer are presented. The dependences of the change in the yield strength and the relative elongation of the sample layers made of the aluminum alloy 8011 and stainless steel Kh18N9T after their rupture on the depth of the strengthened layer are presented. The results of cut tests with ultrasonic sample hardening are presented. The coefficient of increase in the axial strength of the samples after ultrasonic hardening is determined. The microstructure of a sample section made of aluminum alloy 8011 with and without double-sided ultrasonic hardening are presented. It is shown that the microstructure changes after double-sided ultrasonic hardening, nanostructures appear at a depth of 20–30 µm, and the particle sizes are 40–80 nm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensors are vital components in a wide variety of applications throughout our everyday lives. Two critical factors that contribute to their importance are sensitivity and selectivity. To achieve high-performance sensors, modification and functionalization of the sensing surface become imperative. The process involves altering the surface properties of the sensor and introducing a recognition element to optimize its response to the target analyte. However, when it comes to internal sensing surfaces, such as those found in microchannel-based sensors, challenges arise. Being narrow and confined makes the modification process particularly arduous. Accessing the internal surfaces for modification becomes difficult due to their small size, and achieving uniformity across the microchannel surface poses a considerable challenge. Overcoming these obstacles demands innovative fabrication techniques, specialized equipment, and precise control during the modification process. This paper will review the potential approaches for the modification and functionalization of the sensor surface, as well as offer a variety of strategies to effectively enhance the internal sensing surface. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Results of XRD and TEM studies of a metastable phase state in Fe73Ti5B19O3 and Fe55Ti16B27O2 films, which is formed upon magnetron deposition under preset conditions, and of the evolution of the state in the course of subsequent annealing at 500 °C for 1, 5, and 9 h and experimental data on the magnetic microstructure and magnetic properties are reported. The annealed films were found to be characterized by a nanocrystalline structure, which is represented by two crystalline phases, namely, the ferromagnetic solid solution αFe(Ti), and nonferromagnetic boride FenB. The Ti content in the films determines the grain size of the αFe(Ti) phase, whereas the content of B localized within the grain boundaries determines the ratio of the volume fractions of amorphous and nanocrystalline phases in the structure. In contrast to the ferromagnetic Fe73Ti5B19O3 films, the Fe55Ti16B27O2 films are superparamagnets both in the deposited state and after annealing at 500 °C for 1 and 5 h because of the higher volume fraction of the amorphous phase in the structure. The 9 h annealing of the Fe55Ti16B27O2 films transfers them into the ferromagnets owing to the development of the amorphous phase crystallization, increase in the content of nanocrystalline ferromagnetic phase αFe(Ti) grains, and realization of exchange interaction between them. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Hygroexpansion, CP/MAS 13C-NMR, WAXS and SAXS measurements were carried out on sheets made from four different commercial pulps of varying lignin content. Non-directional laboratory sheets were made at different press levels from the pulps following different degrees of beating. The sheets were dried both freely and with restraints. Measurements were made on sheets before and after moisture cycling to determine hygroexpansion coefficients, changes in cellulose average lateral fibril dimensions and average cellulose crystallite sizes, with the aim of understanding macroscale and nanoscale changes as the result of moisture cycling. Within the sheets consistent and statistically significant structural changes were observed on both macro and nanoscale. On the macroscale, moisture cycling consistently induced irreversible shrinkage in sheets dried with restraints, but less so in the case of sheets dried freely. The hygroexpansion coefficients were typically higher for freely dried sheets compared with sheets dried with constraints. On the nanoscale, moisture cycling consistently caused an increase in the average crystallite sizes (WAXS) and the average lateral fibril dimensions (CP/MAS 13C-NMR), though the latter occurred with poor statistical significance. These changes were interpreted as an increase in the degree of order in the cellulose fibril interior/cellulose crystallite. There were no profound differences in the nanoscale changes observed for sheets dried with restraints and for sheets dried freely. Changes in the fibre wall nanostructure were of similar magnitudes when comparing results from freely dried low grammage sheets (less abundant inter-fibre joints) with freely dried sheets of higher grammage (more abundant inter-fibre joints). No obvious correlations were found between the macroscale and nanoscale measurements. The proposed explanation for this was that the nanoscale structural changes occurred similarly throughout the entirety of the fibre wall, independent of the proximity to an inter-fibre joint, and that the nanoscale structural changes were mainly the result of water penetrating into the interior of cellulose fibril aggregates. By using the