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The fusion of Silicon (Si) with MXene nanostructures is a promising avenue to boost the performance of lithium-ion batteries (LIBs). This comprehensive review delves into recent progress and future prospects in the realm of Si-based MXene composites for LIB applications. Starting with an in-depth analysis of the structure and characteristics of Si-based MXene nanostructures, the paper elucidates their synthesis and characterization methodologies. The subsequent discussion delves into the mechanism and properties of LIBs, pinpointing the hurdles and possibilities for enhancement. The spotlight then shifts to the utilization of MXene materials in LIBs, emphasizing their pivotal role in ameliorating battery performance. Closing off, the review explores ongoing research trends and forthcoming directions in the field, offering insights into the potential applications and obstacles of Si-based MXene composites for the evolution of next-generation LIBs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (AZIBs) based on vanadium oxides or sulfides are promising candidates for large‐scale rechargeable energy storage due to their ease of fabrication, low cost, and high safety. However, the commercial application of vanadium‐based electrode materials has been hindered by challenging problems such as poor cyclability and low‐rate performance. To this regard, sophisticated nanostructure engineering technology is used to adeptly incorporate VS2 nanosheets into the MXene interlayers to create a stable 2D heterogeneous layered structure. The MXene nanosheets exhibit stable interactions with VS2 nanosheets, while intercalation between nanosheets effectively increases the interlayer spacing, further enhancing their stability in AZIBs. Benefiting from the heterogeneous layered structure with high conductivity, excellent electron/ion transport, and abundant reactive sites, the free‐standing VS2/Ti3C2Tz composite film can be used as both the cathode and the anode of AZIBs. Specifically, the VS2/Ti3C2Tz cathode presents a high specific capacity of 285 mAh g−1 at 0.2 A g−1. Furthermore, the flexible Zn‐metal free in‐plane VS2/Ti3C2Tz//MnO2/CNT AZIBs deliver high operation voltage (2.0 V) and impressive long‐term cycling stability (with a capacity retention of 97% after 5000 cycles) which outperforms almost all reported Vanadium‐based electrodes for AZIBs. The effective modulation of the material structure through nanocomposite engineering effectively enhances the stability of VS2, which shows great potential in Zn2+ storage. This work will hasten and stimulate further development of such composite material in the direction of energy storage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study reports the use of Keplerate‐type {Mo72Fe30} polyoxometalate (POMs) nanostructures as a bi‐functional‐electrocatalyst for HER and OER in an alkaline medium with a lower overpotential (135 mV for HER and 264 mV for OER), and excellent electrochemical stability. The bi‐functional catalytic properties of {Mo72Fe30} POM are studied using a scanning electrochemical microscope (SECM) via current mapping using substrate generation and tip collection mode. Furthermore, the bipolar nature of the {Mo72Fe30} POM nano‐electrocatalysts is studied using the electrochemical gating via simultaneous monitoring of the electrochemical (cell) and electrical ({Mo72Fe30} POM) signals. Next, a prototype water electrolyzer fabricated using {Mo72Fe30} POM electrocatalysts showed they can drive 10 mA cm−2 with a low cell voltage of 1.62 V in lab‐scale test conditions. Notably, the {Mo72Fe30} POM electrolyzers' performance assessment based on recommended conditions for industrial aspects shows that they require a very low overpotential of 1.89 V to drive 500 mA cm−2, highlighting their promising candidature toward clean‐hydrogen production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we fabricate SnS films using a low-cost spray pyrolysis technique. Several parameters such as grain size, textural coefficient, Sn concentration, root mean square (RMS), optical band gap, Urbach and dispersion energy are determined by the mean of X-ray diffraction pattern, UV-Vis measurements, surface morphology observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM)-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), selective area electron diffraction (SAED) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Furthermore, SnS thin films exhibit a polycrystalline structure having a low grain size of 6.1 nm along principal (111) orientation. The optical band gap is around 1.9 eV and Urbach energy is of 740 meV. The dielectric parameters of chalcogenide SnS thin film are varying with photon energy within ultraviolet-visible-infrared (Uv-Vis-IR) bands. Besides, the single oscillator E0 and Ed energies are found to be 2.03 and 3.28 eV, respectively, using the Wemple and DiDomenico (WDD) model. Electrical measurements of SnS thin films deposited onto Indium Tin Oxide (ITO) substrate are accomplished and current-voltage (I–V) characteristics of SnO2 / SnS/ITO, are shaped in dark and room temperature conditions. Photovoltaic parameters like open circuit voltage (Voc), short circuit current (Isc), fill factor (FF) and power conversion efficiency (η) values are determined and SnO2 / SnS/ITO junction records the highest values. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This review article summarises decades of research on nickel hydroxide. Nickel hydroxide is an important material in both physics and chemistry, especially in technical applications such as batteries. First, the structures of two known polymorphs, α-Ni(OH)2 and β-Ni(OH)2, are described. The article also examines common types of disorder in nickel hydroxide, such as hydration, stacking faults, mechanical stresses and the presence of ionic impurities. Related materials such as intercalated α-derivatives and basic nickel salts are also discussed. Various synthetic methods of nickel hydroxide synthesis are reviewed, including chemical and electrochemical precipitation, sol-gel synthesis, chemical ageing, hydrothermal and solvothermal processes, electrochemical oxidation, microwave-assisted techniques and sonochemical methods. The article discusses the physical properties of nickel hydroxide, including its magnetic, vibrational, optical, electrical and mechanical properties. Finally, the article highlights the promising properties of these materials and approaches for the identification and characterization of unknown nickel hydroxide-based samples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 micronanostructures). 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, nanostructured thin films were produced from thymoquinone (TQ)-loaded composites encapsulated with different ratios of bacterial nanocellulose (BNC) to chitosan (CS). The study aimed to investigate their characterization, antibacterial effects, and potential as drug film coating materials. Chemical features and morphological characteristics were determined, and release tests and antibacterial assays were conducted on the thin film layers. As a result, BNC/CS-thymoquinone composite films obtained at different ratios were found to exhibit the highest antibacterial effect, particularly films with a 70% BNC/CS to 30% thymoquinone ratio, against Salmonella typhimurium bacteria. