Themed collection Rising Stars and Young Nanoarchitects in Materials Science

45 items
Highlight

Bio-inspired ultrasound assisted construction of synthetic sponges

We present a prospective bio-inspired approach to fabricate synthetic sponges with the amazing mechanical, optical, electrical and sorption properties via intensive ultrasonication.

Graphical abstract: Bio-inspired ultrasound assisted construction of synthetic sponges
Highlight

Emerging trends in metal-containing block copolymers: synthesis, self-assembly, and nanomanufacturing applications

Here we highlight recent developments in metal-containing block copolymers in terms of their sequential infiltration synthesis, their hierarchical self-assembly and their applications as an etch mask for high-throughput, high-aspect-ratio nano and meso scale patterning.

Graphical abstract: Emerging trends in metal-containing block copolymers: synthesis, self-assembly, and nanomanufacturing applications
Highlight

Cyanostilbene-based intelligent organic optoelectronic materials

This review summarizes significant research progress on cyanostilbene-based intelligent organic optoelectronic materials for different application purposes.

Graphical abstract: Cyanostilbene-based intelligent organic optoelectronic materials
Perspective

Self-assembly of semiconductor/insulator interfaces in one-step spin-coating: a versatile approach for organic field-effect transistors

We discuss the self-assembly of the semiconductor/insulator interface formed by spin-coating and its abundant applications in organic field-effect transistors.

Graphical abstract: Self-assembly of semiconductor/insulator interfaces in one-step spin-coating: a versatile approach for organic field-effect transistors
Perspective

Towards solution processed all-carbon solar cells: a perspective

Graphene oxide (GO) is used as a surfactant to disperse single walled carbon nanotubes and fullerenes in water, leading to photovoltaic all-carbon composites.

Graphical abstract: Towards solution processed all-carbon solar cells: a perspective
Application

Aminoclay: a functional layered material with multifaceted applications

This review highlights the applications of aminoclay and its hybrids in the areas of catalysis, biology, fuel cells and light-harvesting.

Graphical abstract: Aminoclay: a functional layered material with multifaceted applications
Feature Article

Photoluminescence studies on exciton photophysics in carbon nanotubes

This Feature Article presents an overview of exciton photophysics in single-walled carbon nanotubes studied by continuous-wave and time-resolved optical spectroscopy.

Graphical abstract: Photoluminescence studies on exciton photophysics in carbon nanotubes
Feature Article

Small organic single-crystalline one-dimensional micro- and nanostructures for miniaturized devices

1D π-conjugated organic micro- or nanostructures keep all the advantages found in organic single crystals. They also present low-cost processing, solution processable materials, and large-area fabrication, and are compatible with flexible substrates. Current challenges are to find an accurate control of the morphology, size, degree of uniformity, and alignment on the micro- and nanometer-sized organic single crystals, for future applications in miniaturized devices.

Graphical abstract: Small organic single-crystalline one-dimensional micro- and nanostructures for miniaturized devices
Feature Article

Halloysite clay nanotubes as a ceramic “skeleton” for functional biopolymer composites with sustained drug release

Halloysite nanotubes are described as multifunctional additives for biopolymer composites allowing drug delivery coupled with enhanced strength and bioactivity.

Graphical abstract: Halloysite clay nanotubes as a ceramic “skeleton” for functional biopolymer composites with sustained drug release
Open Access Feature Article

Functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibrils and inorganic nanomaterials

This feature article reviews some of the recent work on the fabrication of functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibers and inorganic nanomaterials with an emphasis on their functional properties and suggested potential applications.

Graphical abstract: Functional hybrids based on biogenic nanofibrils and inorganic nanomaterials
Feature Article

Nanoporous microspheres: from controllable synthesis to healthcare applications

The recent progress of nanoporous microspheres in synthetic approaches and healthcare applications is reviewed based on their typical structural features.

Graphical abstract: Nanoporous microspheres: from controllable synthesis to healthcare applications
Feature Article

Aerosol-assisted synthesis and assembly of nanoscale building blocks

Highlights recent advances in the aerosol synthesis of inorganic nanomaterials made possible through the integration of new chemical methods.

Graphical abstract: Aerosol-assisted synthesis and assembly of nanoscale building blocks
Communication

Tuning the aqueous self-assembly of multistimuli-responsive polyanionic peptide nanorods

We report the pH and ionic strength triggered self-assembly of polyanionic dendritic peptide amphiphiles into well-defined nanorods in water; by establishing state diagrams we show how frustrated growth is used as a sensitive tool in order to manipulate and control the one-dimensional supramolecular polymerisation processes.

Graphical abstract: Tuning the aqueous self-assembly of multistimuli-responsive polyanionic peptide nanorods
Communication

Tuning the enzymatic hydrolysis of biodegradable polyesters and its application to surface patterning

Biodegradable polyester surfaces with controlled enzymatic degradability could be prepared by simple UV–ozone and UV treatments. Enzymatic lithography composed of the surface modification and enzymatic degradation processes provided various patterned polyester surfaces.