same fibril model for evaluation of CP/MAS 13C-NMR and WAXS data, good-to-reasonable agreement were found for estimates of the degree of cellulose crystallinity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents the results of applying the methods of synthesizing mesoporous carbon and mesoporous polymer materials with an extended porous mesostructure as adsorbents for cationic dye molecules. Both types of adsorbents are synthetic materials. The aim of the presented research was the preparation, characterisation, and utilisation of obtained mesoporous adsorbents. The physicochemical properties, morphology, and porous structure characteristics of the obtained materials were determined using low-temperature nitrogen sorption isotherms, X-ray diffraction (XRD), small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), and potentiometric titration measurements. The morphology and microstructure were imaged using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The chemical characterisation of the surface chemistry of the adsorbents, which provides information about the surface-active groups, the elemental composition, and the electronic state of the elements, was carried out using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The adsorption properties of the mesoporous materials were determined using equilibrium and kinetic adsorption experiments for three selected cationic dyes (derivatives of thiazine (methylene blue) and triarylmethane (malachite green and crystal violet)). The adsorption capacity was analysed to the nanostructural and surface properties of used materials. The Generalized Langmuir equation was applied for the analysis of adsorption isotherm data. The adsorption study showed that the carbon materials have a higher sorption capacity for both methylene blue and crystal violet, e.g., 0.88–1.01 mmol/g and 0.33–0.44 mmol/g, respectively, compared to the polymer materials (e.g., 0.038–0.044 mmol/g and 0.038–0.050 mmol/g, respectively). The kinetics of dyes adsorption was closely correlated with the structural properties of the adsorbents. The kinetic data were analysed using various equations: first-order (FOE), second-order (SOE), mixed 1,2-order (MOE), multi-exponential (m-exp), and fractal-like MOE (f-MOE). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a self-powered broadband photodetector based on graphene/NiO/n-Si was fabricated by the direct spin-coating of nanostructured NiO on the Si substrate. The current–voltage measurement of the NiO/Si heterostructure exhibited rectifying characteristics with enhanced photocurrent under light illumination. Photodetection capability was measured in the range from 300 nm to 800 nm, and a higher photoresponse in the UV region was observed due to the wide bandgap of NiO. The presence of a top graphene transparent conducting electrode further enhanced the responsivity in the whole measured wavelength region from 350 to 800 nm. The photoresponse of the NiO/Si detector at 350 nm was found to increase from 0.0187 to 0.163 A/W at −1 V with the insertion of the graphene top layer. A high photo-to-dark current ratio (≃104) at the zero bias indicates that the device has advantageous application in energy-efficient high-performance broadband photodetectors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents a detailed investigation of the structural and surface modifications of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy was utilized to analyze the distinct characteristic peaks of Fe3O4 NPs and their subsequent modifications with stearic acid (ST) layers. The FTIR analysis revealed characteristic peaks at 580 cm−1, and 441 cm−1, corresponding to the Fe‐O stretching vibrations of the bulk Fe3O4 NPs. The successful loading of stearic acid onto the Fe3O4 NPs was confirmed by the appearance of new peaks at 1413 cm−1 and 2908 cm−1, indicative of the asymmetric CH2 stretch and CH3 umbrella vibration modes of stearic acid. UV‐Vis spectroscopy further corroborated the efficient loading of tetracycline and ibuprofen onto Fe3O4/DST nanoparticles, as evidenced by changes in absorption spectra. N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms illustrated the presence of micro and meso pores on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs, with alterations in pore volume and diameter post‐surface modification and drug loading. Evaluation of magnetic properties indicated a reduction in saturation magnetization after surface modification and drug loading, attributed to changes in homogeneity and surface moments. Differential Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS) and Raman spectroscopy elucidated distinctive peaks and shifts in spectra, confirming the composition and structural changes in drug‐loaded nanofibers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Several chemical methods were introduced for synthesis zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticle (NP). The morphology of the obtained powder varied based on process parameters, which can affect final properties of powder. In this study, ZnO-NP synthesized via hydrothermal technique using zinc nitrate hexahydrate (0.1 and 1.0 M) and urea (0.2 and 2.0 M). Moreover, different synthesis times (3 and 5 h) and temperatures (130 and 150 °C) were used. The X-ray patterns of ZnO-NP demonstrated ZnO peaks without the presence of any impurities. Furthermore, surface analysis results indicated the only presence of elemental peaks for Zn and O. The morphology analysis illustrated distinct microstructures, including unique multi hollow flakes, with a crystal