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hazards such as pathogenic bacteria, mycotoxins, pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metal ions, etc., cause serious food safety problems worldwide due to their toxicity and frequent contamination. Rapid screening is an effective way for food safety control, which highly relies on the development of sensitive, specific, and convenient detection methods. The multicolor colorimetric biosensors based on gold nanomaterials have evolved into advanced tools for detecting various hazards in food, with intuitive readout. The excellent localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) properties of gold nanomaterials enable them to exhibit bright colors when used as chromophores. In addition, the small changes in the morphology of gold nanomaterials can lead to significant changes in the wavelength of the LSPR peak, resulting in vivid color changes. Since the color discrimination ability of the normal human eye is usually superior to the intensity change ability, the way in which different concentrations of targets represent vivid color changes makes it feasible to fabricate sensors with improved accuracy in visual semi-quantitative detection. By combining with various signal amplification strategies, the detection sensitivity of the constructed sensors can be further improved, even reaching the level of pg/mL. In this review, two strategies for changing the morphology of gold nanomaterials in constructing multicolor colorimetric biosensors, namely the etching strategy and the growth strategy were discussed. We also highlight current progress in developing different gold nanomaterial-based multicolor colorimetric biosensors for detecting various hazards in food. The hazards in food samples are classified as pathogens, mycotoxins, indicators of food freshness, pesticides, antibiotics, heavy metal ions, food additives, and hazards from food processing and packaging. The multicolor colorimetric biosensors based on gold nanomaterials represent a promising tool for visual detection of hazardous materials in food. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a chronic and progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Researchers have conducted numerous studies to find accurate biomarkers for early AD diagnosis and develop more effective treatments. The main pathological hallmarks of AD are amyloid beta and Tau proteins. Other biomarkers, such as DNA, RNA, and proteins, can also be helpful in early AD diagnosis. To diagnose and treat AD promptly, it is essential to accurately measure the concentration of biomarkers in the cerebrospinal fluid or blood. However, due to the low concentrations of these biomarkers in the body, highly sensitive analytical techniques are required. To date, sensors have become increasingly important due to their high sensitivity, swift detection, and adaptable manipulation features. These qualities make them an excellent substitute for conventional instruments. Nanomaterials are commonly employed in sensors to amplify signals and improve sensitivity. This review paper summarized the integration of nanomaterials in optical sensor systems, including colorimetric, fluorescent, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering sensors for AD biomarkers detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have developed a theory of dimensional quantization for nanostructures, both one-dimensional and zero-dimensional, constructed from monoatomic layers of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs). This theory has enabled us to derive expressions for the energy spectra of charge carriers in both even and odd states (relative to coordinate inversion), as these states occur within quantum-confined lines and points of the TMDC monoatomic layers, dependent on their geometric dimensions. Our numerical analysis provides a detailed exploration of the quantum-confined energy states of electrons within these nanostructures, offering insights into their potential applications in advanced nanoelectronic devices. This work not only advances our understanding of the energy characteristics of TMDC monoatomic layers but also contributes to the broader field of material science by exploring the effects of dimensional quantization on electronic properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of La0.5Sr0.5MnO3 (LSMO) perovskite nanostructures via the hydrothermal method and their catalytic performance evaluation in CO oxidation. Structural analysis using techniques like XRD, FE-SEM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy analysis verified the development of LSMO nanostructures exhibiting a rhombohedral phase configuration. The catalytic activity of the annealed LSMO nanostructures was assessed, demonstrating significant CO conversion efficiency attributed to structural modifications enhancing catalytic performance. These findings highlight the potential of LSMO perovskite nanostructures as efficient catalysts for CO oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The characteristic feature of a biofunctional system is that components with various functions work together. These multi-components are not simply mixed together, but are rationally arranged. The fundamental technologies to do this in an artificial system include the synthetic chemistry of the substances that make the component unit, the science and techniques for assembling them, and the technology for analyzing their nanoostructures. A new concept, nanoarchitectonics, can play this role. Nanoarchitectonics is a post-nanotechnology concept that involves building functional materials that reflect the nanostructures. In particular, the approach of combining and building multiple types of components to create composite materials is an area where nanoarchitectonics can be a powerful tool. This review summarizes such examples and related composite studies. In particular, examples are presented in the areas of catalyst & photocatalyst, energy, sensing & environment, bio & medical, and various other functions and applications to illustrate the potential for a wide range of applications. In order to show the various stages of development, the examples are not only state-of-the-art, but also include those that are successful developments of existing research. Finally, a summary of the examples and a brief discussion of future challenges in nanoarchitectonics will be given. Nanoarchitectonics is applicable to all materials and aims to establish the ultimate methodology of materials science. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this investigation, we employed a straightforward hydrothermal method to synthesize various TiO2 nanostructures, including titanium nanoparticles (TNPs), titanium nanorods (TNRs), and titanium nanotubes (TNTs). Generally, TiO2 is a widely studied chemical compound in the materials research field, which finds applications in diverse areas such as photocatalysis and energy storage systems. Furthermore, these nanostructures hold immense potential for applications in dye degradation and supercapacitors. To characterize the synthesized photocatalysts, we employed techniques such as XRD, DLS, UV–Vis spectra, SEM, TEM, and electrochemical workstation. The as-synthesized photocatalysts demonstrated remarkable efficiency in degrading different concentrations of rhodamine B (RhB) and methyl orange (MO) dyes under direct sunlight while also exhibiting excellent electrochemical properties. For comparison, we included bulk TiO2 anatase powder in our study. In the case of supercapacitor application, TNRs exhibited the highest specific capacitance of 122 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, outperforming the 0-dimensional (0D) nanostructures and bulk TiO2 powder (TBP). Our results indicate that the 1-dimensional (1D) TiO2 nanostructures offer superior performance under optimal experimental conditions compared to the other forms of TiO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Plasmonic nanostructures can enhance the performance of photodetectors (PDs) owing to their amplification effect in light absorption, leading to overcoming the inherent properties of the photoactive layer. Herein, hierarchical plasmonic nanopatterns have been prepared and used for high‐performance flexible perovskite PDs. The