Graphical abstract: Tuning the enzymatic hydrolysis of biodegradable polyesters and its application to surface patterning
Open Access Communication

Atomic layer deposition of platinum clusters on titania nanoparticles at atmospheric pressure

Using ALD, platinum nanoclusters with a narrow size distribution are deposited on gas-suspended titania nanoparticles at atmospheric pressure.

Graphical abstract: Atomic layer deposition of platinum clusters on titania nanoparticles at atmospheric pressure
Communication

A route to synthesize multifunctional tri-phasic nanofibers

This paper describes a novel process for producing tri-layer ceramic composite fibers, and presents a proof of concept in the form of a multilayer multiferroic nanofiber consisting of alternating ferroelectric and ferromagnetic phases.

Graphical abstract: A route to synthesize multifunctional tri-phasic nanofibers
Communication

Gigantic plasmon resonance effects on magneto-optical activity of molecularly thin ferromagnets near gold surfaces

A gigantic surface plasmon effect on the magneto-optical activity was observed in new magneto-plasmonic nanoarchitectures consisting of 1 nm thick ferromagnetic nanosheets and Au nanoparticles.

Graphical abstract: Gigantic plasmon resonance effects on magneto-optical activity of molecularly thin ferromagnets near gold surfaces
Communication

Spontaneous wrinkling in azlactone-based functional polymer thin films in 2D and 3D geometries for guided nanopatterning

A facile method for patterning of nanomaterials in complex geometries is unveiled in this paper by means of wrinkle formation in reactive, azlactone-based polymer thin films.

Graphical abstract: Spontaneous wrinkling in azlactone-based functional polymer thin films in 2D and 3D geometries for guided nanopatterning
Open Access Communication

Gastric-floating microcapsules provide controlled and sustained release of multiple cardiovascular drugs

Multidrug-loaded gastric-floating polymeric microcapsules were prepared using a modified emulsion technique for controlled release of both hydrophobic and hydrophilic drugs.

Graphical abstract: Gastric-floating microcapsules provide controlled and sustained release of multiple cardiovascular drugs
Communication

Thermoswitchable emission and coloration of a composite material containing a europium(III) complex and a fluoran dye

A multifunctional composite film that exhibited thermoresponsive absorption and emission was fabricated by using a thermochromic fluoran dye, its developer, and a luminescent europium(III) complex.

Graphical abstract: Thermoswitchable emission and coloration of a composite material containing a europium(iii) complex and a fluoran dye
Communication

Localization of polymer-grafted maghemite nanoparticles in a hemisphere of Janus polymer particles prepared by a self-organized precipitation (SORP) method

Poly(styrene)-grafted maghemite NPs were synthesized and utilized for magnetic Janus polymer particles prepared by a SORP method.

Graphical abstract: Localization of polymer-grafted maghemite nanoparticles in a hemisphere of Janus polymer particles prepared by a self-organized precipitation (SORP) method
Communication

CdSe Nanocrystal/C60-liquid composite material with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance

A nonvolatile, solvent-free liquid-C60 can accommodate CdSe nanocrystals to create a composite nanomaterial with emergent photoelectrochemical performance.

Graphical abstract: CdSe Nanocrystal/C60-liquid composite material with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance
Communication

Polymer–gold nanohybrids with potential use in bimodal MRI/CT: enhancing the relaxometric properties of Gd(III) complexes

Using a simple synthesis strategy, Gd(III)-decorated gold nanoparticles were prepared featuring relaxivities 6-fold higher than the Gd(III)–DOTA contrast agent.

Graphical abstract: Polymer–gold nanohybrids with potential use in bimodal MRI/CT: enhancing the relaxometric properties of Gd(iii) complexes
Paper

Conformationally switchable TTFV–phenylacetylene polymers: synthesis, properties, and supramolecular interactions with single-walled carbon nanotubes

A series of π-conjugated polymers made up of tetrathiafulvalene vinylogue and phenylacetylene repeat units was synthesized and investigated as supramolecular hosts for non-covalent functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes.

Graphical abstract: Conformationally switchable TTFV–phenylacetylene polymers: synthesis, properties, and supramolecular interactions with single-walled carbon nanotubes
Paper

Silicaalumina/sepiolite nanoarchitectures

Silica–alumina/sepiolite nanoarchitectures are prepared by sol–gel and heterocoagulation processes from Al and Si alkoxide precursors and an organo-sepiolite, resulting in the irreversible assembly of silica–alumina nanoparticles on sepiolite fibers providing them with surface acidic properties.

Graphical abstract: Silica–alumina/sepiolite nanoarchitectures
Paper

Hierarchically structured bioactive foams based on polyvinyl alcohol–sepiolite nanocomposites

Bioactive foams prepared through bottom-up processes following the nanoarchitectonics concept are comprised of PVA and urease-loaded lipid–sepiolite hybrids and show high structural integrity and tailored meso- and macroporosity.