size from 18.80 to 23.60 nm. The voids on the flake-like structure were in the range of 10 to 54 nm. The thermal and optical properties and photodegradation performance of synthesized ZnO-NP against organic dyes were also studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF) is a new class of metal organic framework (MOF) with imidazolate ligands as linkers and metal ions as metal centers. A bismuth zeolitic imidazolate framework (Bi-ZIF) was prepared by laser ablation in liquid environment as a physical bottom-up method for the first time. The samples were characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy for evaluation of functional groups, X-ray diffraction (XRD) for determination of crystal structure, field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM) for investigation of morphology and size of produced nanostructures. The antibacterial activity of samples was investigated by Escherichia coli (E. coli) as gram-negative bacterium and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as gram-positive bacterium. Based on the results, laser ablation is a quick, capable, clean, and simple candidate method for synthesizing different kinds of ZIF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) is one of the most effective methods for analyzing the nanoscale structure of disordered carbon. Mathematical processing of HRTEM images made the quantification and description of the complex structure of disordered carbon more reliable. This work demonstrates the HRTEM image processing algorithm applied to four naturally occurring substances with a disordered carbon structure and different electrically conductive properties. The result of the algorithm is a quantitative estimation of the structural characteristics of disordered carbon by the method of structural discretization over three degrees of ordering. The algorithm consists of two main parts: (a) HRTEM image processing, which generates a trinary image, and (b) quantification, which generates nanoscale structure statistics. The reliability (reproducibility) of the results is about 66% and does not depend on the difference in the physical properties of the samples. The proposed image analysis algorithm can be applied to any similar disordered materials to characterize the structure at the nanometer scale, used to build models of disordered carbon materials and describe some of the physicochemical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, energy level calculations for an InP 2D quantum box structure with two distinct (infinite potential power-exponential) potential potentials have been conducted using the sparse Numerov method. The 2D Schrödinger equation has been transformed in accordance with the sparse Numerov approach, followed by the creation of the solution matrix employing appropriate finite difference expressions. A comparative analysis of calculation results has been performed with respect to CPU time, memory usage, and ground state energy for both O(h4) and O(h6) accuracy. The suitability of the sparse Numerov method for 2D nanostructures has been thoroughly discussed. The results revealed that the sparse Numerov approach yields physically meaningful and rational outcomes in the InP 2D quantum box structure. Importantly, it demands significantly lower CPU time and memory resources compared to the classical Numerov method, emphasizing its practical applicability in this context. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our aims in this work are the preparation of an ionic liquid based on heterocyclic compounds with Ag nanoparticles and the investigation of its application as an antibacterial and anticandidal agent. These goals were achieved through the fabrication of an ionic liquid based on Ag nanoparticles with 5-Amino-3-(4-fluorophenyl)-N-hexadecyl-7-(4-methylphenyl)-2-H spiro[cyclohexane1,2'-[1,3]thiazolo [4,5-b]pyridine]-6-carbonitrile (P16). The nanostructure of the prepared ionic liquid was characterized using techniques such as FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, UV, SEM, and TEM. The biological activity of the prepared compound (P16) and its nanocomposites with Ag nanoparticles was tested using five clinical bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa 249; Escherichia coli 141; Enterobacter cloacae 235; Staphylococcus epidermidis BC 161, and methicillin-resistant S. aureus 217), and three Candida species (Candida utilis ATCC 9255; C. tropicalis ATCC 1362, and C. albicans ATCC 20402). The FTIR, 1HNMR, and 13CNMR results confirmed the chemical structure of the synthesized P16 compound. The nanostructure of the prepared ionic liquid was determined based on data obtained from the UV, SEM, and TEM tests. The antibacterial and anticandidal results showed that the biological activity of the compound (P16) was enhanced after the formation of nanocomposite structures with Ag nanoparticles. Moreover, the biological activity of the compound itself (P16) and that of its nanocomposite structure with Ag nanoparticles was higher than that of ampicillin and amphotericin B, which were used as control drugs in this work. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High-resolution imaging of Cu/low-k on-chip interconnect stacks in advanced microelectronic products is demonstrated using full-field transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM). The comparison of two lens-based laboratory X-ray microscopes that are operated at two different photon energies, 8.0 keV and 9.2 keV, shows a contrast enhancement for imaging of copper nanostructures embedded in insulating organosilicate glass of a factor of 5 if 9.2 keV photons are used. Photons with this energy (Ga-Kα radiation) are generated from a Ga-containing target of a laboratory X-ray source applying the liquid-metal-jet technology. The 5 times higher contrast compared to the use of Cu-Kα radiation (8.0 keV photon energy) from a rotating anode X-ray source is caused by the fact that the energy of the Ga-Kα emission line is slightly higher than that of the Cu-K absorption edge (9.0 keV photon energy). The use of Ga-Kα radiation is of particular advantage for imaging of copper interconnects with dimensions from several 100 nm down to several 10 nm in a Cu/SiO2 or Cu/low-k backend-of-line stack. Physical failure analysis and reliability engineering in the semiconductor industry will benefit from high-contrast X-ray images of sub-μm copper structures in microchips. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The HelixJet atmospheric plasma‐assisted synthesis can be a new toolbox to realize dedicated nanoparticle architectures such as Janus‐type morphologies. Silicon nanoparticles produced by the decomposition of Silane molecules are directed into an in‐flight annealing stage. The applied high‐temperature supplies a metal vapor rich atmosphere containing Manganese, Chromium, Iron, and Tin outgassing from the used steel tube. The metal atoms alloy into the Silicon nanoparticles and form a self‐assembled 'Si/MnxSiy‐alloy' Janus nanosphere architecture. The Janus particles nanochemistry is thoroughly examined in detail by the analytic capabilities of transmission electron microscopy. The combined approach of electron diffraction, EDS, and EELS identifies the Janus particle composition consisting of a pure Si hemisphere interfaced to an alloyed Mn4Si7 hemisphere covered by a thin (MnaFebCrc)Siy surface shell. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strong laser field emission from metals is a growing area of study, owing to its applications in high-brightness cathodes and potentially as a high harmonic generation source. Nanopatterned plasmonic cathodes localize and enhance incident laser fields, reducing the spot size and increasing the current density. Experiments have demonstrated that the nanoblade structure outperforms nanotips in the peak fields achieved before damage is inflicted. With more intense surface fields come brighter emissions, and thus investigating the thermomechanical properties of these structures is crucial in their characterization. We study, using the finite element method, the electron and lattice temperatures for varying geometries, as well as the opening angles, peak surface fields, and apex radii of curvature. While we underestimate the energy deposited into the lattice here, a comparison of the geometries is still helpful for understanding why one structure performs better than the other. We find that the opening angle—not the structure dimensionality—is what primarily determines the thermal performance of these structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This research paper explores the synthesis of cadmium sulphide nanoparticles using sodium lauryl sulphate as a stabilizing agent through the co-precipitation method. The structural properties were investigated using X-ray diffractometry, while optical properties were analysed through UV–visible absorption spectroscopy. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy were employed to study the morphology and elemental mapping of the nanoparticles. The co-precipitation synthesis, synergized with sodium lauryl sulphate assisted stabilization, affords a scientific vantage point into the intricate mechanisms through which sodium lauryl sulphate intricately tailors the optical and stability profiles of nanoparticles. Additionally, the effects of different concentrations of sodium lauryl sulphate were examined to determine the optimal concentration for desired properties. The optimal concentration of 1.5 g yielded cadmium sulphide nanoparticles with desirable characteristics, featuring a band gap of 2.07 eV. The findings presented herein contribute significantly to advancing our understanding of sodium lauryl sulphate capped cadmium sulphide nanoparticles and highlight their potential application in enhancing photocatalyst efficiency. This research holds exciting prospects for the creation of eco-friendly and highly efficient innovations, with extensive implications for the environmental and industrial sectors. [Display omitted] • Cadmium sulphide Nanoparticle (CdSNP) show versatility with hexagonal and wurtzite. • Identified 1.5 g sodium lauryl sulphate(SLS) as the ideal for producing well CdSNP. • Precisely determined 2.07 eV bandgap, shedding light on the electronic properties. • CdS-SLS interaction enhances control over stability and morphology during synthesis. • Unveils the ability to control the morphology of CdSNP through SLS interaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: Cells adherence provides specific information about physiology and pathology, the adhesion measurement between living cells and nanostructures can be measured by atomic force microscopy, but this detection technique is difficult to operate and costly. The adhesion height and effective contact area between cells and substrates are also the key factors affecting measurement value of the overall impedance. These factors change with structural parameters of the substrates, so the adhesion measurement between living cells and substrate can be indirectly reflected by the impedance value. OBJECTIVE: To establish a mapping relationship