developed hierarchical nanostructures, featuring nanoposts on cross‐nanograting patterns, exhibit a notably enhanced light trapping effect compared to hierarchical nanostructures based on a unidirectional simple nanograting structure. Moreover, hierarchical pattern‐based perovskite PDs show a photoresponsivity of 580 mA W−1 and a specific detectivity of 3.2 × 1012 Jones, which are 420% and 990% higher than those of perovskite PDs without plasmonic nanostructures, respectively. Furthermore, a flexible 10 × 10 PD array has been developed, which enables the accurate mapping of light signals with exceptional operational and mechanical stabilities, under a bending radius as small as 8 mm and after undergoing more than 1000 bending cycles. Comprehensive analyses using finite‐difference time‐domain calculations and photoluminescence mapping reveal the effective light trapping effect of hierarchical plasmonic patterns in the perovskite layers. This work provides an efficient approach to achieve high‐performance perovskite optoelectronic devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The kinetics of changes and recovery processes of the optical absorption of nanostructured films of polyaniline and binary nanostructures based on a mixture of polyorthoanisidine and polyorthotoluidine, obtained by the method of electrochemical deposition under the action of ammonia, carbon dioxide, and sodium sulfide vapors in the wide spectral range λ = 350–900 nm, were studied. The nature and trends of recovery of the optical absorption of the studied films are established. Recommendations for the use of synthesized thin film nanostructures as active 2D nanoelements for smart optical gas sensors with improved sensitivity, speed, and recovery parameters are proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nucleic acids are considered as promising materials for developing exquisite nanostructures from one to three dimensions. The advances of DNA nanotechnology facilitate ingenious design of DNA nanostructures with diverse shapes and sizes. Especially, the algebraic topological framework nucleic acids (ATFNAs) are functional DNA nanostructures that engineer guest molecules (e. g., nucleic acids, proteins, small molecules, and nanoparticles) stoichiometrically and spatially. The intrinsic precise properties and tailorable functionalities of ATFNAs hold great promise for biological applications, such as cell recognition and immunotherapy. This Perspective highlights the concept and development of precisely assembled ATFNAs, and outlines the new frontiers and opportunities for exploiting the structural advantages of ATFNAs for biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This work describes the comparison of the catalytic performances of α‐MnO2 nanorods synthesized by a facile hydrothermal approach at varying temperatures (140–200 °C). The structure and morphology of these nanorods were analyzed by XRD, N2‐physisorption, NH3‐TPD, Raman, SEM, HRTEM, and XPS. The prepared α‐MnO2 nanorods also performed exceptionally well in the catalytic oxidation of cyclohexanone to dicarboxylic acids under mild reaction conditions. The characterization results conferred that there is a significant influence of hydrothermal temperatures on the textural properties, morphology, and catalytic activity. Notably, the α‐MnO2 nanorods obtained from 180 °C hydrothermal conditions outperformed other catalysts with 77.3 % cyclohexanone conversion and 99 % selectivity towards acid products such as adipic acid (AA), glutaric acid (GA) and succinic acid (SA). The improved catalytic activity may be attributed to the interaction of the bifunctional Mn3+/4+ redox metal centres and surface acidic sites. The present oxidation reaction was found to be a promising eco‐benign process with high selectivity for the production of commercially significant carboxylic acids from cyclohexanone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that controlling worker exposure to engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) helps to reduce the exposure risk to employees in workplaces. This study aimed to identify the available evidence on the effectiveness of various control methods used in the workplace to reduce worker exposure to ENMs. The search was conducted in databases—Medline, OVID, Scopus, Science Direct, Web of Science, and Cochrane and the gray literature published from January 2010 to December 2022. The search keywords included ENM controls and their efficiency in workplace environments. Of the 152 studies retrieved, 22 were included in the review. The control measures in the review included (1) substitution controls; (2) engineering measures (i.e., isolation, direct source extraction, and wetting technologies); (3) personal protective equipment; and (4) administrative and work practices. The study results indicate that the above-mentioned control measures were effective in reducing ENM exposures. This information can be used to help employers choose the most effective controls for their workplaces. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: This paper identifies approaches to the responsible development of Alemerging technologies to secure worker safety and health. Methods: A retro- apspective analysis was used to describe the liistory of the responsible develop- ment of worker protection from engineered natiomaterials. Lessons from that history were extended and applied to emerging technologies and illustrated in three examples: advanced manufacturing, synthetic biology, and artificial intel- ligence. Results: The same principles used to underpin responsible develop- ment of nanotechnology can be applied to emerging technologies. Five criterion actions were identified that embody these principles. Conclusion: Responsible development of emerging technologies requires anticipating hazards and risks and ethical issues attendant to them. Occupational and environment health spe- cialists are often called upon to provide guidance on emerging technologies and the approach described here can serve as a basis for that guidance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we propose an enhanced nanopore sensing strategy that utilizes a peptide nucleic acid (PNA)‐based triplex molecular beacon sensor to achieve the simultaneous detection of multiple biomarkers with a high degree of sensitivity. The sensor is a triplex switch composed of a triplex‐forming DNA strand and an oligo‐arginine‐tagged PNA strand, serving as the target recognition moiety and signal output element, respectively. Upon target binding to the recognition element of the sensor, the PNA signal output strand is released and a hybrid complex of the target‐DNA recognition strand is formed simultaneously. Due to the positive charges carried by the PNA‐Arg strands, they could be driven through the nanopore under positive electric field, effectively eliminating interferences from co‐existing target‐DNA complexes. This approach enables label‐free, one‐step detection of targets without requiring complex treatments and procedures. Leveraging the modular properties of DNA recognition strand, this method can be applied universally, and here, we successfully demonstrate its application using three SARS‐CoV‐2 related biomarkers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