between the impedance measurement and the adhesion measurement of living cells. The possibility of dynamic measurement of adhesion is realized by this method, and the experimental process is simplified. METHODS: Laser interference technology was used to prepare nanoarray structures with different periods on the surface of silicon wafers for cells culture. Under the same experimental conditions, the impedance of living cells on the substrates of different cycle sizes were measured. The adhesion between cells and different substrates were analyzed by measuring impedance after the interaction between cells and substrate. RESULTS: The adhesion of living cells on the substrates of different sizes be analyzed, and the mapping relationship between the impedance and the adhesion measurement was established. The results showed that, the larger the impedance value between cells and substrate, the larger the effective contact area and the smaller the gap between them. CONCLUSION: The difference of adhesion height and effective adhesion area between living cells and substrates were obtained. This paper, a new method to measure the adhesion properties of living cells is presented, which provides theoretical basis for the related research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The rapid development of electrochemical sensors holds great promise to serve as a next generation. However, the practical performances of electrochemical sensors are cruelly limited by stability, selectivity and sensitivity. These issues have been well addressed by introducing rational designs into the modified electrode for achieving the required performances. Herein, we demonstrate the ZnO–YMoO4 for highly selective electrochemical detection of uric acid (UA). The ZnO–YMoO4 nanostructure was characterised using X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscope, transmission electron microscope with elemental mapping and energy-dispersive spectrometer. The ZnO–YMoO4 modified electrode shows a much-improved electrochemical performance compared to those of the other electrodes. Interestingly, the ZnO is strongly firmed in the YMoO4, which provides a more sufficient pathway for the rapid electron and ion transportation. On the basis of these findings, our proposed sensor achieves a wide detection range from 0.1 to 120 nM with a correlation coefficient of 0.9839 and a low detection limit of 14.8 nM. Most markedly, the real-time monitoring of the proposed electrochemical sensor was proved by the successful determination of UA in milk samples. Our research work has opened a novel way to the rationale for the construction of highly efficient practical electrochemical sensors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study delves into the intricate domain of mechanochemical synthesis, employing a developed approach for the fabrication of electrode materials. The method involves the incorporation of silver nanoparticles into a two-dimensional matrix of reduced graphene oxide (RGO) combined with cobalt oxide nanostructures, yielding a zero-dimensional cobalt oxide@RGO.Ag nanocomposite. A comprehensive suite of material characterization techniques, including XRD, SEM, EDX, TEM, XPS, and BET, was used to investigate the synthesized materials. Concurrently, extensive electrochemical investigations, incorporating cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanic charge–discharge (GCD), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and retention analyses, are applied to the constructed electrochemical cell. The resulting RGO.Ag@Co3O4 nanocomposite exhibits a remarkable specific capacitance of 371.2 F g−1 at a scan rate of 5 mV s−1. In addition, energy density (Ed) and power density (Pd) values of 21.6 Wh/kg and 997 W/kg, respectively, are achieved at a current density (Cd) of 0.5 A g−1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The present study focuses on the computation of the distribution of local solid–liquid interfacial thermal resistances (ITRs) at a solid–liquid interface with a nanostructured surface, at a spatial resolution of 1.96 10-1nm based on the non-equilibrium molecular dynamics method. As a calculation parameter, three different interaction strengths between the solid atoms and the liquid molecules were employed to reproduce the hydrophobic and hydrophilic conditions. In our calculation system, liquid molecules occupy the gap between the sidewalls of the nanostructure. We showed that the combined interfacial thermal resistance calculated from the local ITRs agrees with the overall ITR. We investigated the spatial distribution of the local ITRs via spectral analysis. The results showed that the local ITRs increased at the bottom corners and decreased at the top corners of the nanostructure. When the interaction parameter between the solid atoms and the liquid molecules is large, we find evidence of adsorption of liquid molecules on the solid, which causes fluctuations of the local ITR. The local vibrational states of the solid atoms and liquid molecules varied at each local interface. The local ITRs were negatively correlated with the overlaps of these vibrational densities of states, implying that each local vibrational state is one of the factors that determines the corresponding local ITR. In addition, the peak frequencies of the local spectral heat flux agreed with those of the vibrational density of states. These results indicate that the vibrational states of the solid atoms are dominant factors in the vibrational properties of the thermal transport across the local solid–liquid interfaces.

Sweat contains many physiological information about the body, such as electrolytes, metabolites, hormones, temperature, etc. Sweat-based wearable sensors enable real-time, continuous, non-invasive monitoring of multimodal bio-metrics at the molecular level, and are widely studied for their significant potential in areas such as motion sensing, disease prevention, and health management. This paper described the five modules of substrate, sweat collection, sensing, power supply and decision making in the integrated structure of wearable sweat sensors, highlighted the excellent performance and applications of nanostructures (such as metal-based and carbon-based materials) in electrochemical sensing sensitive materials, and finally discussed the challenges of wearable sweat sensors in terms of trace sweat collection and variability of physicochemical variables in multi-parameter sensing, meanwhile, future directions of wearable sweat sensing are proposed for two key problems of sweat collection and real-time calibration, including bionic microfluidics and multi-parameter feedback regulation methods to achieve efficient collection and accurate detection of microscopic sweat, promote the application and development of real-time early warning of sweat sensing for chronic major diseases.

The development of electrochromic (EC) materials has paved the way for a wide range of devices, such as smart windows, color displays, optical filters, wearable camouflages, among others. However, the advancement of electrochromism faces a significant hurdle due to its poor stability and limited color options. This lack of stability is primarily attributed to the substantial alteration in the dielectric properties of EC materials during cycling. Consequently, the design of advanced plasmonic materials is a key strategy to achieve a stable EC device. In this review, we provide an overview of the current state-of-the-art designs of plasmonic-based EC materials and devices. We discuss their working principles, techniques for structure/morphology engineering, doping methods, and crystal phase design. Furthermore, we explore the integration of plasmonic materials with other EC materials to create advanced EC devices. Finally, we outline the challenges that need to be addressed and present an outlook on the development of high-performance EC devices.

Numerous surgeries are carried out to replace tissues that have been harmed by an illness or an accident. Due to various surgical interventions and the requirement of bone substitutes, the emerging field of bone tissue engineering attempts to repair damaged tissues with the help of scaffolds. These scaffolds act as template for bone regeneration by controlling the development of new cells. For the creation of functional tissues and organs, there are three elements of bone tissue engineering that play very crucial role: cells, signals and scaffolds. For the achievement of these aims, various types of natural polymers, like chitosan, chitin, cellulose, albumin and silk fibroin, have been used for the preparation of scaffolds. Scaffolds produced from natural polymers have many advantages: they are less immunogenic as well as being biodegradable, biocompatible, non-toxic and cost effective. The hierarchal structure of bone, from microscale to nanoscale, is mostly made up of organic and inorganic components like nanohydroxyapatite and collagen components. This review paper summarizes the knowledge and updates the information about the use of natural polymers for the preparation of scaffolds, with their application in recent research trends and development in the area of bone tissue engineering (BTE). The article extensively explores the related research to analyze the advancement of nanotechnology for the treatment of bone-related diseases and bone repair.

The orientation ordering and assembly behavior of silica–nickel Janus particles in a static external magnetic field were probed by ultra small-angle X-ray scattering (USAXS). Even in a weak applied field, the net magnetic moments of the individual particles aligned in the direction of the field, as indicated by the anisotropy in the recorded USAXS patterns. X-ray photon correlation spectroscopy (XPCS) measurements on these suspensions revealed that the corresponding particle dynamics are primarily Brownian diffusion [Zinn, Sharpnack & Narayanan (2023). Soft Matter, 19, 2311–2318]. At higher fields, the magnetic forces led to chain-like configurations of particles, as indicated by an additional feature in the USAXS pattern. A theoretical framework is provided for the quantitative interpretation of the observed anisotropic scattering diagrams and the corresponding degree of orientation. No anisotropy was detected when the magnetic field was applied along the beam direction, which is also replicated by the model. The method presented here could be useful for the interpretation of oriented scattering patterns from a wide variety of particulate systems. The combination of USAXS and XPCS is a powerful approach for investigating asymmetric colloidal particles in external fields.