"Drawing inspiration from nature" offers a wealth of creative possibilities for designing cutting‐edge materials with improved properties and performance. Nature‐inspired thylakoid‐based nanoarchitectures, seamlessly integrate the inherent structures and functions of natural components with the diverse and controllable characteristics of nanotechnology. These innovative biomaterials have garnered significant attention for their potential in various biomedical applications. Thylakoids possess fundamental traits such as light harvesting, oxygen evolution, and photosynthesis. Through the integration of artificially fabricated nanostructures with distinct physical and chemical properties, novel photosynthetic nanoarchitectures can be catalytically generated, offering versatile functionalities for diverse biomedical applications. In this article, an overview of the properties and extraction methods of thylakoids are provided. Additionally, the recent advancements in the design, preparation, functions, and biomedical applications of a range of thylakoid‐based photosynthetic nanoarchitectures are reviewed. Finally, the foreseeable challenges and future prospects in this field is discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is shown that acid activation of ultralong carbon nanotubes synthesis products increases their reactivity during subsequent thermochemical treatment in air at 480 °C. Such an integrated approach of CNTs processing provides high purity and maximum yield of the target product. For example, the non-CNT fraction decreases by 3.2 times, while the residual iron content decreases by 17–24 times in comparison with thermochemical treatment without acid. Raman spectroscopy and low-temperature nitrogen adsorption showed that acid activation does not lead to extra surface defects, which could initiate further oxidation of carbon matrix in air. It is suggested that the increased reactivity of CNT synthesis products after acid activation during thermo-oxidative degradation may be due to the formation of an "adduct" of carboxyl groups on the surface of nanotube carbon matrix with hydrogen chloride. It was shown by thermogravimetric studies coupled with mass-spectra investigation of gas evolved, that under the constant heating, at the temperatures of the beginning of intensive oxidation (500–600 °C), the decomposition of the "adduct" occurs, bypassing the stage of formation of more temperature-resistant phenolic groups, which can inhibit further oxidation. Water released during the decomposition of the "adduct" can also accelerate the process of thermal oxidation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Evaluate the color and translucency of a nanoceramic resin subjected to hygiene practices and immersion in coffee over time. Materials and Methods: Specimens (n = 80, HT and LT, 0.5‐mm thick) of a nanoceramic resin were obtained and were divided in groups according to the simulated oral hygiene: no intervention (NT), brushing with an electric brush and water (BN), brushing with an electric brush and toothpaste for 10 s (BT), and immersion in mouthwash for 30 s (MW). Oral hygiene practices were repeated after staining in coffee solution for 15, 48, 336, 1440, 8640, and 35,040 min. Spectral wavelengths were recorded with a spectrophotometer at each time. ∆E00, ∆L′, ∆C′, ∆H′, and TP00 were calculated by CIEDE2000 and were evaluated by 2‐way ANOVA, repeated measures ANOVA, and Tukey's HSD test (α = 0.05). Results: ANOVA showed significance among factors for ΔE00 (p < 0.05), with higher ΔE00 for NT‐HT (11.7) and NT‐LT (11.2). After T6 (2‐year simulation), the lowest values were found for BT‐HT (5.3) and BT‐LT (4.9). All groups showed a reduction in lightness and translucency and increased chroma and hue. However, the smallest variations were found in the BT groups (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Brushing with toothpaste effectively minimized the color change of NCRs caused by coffee staining. Clinical Significance: Oral hygiene practices, such as brushing with toothpaste, might be important to minimize staining of nanoceramic resin restorations, especially in patients who frequently consume coffee. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In optomechanics, the interaction between light and matter is enhanced by engineering cavities where the electromagnetic field and the mechanical displacement are confined simultaneously within the same volume. This leads to a wide range of interesting phenomena, such as optomechanically induced transparency and the cooling of macroscopic objects to their lowest possible motion state. In this manuscript, the focus is on designed optomechanical cavities exploiting heterostructures in air‐slot photonic‐crystal waveguides, incorporating different hole shapes and dimensions to engineer and control their optomechanical properties. The aim is to maximize the optical quality factor of the optical cavity, while ensuring optical mode volumes below the diffraction limit. These optimized optical modes interact with in‐plane motional degrees of freedom of the structures achieving high optomechanical coupling rates, thus opening up the possibility of mechanical amplification, nonlinear dynamics and chaos through the optomechanical back‐action. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is an ultrasensitive spectroscopic analysis technique widely used for molecule detection. However, manufacturing uniform, stable, and ultrasensitive substrates remains a challenge for the practical application of the SERS technology. Precious metals and semiconductors have been proved to be attractive and universal for SERS detection. In this work, a facile strategy is applied to prepare uniform three‐dimensional (3D) Ag@TiO2 nanostructures as SERS sensors. The Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy results indicate that silver nanoparticles are uniformly deposited into the pores of the TiO2 nanocavity arrays. The 3D hybrid substrate presents highly sensitive SERS signals of 4‐mercaptobenzoicacid (4‐MBA) with a detection limitation as low as 10−17 M. To prevent the oxidization of Ag and keep the activity of the film, a polymer mask was deposited on the SERS substrate and brought about excellent stability after weeks of reserving in air. In a nutshell, a SERS substrate with a high sensitivity and stability as well as good uniformity has been successfully developed in this work, which has a potential application for high‐precision SERS detection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rechargeable potassium ion batteries have long been regarded as one alternative to conventional lithium ion batteries because of their resource sustainability and cost advantages. However, the compatibility between anodes and electrolytes remains to be resolved, impeding their commercial adoption. In this work, the K-ion storage properties of Bi nanoparticles encapsulated in N-doped carbon nanocomposites have been examined in two typical electrolyte solutions, which show a significant effect on potassium insertion/removal processes. In a KFSI-based electrolyte, the N-C@Bi nanocomposites exhibit a high specific capacity of 255.2 mAh g−1 at 0.5 A g−1 , which remains at 245.6 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, corresponding to a high capacity retention rate of 96.24%. In a KPF6 - based electrolyte, the N-C@Bi nanocomposites show a specific capacity of 209.0 mAh g−1 , which remains at 71.5 mAh g−1 after 50 cycles, corresponding to an inferior capacity retention rate of only 34.21%. Post-investigations reveal the formation of a KF interphase derived from salt decomposition and an intact rod-like morphology after cycling in K2 electrolytes, which are responsible for better K-ion storage properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Boron-doped diamond thin films exhibit extensive applications in chemical sensing, in which the performance could be further enhanced by nano-structuring of the surfaces. In order to discover the relationship between diamond nanostructures and properties, this paper is dedicated to deep learning target detection methods. However, great challenges, such as noise, unclear target boundaries, and mutual occlusion between targets, are inevitable during the target detection of nanostructures. To tackle these challenges, DWS-YOLOv8 (DCN + WIoU + SA + YOLOv8n) is introduced to optimize the YOLOv8n model for the