The article studies the effect of stress relaxation caused by strain stops and pulsed current on the tensile deformation behavior of Grade 4 ultrafine-grained titanium. The samples were deformed in the following modes: without current; continuously with current; with periodic current supply, periodic current supply during stops of strain. The microhardness of the working zone of the tested specimens was studied. Fracture studies of the failure zone were carried out. It is shown that, as a result of the continuous introduction of current during tension, the flow stresses decrease, and the elongation to failure increases. Periodic introduction of current, accompanied by strain stops, leads to a maximum increase in the relative elongation to failure due to stress relaxation. The relaxation effect of the pulsed current is manifested in a decrease in microhardness and the transition of the fracture type from a dimple-cup fracture to a predominantly dimple fracture.

The results of an experimental study of magnetization reversal processes of (R,Zr)(Co,Cu,Fe)Z (R = Sm, Gd) alloys taking into account micro- and nanostructure are presented. To create a highly coercive state in the samples, they were isothermally annealed at 800°C for 8-24 hours. The duration of annealing affects the formation of the nanostructure of alloys of this type. Based on magnetic measurements performed using a vibration magnetometer, magnetic hysteresis loops and graphs of the dependence of the coercive force on the chemical composition and duration of heat treatments were obtained, and the range of changes in the temperature coefficient of magnetic induction was determined depending on the relative content of Sm and Gd in the samples. Data on micro- and nanostructure were obtained using optical and scanning probe microscopy. The correlation relationships between the micro- and nanostructure parameters and the magnetic properties of the studied alloys are described. It was found that the highest values of the coercive force are achieved in an alloy in which the value is x = 0,5.

The article is devoted to the review of structural factors influencing the tribological behavior of nanostructure metals and alloys without lubrication. The scientific significance of this topic is related to the understanding of wear mechanisms and the possibility of its prediction during long-term operation. Particular attention is focused on the effect of the grain size in the range of 0,01-10 µm, as one of the most important structural parameters. Emphasis is placed on materials with ultrafine grains obtained by severe plastic deformation, and nanocrystalline materials obtained by non-deformation methods of sputtering and deposition. It is shown that nanocrystalline films on the contact surface are more preferable for increasing wear resistance, since they are more resistant to structural-phase transformations during friction. Among pure metals, as objects without phase transformations, copper, nickel, aluminum and titanium are considered. As an example of more complex objects, alloys based on titanium (an intermetallic compound with shape memory TiNi and two phases Ti-Al-V alloy) are presented. In addition to the classical scheme of friction during macrodisplacement of the indenter on the contact surface, the fretting friction during microdisplacement is considered.

DOI: 10.26456/pcascnn/2023.15.1029 Abstract: In this paper we investigate the changes in the surface topology of inorganic polymer-derived films resulted from photostimulated polymerization. With the use of the atomic-force microscopy, the surface structure changes of mixed molybdenum-vanadium oxide thin films (V2O5:MoO3 = 3:2) resulted from the UV light-induced polymerization was investigated. The analysis of atomic-force images evidenced that the solid-state polymerization in the mixed oxide films obtained by condensation of corresponding oxoacids occurs through 3D mechanism. As the result of exposure, MoO3/V2O5 films lose the intrinsic anisotropy which is due to the directional agglomeration of belt-like mixed oxide oligomers. The photopolymerization processes in the mixed oxide film yield agglomerates of nuclei built from the faceted nanometer-sized pseudocrystallites. The exposure is also accompanied with solid-state recrystallization of initially amorphous oxide resulting in the rougher relief of the exposed film. The selective acidic etching uncovers the latent structure of the film, this etching being accompanied with pseudocrystallite dispergation that results in the smoothing of the microrelief of the oxide film surface. These structural features of photosensitive mixed oxide MoO3/V2O5 films facilitate their application as the inorganic photoresists.

Strong laser field emission from metals is a growing area of study, owing to its applications in high-brightness cathodes and potentially as a high harmonic generation source. Nanopatterned plasmonic cathodes localize and enhance incident laser fields, reducing the spot size and increasing the current density. Experiments have demonstrated that the nanoblade structure outperforms nanotips in the peak fields achieved before damage is inflicted. With more intense surface fields come brighter emissions, and thus investigating the thermomechanical properties of these structures is crucial in their characterization. We study, using the finite element method, the electron and lattice temperatures for varying geometries, as well as the opening angles, peak surface fields, and apex radii of curvature. While we underestimate the energy deposited into the lattice here, a comparison of the geometries is still helpful for understanding why one structure performs better than the other. We find that the opening angle—not the structure dimensionality—is what primarily determines the thermal performance of these structures.

Abstract Background Nanoparticles (NPs) engineering offers great opportunities to produce versatile materials for multiple applications in medicine, including drug delivery and bioimaging. Successful development of nanomedicines up to the clinical level is evidence that nanotechnology has made gigantic strides in addressing health problems. Area covered This review briefly discusses the toxicological data from selected clinically relevant nanoplatform technologies (i.e. liposomes, poly(lactide-co-glycolide) and iron oxide NPs); comparisons between such nano-systems provide insights into existing challenges in nanotoxicity assessment. The factors that can affect nanoparticles toxicity have been discussed as well. Albeit most studies reported no major toxicological effects, the analysis of reported data pinpoints the lack of organ-function studies as well as the difficulty in comparing nanotoxicity findings from different protocols due to the discrepancies in experimental conditions. Conclusion The previously developed nanomedicines are likely a result of constant efforts dedicated to improving the quality attributes of individual products on case-by-case basis, given the luck of design rules for optimal nanoproducts. Thus, further systematic investigations are required to streamline the general design principles in nanoproducts development and boost the translation of NPs from bench to bedside.

Red blood cells respond to fluctuations in blood plasma pH by changing the rate of biochemical and physical processes that affect the specific functions of individual cells. This study aimed to analyze the effect of pH changes on red blood cell morphology and structure. The findings revealed that an increase or decrease in pH above or below the physiological level of pH 7.4 results in the transformation of discocytes into echinocytes and causes significant alterations in the membrane, including its roughness, cytoskeleton structure, and the cell’s elastic modulus. Furthermore, the study shown a strong connection between critical acidosis and alkalosis with increased intracellular reactive oxygen species production.

Energy generation today heavily relies on the field of photocatalysis, with many conventional energy generation strategies now superseded by the conversion of solar energy into chemical or thermal energy for a variety of energy-related applications. Global warming has pointed to the urgent necessity of moving away from non-renewable energy sources, with a resulting emphasis on creating the best photocatalysts for effective solar conversion by investigating a variety of material systems and material combinations. The present study explores the influence of morphological changes on the photoelectrochemical activity of zinc oxide nanostructures by exploiting electrodeposition and capping agents to control the growth rates of different ZnO facets and obtain well-defined nanostructures and orientations. A zinc nitrate (Zn (NO3)2) bath was used to electrodeposit ZnO nanostructures on an indium tin oxide glass (ITO) substrate at 70 °C with an applied potential of −1.0 V. Ethylenediamine (EDA) or ammonium fluoride (NH4F) were added as capping agents to the zinc nitrate bath. Extensive evaluation and characterization of the photoelectrochemical (PEC) capabilities of the resulting morphology-controlled zinc oxide nanostructures confirmed that altering the ZnO morphology can have positive impacts on PEC properties.

The time dynamics of charge accumulation at the electrochemical interface between graphene and water is important for supercapacitors, batteries, and chemical and biological sensors. By using impedance spectroscopy, we have found that measured capacitance (Cm) at this interface with the gate voltage Vgate ≈ 0.1 V follows approximate laws Cm~T1.2 and Cm~T0.11 (T is Vgate period) in frequency ranges (1000–50,000) Hz and (0.02–300) Hz, respectively. In the first range, this dependence demonstrates that the interfacial capacitance (Cint) is only partially charged during the charging period. The observed weaker frequency dependence of the measured capacitance (Cm) at frequencies below 300 Hz is primarily determined by the molecular relaxation of the double-layer capacitance (Cdl) and by the graphene quantum capacitance (Cq), and it also implies that Cint is mostly charged. We have also found a voltage dependence of Cm below 10 Hz, which is likely related to the voltage dependence of Cq. The observation of this effect only at low frequencies indicates that Cq relaxation time is much longer than is typical for electron processes, probably due to Dirac cone reconstruction from graphene electrons with increased effective mass as a result of their quasichemical bonding with interfacial molecular charges.