detection of diamond nanostructures. A deformable convolutional C2f (DCN_C2f) module is integrated into the backbone network, as is a shuffling attention (SA) mechanism, for adaptively tuning the perceptual field of the network and reducing the effect of noise. Finally, Wise-IoU (WIoU)v3 is utilized as a bounding box regression loss to enhance the model's ability to localize diamond nanostructures. Compared to YOLOv8n, a 9.4% higher detection accuracy is achieved for the present model with reduced computational complexity. Additionally, the enhancement of precision (P), recall (R), mAP@0.5, and mAP@0.5:0.95 is demonstrated, which validates the effectiveness of the present DWS-YOLOv8 method. These methods provide effective support for the subsequent understanding and customization of the properties of surface nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two structural isomeric porphyrin-based triads (Zn(II)porphyrin−Sn(IV)porphyrin−Zn(II)porphyrin) denoted as T1 and T2 were prepared from the reaction of meso-[5-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-10,15,20-tris(3,5-di-tert-butylphenyl)porphyrinato]zinc(II) (ZnL) with trans-dihydroxo-[5,10-bis(3-pyridyl)-15,20-bis(phenyl)porphyrinato]tin(IV) (SnP1) and trans-dihydroxo-[5,15-bis(3-pyridyl)-10,20-bis(phenyl)porphyrinato]tin(IV) (SnP2), respectively. All the compounds were characterized using UV–vis spectroscopy, emission spectroscopy, ESI−MS, 1H NMR spectroscopy, and FE-SEM. Most importantly, the two structurally isomeric porphyrin-based triads supramolecularly self-assembled into completely different nanostructures. T1 exhibits a nanosphere morphology, whereas T2 exhibits a nanofiber morphology. The amplified geometric feature in the structural isomeric porphyrin-based triads dictates the physical and chemical properties of the two triads. Both compounds showed the morphology-dependent visible light catalytic photodegradation of rhodamine B dye (74–97% within 90 min) and tetracycline antibiotic (44–71% within 45 min) in water. In both cases, the photodegradation efficiency of T2 was higher than that of T1. The present investigation can significantly contribute to the remediation of wastewater by tuning the conformational changes in porphyrin-based photocatalysts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lattice‐asymmetry‐driven selective area sublimation (SAS) process of GaN is systemically investigated by exploring the in situ dynamic evolution of the decomposition pathway under ultra‐high vacuum. The rationale of the SAS is confirmed as a strong anisotropic decomposition driven by lattice‐asymmetry of wurtzite crystal: the sublimation preferably starts along the ‐c axis due to the relatively lower decomposition energy barrier. Finally, the fabrication of site‐ and size‐controlled GaN nanowires has been achieved by utilizing the SAS process, exhibiting good controllability on the sidewall of nanowires. These findings shed light on the thermodynamic mechanism of the lattice‐asymmetry‐driven sublimation process in III‐nitrides, providing an efficient alternative approach for the tailoring of semiconductor micro/nanostructures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lasers are instrumental in enabling precise processing and fostering the development of new technologies. Particularly, ultrafast lasers, due to their unique interaction with matter, can achieve not only exceptional spatial precision but also meticulously determine the degree of modification. A prime example of this is laser‐based 3D printing through multi‐photon lithography (MPL). This approach remarkably enables the printing of true 3D structures at the micro‐ and nanoscale, without the need for masks or cumbersome tools, simply by using computer‐aided designs. Owing to these unique capabilities, MPL has emerged as a powerful manufacturing technique across various multidisciplinary fields. The ongoing growth in MPL's utilization has led to notable advancements in printing highly complex structures on different substrates, as well as improvements in resolution and throughput, and the development of novel photosensitive materials, which impressively facilitated MPL's expansion into broader fields over the last few years. In this perspective article, the aim is to highlight these advancements and recent trends in MPL. The current challenges of MPL will be explored, which need to be addressed to ensure its further integration into advanced Additive Manufacturing at the micro‐ and nanoscale. The future perspectives and opportunities of MPL as a laser‐based 3D printing approach will also be discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to solve the disadvantages of using Fe2O3 nanoparticles in electrocatalytic processes, in this work, a series of Fe2O3/CuO hybrid nanostructures with different molar ratios of Fe3+ to Cu2+ ions were produced, and their structure was investigated using various methods. Then, the synthesized nanomaterials were used as electrode materials and heterogeneous catalysts for electrochemical detection of glucose in alkaline solution. The results showed that the electrode containing pure Fe2O3 shows no significant activity for glucose oxidation. Since Fe(III) oxide contains active electrocatalytic positions, this performance can be due to poor electrical conductivity. Investigations showed that when Fe2O3 and CuO nanoparticles are combined, the activity against glucose is improved by reducing the band gap and increasing the electrical conductivity. It was found that the ability of nanocomposites to recognize glucose depends on the molar ratios of Fe3+ and Cu2+ ions present in the structure, and the highest electrocatalytic performance is observed when the molar ratio of metal ions is equal. Fe2O3/CuO (0.5:0.5) nanocomposite shows the best activity for glucose oxidation in terms of high sensitivity, low detection limit, and wide linear range due to its low Tafel slope, low charge transfer resistance, high electrochemically active surface area, low band gap, and high electrical conductivity. In addition, this compound shows high stability, selectivity, and applicability for blood glucose detection with a reasonable recovery rate. In conclusion, the synergistic effects between Fe2O3 and CuO increase the number and activity of catalytic sites and rapid charge transfer on the electrode surface and promote the electrocatalytic activity towards glucose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

K Zr 2 PO 4 3 : xEu 3 + Nanophosphors with varying molar percentages (0.5, 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 mol. %) are synthesized using a urea-assisted solution combustion synthesis approach. The phosphors exhibit crystallization in a rhombohedral phase, namely in the R 3 ¯ c space group with the help of X-ray diffraction. The anionic group of (PO4)3− is responsible for all the vibrations occurring in the FTIR spectra. The photoluminescence characteristics of K Zr 2 PO 4 3 : xEu 3 + (x = 0.5 – 5 mol. %) are examined when excited at a wavelength of 392 nm, resulting in the prominent emission at 613 nm. At a concentration of 2 mol. %, the optimal concentration is observed, and the emission tone of the phosphor is centered in the reddish part of the color gamut, with a high color purity of 92%. It is observed that the synthesized phosphor has a branching ratio more than 50%, indicating a possible laser emission transition. The band gap energy of K Zr 2 PO 4 3 : Eu 3 + is found via diffuse reflectance measurements and found to be 4.19 eV. The value of metallization criteria is less than unity which dictates the non-metallic nature of the synthesized phosphors. These results indicate that this phosphor is very suitable for use in solid-state lighting applications as a red light-emitting phosphor. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the structural, electronic, and optical properties of pristine graphene and graphene doped/co-doped with (N, Si) atoms are examined using a first-principles investigation. However, pristine graphene is characterized by a unique electronic structure known as the zero band gap (Eg = 0 eV), and this gap was opened up after the addition of N and Si substitutions, where it became 0.2, 0.21, and 1.38 eV for graphene doped with nitrogen, silicon and double doped with both (N, Si), respectively. For the band gap and the density of states, many parameters have been studied such as the complex dielectric function, conductivity, absorption spectra, loss function, and refractive index. The absorption curve shows two sharp peaks for all structures, where their intensities become lower and shift slightly towards lower energy after doping graphene with N, Si, and N-Si, indicating that this doping introduces additional energy states in the graphene band structure, making the transition between states easier to achieve. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The discharge of toxic industrial effluents into freshwater has a significant impact on both humans and aquatic lives, which needs to be addressed on an urgent basis. SnO2, a wide bandgap material possesses good photocatalytic properties, which can be exploited to degrade organic pollutants. However, there is a need to develop an appropriate strategy to decrease its bandgap and minimize the recombination of charge carriers. For this purpose, we are reporting the synthesis of SnO2/SnSe composites by wet chemical process in various ratios. The as-synthesized samples were analyzed through various characterization techniques. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the successful synthesis of tetragonal rutile SnO2 and orthorhombic structure of SnSe. The average crystallite size varied between 25 and 35 nm. UV–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis) confirmed that the bandgap of SnO2 and SnSe was 3.63 eV and 1.21 eV, respectively, whereas the bandgap of composites ranged from 3.47 to 3.03 eV. The FTIR spectrum exhibited absorption peaks at 745 cm−1, 1113 cm−1, and 1381 cm−1 due to the Sn–O–Sn bond and Sn–OH bond vibrations. Whereas the absorption observed at 665 cm−1 is associated with Se–O bond vibration. Raman spectroscopy revealed the bands at 629 cm−1 and 767 cm−1 for the rutile structure of SnO2 and bands at 75 cm−1, and 152 cm−1 are characteristic of SnSe. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) illustrated the formation of irregular-shaped agglomerated nanoparticles of the prepared materials. Photodegradation of methylene blue (MB) revealed that the composite containing 78% SnO2 and 32% SnSe (denoted as SS-4) was highly an highly effective catalyst and degraded 97.1% of MB in 120 min. The reaction kinetics of the prepared photocatalysts satisfied the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The compounds of LiCoO2 (LCO) and LiCo1-xNixO2 (LCNO), with (x=0,0.25,0.5,0.75,1) were synthesized as cathode active material for lithium-ion batteries using hydrothermal technique in this study. Structure and morphology characterization were conducted for all prepared samples. The crystalline results indicate that both LCO and LCNO possess a rhombohedral structure, while the morphology results show irregular shapes. Electrochemical tests were carried out for LiCoO2 and LiCo0.25Ni0.75O2 samples only. From the electrochemical measurements, the LiCo0.25Ni0.75O2 demonstrate higher charge and discharge capacities compared to the LiCoO2 electrode, findings which are consistent with the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) results. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of both the prepared Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) and Lithium Cobalt Nickel Oxide (LCNO) samples reveal characteristic peaks at specific angles (2θ) indicating crystallographic planes. For LCO, peaks were observed at 18.96°, 37.40°, 38.35°, 39.07°, 45.29°, 49.45°, and 59.62° corresponding to crystallographic planes (003), (101), (006), (012), (104), (015), and (107) respectively. These peaks confirm the formation of a rhombohedral LiCoO2 nanostructure with space group (R-3m no. 166), consistent with standard data (JCPDS 00-016-0427). The EDX spectra of the synthesized Lithium Cobalt Oxide (LCO) and Lithium Cobalt Nickel Oxide (LCNO) were analyzed. The results showed the presence of oxygen (O), cobalt (Co), and nickel (Ni) elements. However, the peak corresponding to lithium (Li) was not visible due to its low activation energy. Finally, the synthesis and characterization of LiCoO2 (LCO) and LiCo1-xNixO2 (LCNO) compounds were conducted, with electrochemical tests indicating superior performance of LiCo0.25 Ni0.75O2 over LiCoO2. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

InGaN/GaN‐based group‐III nitride semiconductors are the most promising candidate materials for highly functional active photonic devices in the visible region. Low‐damage nanoscale high‐precision etching with vertical facets is important for realizing photonic crystal (PhC) and optically integrated devices. Herein, the etching characteristics of GaN nanoholes using the hydrogen environment anisotropic thermal etching (HEATE) method, which is based on the hydrogen‐assisted thermal decomposition of GaN, are systematically demonstrated. It is found that high‐precision and vertical nanofabrication is possible at high etching temperature (≈1000 °C) and low hydrogen pressure conditions (<18 Pa). In GaN‐based visible topological PhCs composed of fine triangular nanoholes fabricated under these conditions, the photonic bands are observed to be in good agreement with the three‐dimensional finite‐difference time‐domain simulations, indicating the effectiveness of the HEATE method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electrode materials based on organometallic skeleton materials have attracted attention in energy storage applications, because of their high conductivity and stability. A series of nickel-based metal-organic framework derived nanostructures were designed by hydrothermal method combined with post annealing treatment in the temperature. The morphological and electrochemical performances of the synthesized nickel-based MOF derived nanostructures were investigated as a function of post annealing temperature. The successful formation and purity of the synthesized nickel-based MOF derived nanostructures under controlled post annealing process. The formation of different morphologies of nickel-based MOF derived nanostructures owing to the different post annealing temperatures. Nickel-based MOF derived nanostructures prepared at post annealing temperature of 300 °C exhibits improved specific capacitance value of 3921 F/g at current density of 2 A/g. All these results provide an effective way of synthesizing MOF based electrode materials with improved performance for energy storage applications, which are valuable for our energy demands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The direct nanoimprinting of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) generated a plasmonic metallic nanostructure. The Ag NPs used in this study have been synthesized by a phase transfer method. The procedure comprised the utilisation of sodium borohydride to reduce silver nitrate in the presence of a stabilizing agent, which facilitated the transfer of the NPs from the aqueous phase to an organic phase, resulting in uniform and stable particles. The size and shape of the Ag NPs were characterized using electron microscopy, revealing spherical particles with an average diameter of 9 nm. The XRD examination revealed that the nanoparticles exhibit a high degree of crystallinity and possess a cubic geometric phase. The UV-visible absorption spectra demonstrate a significant level of homogeneity in the size. The silicon surface imprinted with Ag NPs exhibits hydrophobic behaviour towards water molecules. This approach allows for precise control of Ag NPs on the substrate, resulting in a robust and effective platform for future applications in sensor technology. Furthermore, the hydrophobic nature of the imprinted surface suggests potential applications in water-repellent coatings or self-cleaning materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we report the synthesis of bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) nanoparticles with three different surfactants: Cetyl Trimethyl Ammonium Bromide (CTAB), Poly Ethylene Glycol (PEG), and Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) and their different properties. In order to study the performance of Bi2O3 based materials as negative electrodes in supercapacitor applications, the electrochemical properties of the three samples were carried out. For the electrodes of bismuth oxide covered with CTAB, PEG, and SDS, the estimated rates of diffusion were determined to be 85.6 × 10− 12 cm2 s− 1, 24.4 × 10− 12 cm2 s− 1, and 1.2 × 10− 12 cm2 s− 1 respectively. The estimated specific capacity values for the samples BOC, BOP and BOS are 549.8 C g–1, 412.7 C g–1 and 84.1 C g–1 at 5 A g–1 respectively. When compared to PEG and SDS assisted samples, the sample that was synthesized using CTAB showed the highest specific capacity. The distinctive extended rod-like morphology of BOC can be reasoned for this drastic improvement in capacity. Furthermore, even at a greater current density of 10 Ag− 1, the CTAB assisted Bi2O3 sample showed remarkable rate performance, keeping 92% of its initial capacitance after 5000 continuous GCD cycles. This finding shows that BOC has good rate and stability properties for prospective high-power supercapacitor applications. Further, asymmetric type two electrode device was fabricated and it exhibits higher energy density of 29 WhKg− 1 with a power density of 3404 Wkg− 1. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paradoxical decision-making behaviours such as preference reversal often arise from imprecise or noisy human preferences. Harnessing the physical principle of magnetisation reversal in ferromagnetic nanostructures, we developed a model that closely reflects human decision-making dynamics. Tested against a spectrum of psychological data, our model adeptly captures the complexities inherent in individual choices. This blend of physics and psychology paves the way for fresh perspectives on understanding the imprecision of human decision-making processes, extending the reach of the current classical and quantum physical models of human behaviour and decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The design of surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensors has been greatly enhanced in recent years by the advancements in the production and integration of nanostructures, leading to more compact and efficient devices. There have been reports of novel SPR sensors having distinct nanostructures, either as signal amplification tags like gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) or as sensing substrate-like two-dimensional (2D) materials including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), MXene, black phosphorus (BP), metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and antimonene. Such 2D-based SPR biosensors offer advantages over conventional sensors due to significant increases in their sensitivity with a good figure of merit and limit of detection (LOD). Due to their atomically thin structure, improved sensitivity, and sophisticated functionalization capabilities, 2D materials can open up new possibilities in the field of healthcare, particularly in point-of-care diagnostics, environmental and food monitoring, homeland security protection, clinical diagnosis and treatment, and flexible or transient bioelectronics. The present study articulates an in-depth analysis of the most recent developments in 2D material–based SPR sensor technology. Moreover, in-depth research of 2D materials, their integration with optoelectronic technology for a new sensing platform, and the predicted and experimental outcomes of various excitation approaches are highlighted, along with the principles of SPR biosensors. Furthermore, the review projects the potential prospects and future trends of these emerging materials-based SPR biosensors to advance in clinical diagnosis, healthcare biochemical, and biological applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Lead zirconate titanate (PZT) has attracted great attention due to the recognition of its impact on extensive applications in high-resolution force sensing. However, its brittleness and the preparation challenges of ultrahigh aspect ratio nanostructures have hindered their practical application. Here, we present a nanoscale electrohydrodynamic jet 3D printing method capable of tailoring ultrahigh aspect ratio hierarchical PZT nanostructures with controllability, fast, and inexpensive. Thermally in situ curing and vertical shear stress of high viscous jet avoid introducing defects in the post-treatment sintering process and minimize internal defects providing a relatively smooth surface. The printed ultrahigh aspect ratio PZT structure exhibits Young's modulus of 99.4 GPa, which was smaller than the block PZT, greatly improving its flexibility. The experimental results show that it can detect forces in the nano-Newton scale. This finding provides a generally applicable strategy for preparing high-performance ultrahigh aspect ratio nanoscale piezoelectric materials for MEMS devices. • A novel E-Jet 3D nanoprinting method was proposed. • Various ultrahigh aspect ratio hierarchical PZT nanostructures were fabricated. • The printed ultrahigh aspect ratio PZT structure showed ultralarge elastic deformation. The printed force sensor could detect nanoscale Newton loading. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present work reports the fabrication of porous composite ZnO/noble metal (Ag, Au) nanostructures using ps-pulsed laser deposition at atmospheric pressure. The PLD grown samples are ns-laser annealed, which led to a surface modification and formation of nanoparticles and NP's aggregates. The effect of laser annealing procedure on the morphology, structure and optical properties of composite nanostructures is studied. The experimental results indicate that the laser annealing changes the plasmon resonance absorption mostly in the silver-doped samples. The laser modification plays a key role in tuning the PL performance for all samples by different mechanisms. Along with the increase in UV emission, there is a corresponding decrease in the broadband defect emission with the laser modification of composite nanostructures. The plasmon resonance absorption contributes to the enhancement of photoluminescence band-edge UV emission of the silver doped samples, while the PL performance of nanostructured ZnO/Au samples is attributed to the surface-plasmon-mediated sequential transfer of defect energy from ZnO to Au and electron transfer from excited Au to ZnO. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silicon and Germanium oxide (SiOx and GeOx) nanostructures are promising materials for energy storage applications due to their potentially high energy density, large lithiation capacity (~10X carbon), low toxicity, low cost, and high thermal stability. This work reports a unique approach to achieving controlled synthesis of SiOx and GeOx nanostructures via photonic curing. Unlike conventional methods like rapid thermal annealing, quenching during pulsed photonic curing occurs rapidly (sub‐millisecond), allowing the trapping of metastable states to form unique phases and nanostructures. We explored the possible underlying mechanism of photonic curing by incorporating laws of photophysics, photochemistry, and simulated temperature profile of thin film. The results show that photonic curing of spray coated 0.1 M molarity Si and Ge Acetyl Acetate precursor solution, at total fluence 80 J cm−2 can yield GeOx and SiOx nanostructures. The as‐synthesized nanostructures are ester functionalized due to photoinitiated chemical reactions in thin film during photonic curing. Results also showed that nanoparticle size changes from ~48 nm to ~11 nm if overall fluence is increased by increasing the number of pulses. These results are an important contribution towards large‐scale synthesis of the Ge and Si oxide nanostructured materials which is necessary for next‐generation energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, temozolomide (TMZ), a drug used in the treatment of anaplastic astrocytoma and glioblastoma multiforme, was incorporated in multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and hybrid carbon nanotubes with graphene (MWCNTs-G) functionalized by polyethylene glycol (PEG). The aim was to evaluate the potential of these nanocarriers for targeted delivery and sustained release of TMZ in brain tumor cells. Oxidized MWCNTs and MWCNTs-G were noncovalently functionalized with PEGs of different molecular weights and subsequently loaded with TMZ following standard procedures. Thorough physicochemical and biopharmaceutical characterization of the TMZ-loaded carbon nanocarriers pointed to high encapsulation efficacy (up to 67%) and drug loading (up to 18% out of 25% theoretical value) and homogeneous particle size distribution, with zaverage (160 to 300 nm) and zeta potential (-31 to -21 mV) of the particles adequate for crossing the blood-brain-tumor-barrier (BBTB) and entering into the tumor cells. Successful functionalization and TMZ loading were confirmed by SEM and TEM images, UV-Vis absorption, infrared and Raman spectroscopy, and TGA analyses. Sustained release of TMZ from the carbon nanocarriers was observed in vitro. The presented findings form a fundamental platform for further investigation of these formulations against different types of glioma cells and in adequate animal models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Understanding the pivotal role of surface co‐catalysts is paramount in the strategic design of forthcoming photoelectrodes. However, the nuanced impacts of co‐catalysts remain elusive, particularly in promoting the water oxidation reaction on hematite, especially in connection to surface states denoted as S1 (higher energy) and S2 (lower energy). For this purpose, we tailored two isomorphous hematite nanoarrays with a thin layer of amorphous copper oxide (CuOx), composed of a blend of Cu(I) and Cu(II) species, via a soft electrodeposition technique. Remarkably, we discovered that in pristine hematite (α‐Fe2O3), the S2 state played a pivotal role in activating the CuOx ad‐layer for water oxidation. At lower external biases (approximately 0.9–1.1 VRHE), CuOx served as charge reservoir in equilibrium with the S2 state. Notably, beyond 1.1 VRHE, where the high‐energy holes of the S1 state became available, CuOx was activated indirectly through the equilibrium with the S2 state, and a pronounced enhancement in photocurrent was observed. Conversely, in the case of Ti‐doped hematite (Ti : α‐Fe2O3) devoid of the S2 state, the presence of CuOx resulted in a decline in charge transfer efficiency. Instead of facilitating water oxidation, CuOx adversely affected the S1 surface sites and reduced the charge carrier density in Ti : α‐Fe2O3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Organic-inorganic hybrids are next-generation materials for use in high-performance optoelectronic devices owing to their adaptabilities in terms of design and properties. This article reviews the application of hybrid materials and layers in several widely used optoelectronic devices, i.e., light amplification by stimulated emission of radiation (LASER), solar cells, and light-emitting diodes (LEDs). The effects of the incorporation of inorganic particles on photostability and optical gain are analyzed in the first section with reference to dye and perovskite lasers. Second, the strategies used in blending inorganic nanostructures into organic solar cells and bulk heterojunctions are analyzed. The use of various organic layers as electron- and hole-transport materials in Si heterojunction solar cells is reviewed in detail. Finally, the benefits of the presence of organic components in quantum-dot- and perovskite-based LEDs are derived from the analysis. The integration of organic and inorganic components with optimal interfaces and morphologies is a challenge in developing hybrid materials with improved efficiencies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Enriching the library of chiral plasmonic structures is of significant importance in advancing their applicability across diverse domains such as biosensing, nanophotonics, and catalysis. Here, employing triangle nanoplates as growth seeds, we synthesized a novel class of chiral-shaped plasmonic nanostructures through a wet chemical strategy with dipeptide as chiral inducers, including chiral tri-blade boomerangs, concave rhombic dodecahedrons, and nanoflowers. The structural diversity in chiral plasmonic nanostructures was elucidated through their continuous morphological evolution from two-dimensional to three-dimensional architectures. The fine-tuning of chiroptical properties was achieved by precisely manipulating crucial synthetic parameters such as the amount of chiral molecules, seeds, and gold precursor that significantly influenced chiral structure formation. The findings provide a promising avenue for enriching chiral materials with highly sophisticated structures, facilitating a fundamental understanding of the relationship between structural nuances and chiroptical properties. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nanostructures with steep side wall angles (swa) play a pivotal role in various technological applications. Accurate characterization of these nanostructures is crucial for optimizing their performance. In this study, we propose a far-field detection method based on coherent Fourier scatterometry (CFS) for accurate quantification of steep swa and heights in cliff-like nanostructures. Our approach introduces a parameter termed 'visibility', derived from the unique far-field signatures of cliff-like nanostructures. This parameter serves as a quantitative metric for the calibration of swa and heights. The heightened sensitivity of our method is demonstrated, particularly when the incident polarization is perpendicular to the invariant direction of the nanostructure for swa calibration, while both polarization states exhibit sensitivity to height calibration. Furthermore, a comprehensive sensitivity analysis reveals the stable nature of our method, showcasing that even with fluctuations of ±10 nm in the position of the nanostructure, the resulting swa remains stable within a range of ± 0.5 ∘ . The exponential variation of the visibility parameter with edge roundness is observed, with fluctuations in edge roundness within 10 nm resulting in swa variations within 1.7∘ for both polarization states. In experimental validations, our results demonstrate reasonable agreement between CFS-derived and AFM measurements. The AFM data for swa ( 77.99 ∘ ± 1.37 ∘ ) and height (148.35 nm ±2.11 nm) are corroborated with CFS-derived value of swa ( 77.75 ∘ ± 3.61 ∘ , 78.36 ∘ ± 3.89 ∘ ) and height (149.42 nm ±1.66 nm, 150.05 nm ±1.04 nm) obtained from calibration curves for TM and TE incident beams, respectively. Overall, our findings underscore CFS as a potential and reliable tool for nanostructure characterization, offering precise measurements that are pivotal for advancing nanotechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]