Graphical abstract: Hierarchically structured bioactive foams based on polyvinyl alcohol–sepiolite nanocomposites
Paper

DNA-responsive disassembly of AuNP aggregates: influence of nonbase-paired regions and colorimetric DNA detection by exonuclease III aided amplification

Using additional gaps the DNA displacement reaction of AuNPs was speeded up nearly 30 times compared with those by conventional methods.

Graphical abstract: DNA-responsive disassembly of AuNP aggregates: influence of nonbase-paired regions and colorimetric DNA detection by exonuclease III aided amplification
Paper

Photoinduced electron transfer of platinum(II) bipyridine diacetylides linked by triphenylamine- and naphthaleneimide-derivatives and their application to photoelectric conversion systems

The efficient charge-separated systems (D–Pt–A) were applied to photoelectric conversion devices.

Graphical abstract: Photoinduced electron transfer of platinum(ii) bipyridine diacetylides linked by triphenylamine- and naphthaleneimide-derivatives and their application to photoelectric conversion systems
Paper

Gold nanoparticle-linked analysis of carbohydrate–protein interactions, and polymeric inhibitors, using unlabelled proteins; easy measurements using a ‘simple’ digital camera

Gold nanoparticles are used as resolving agents to enable the measurement of the multivalent inhibition of lectin binding, without the need for labelled proteins, and the measurements are made simply using a digital camera.

Graphical abstract: Gold nanoparticle-linked analysis of carbohydrate–protein interactions, and polymeric inhibitors, using unlabelled proteins; easy measurements using a ‘simple’ digital camera
Paper

Matrix metalloproteinase-triggered denuding of engineered gold nanoparticles for selective cell uptake

Selective cleavage of a PEG coating from nanoparticles leads to dramatically increased cell uptake.

Graphical abstract: Matrix metalloproteinase-triggered denuding of engineered gold nanoparticles for selective cell uptake
Open Access Paper

The role of the hydrogen bond in dense nanoparticle–gas suspensions

Hydrogen bridges between dry hydrophilic nanoparticles strongly increase the interparticle attraction and size of the agglomerates formed in gas–solid suspensions.

Graphical abstract: The role of the hydrogen bond in dense nanoparticle–gas suspensions
Paper

β-Cyclodextrin-crosslinked alginate gel for patient-controlled drug delivery systems: regulation of host–guest interactions with mechanical stimuli

Macroscopic mechanical force has attracted much attention as an existing yet novel energy source for modification of molecular interactions and molecular reactivity.

Graphical abstract: β-Cyclodextrin-crosslinked alginate gel for patient-controlled drug delivery systems: regulation of host–guest interactions with mechanical stimuli
Paper

Mechanisms of long-distance extracellular electron transfer of metal-reducing bacteria mediated by nanocolloidal semiconductive iron oxides

Semiconductive iron oxide minerals promote bacterial long distance extracellular electron transfer.

Graphical abstract: Mechanisms of long-distance extracellular electron transfer of metal-reducing bacteria mediated by nanocolloidal semiconductive iron oxides
Paper

A persulfurated benzene molecule exhibits outstanding phosphorescence in rigid environments: from computational study to organic nanocrystals and OLED applications

The hexathio-benzene core molecule (right) shows outstanding phosphorescence as a powder (left) and has been used for luminescent organic nanocrystals and OLED.

Graphical abstract: A persulfurated benzene molecule exhibits outstanding phosphorescence in rigid environments: from computational study to organic nanocrystals and OLED applications
Paper

The importance of the amide configuration in the gelation process and topochemical polymerization of phenylacetylene macrocycles

The role of the amide configuration in the gelation process and topochemical polymerization of phenylacetylene macrocycles was investigated.

Graphical abstract: The importance of the amide configuration in the gelation process and topochemical polymerization of phenylacetylene macrocycles
Open Access Paper

Theoretical design of highly active SrTiO3-based photocatalysts by a codoping scheme towards solar energy utilization for hydrogen production

SrTiO3 is a promising photocatalyst for the production of hydrogen from water splitting under solar light.

Graphical abstract: Theoretical design of highly active SrTiO3-based photocatalysts by a codoping scheme towards solar energy utilization for hydrogen production
Paper

Directed phase separation of PFO:PS blends during spin-coating using feedback controlled in situ stroboscopic fluorescence microscopy

Direct observation and control over morphological development through the use of feedback in situ stroboscopic fluorescence microscopy.

Graphical abstract: Directed phase separation of PFO:PS blends during spin-coating using feedback controlled in situ stroboscopic fluorescence microscopy
Paper

Alcohol-induced decomposition of Olmstead's crystalline Ag(I)–fullerene heteronanostructure yields ‘bucky cubes’

Crystals of a fullerene/silver nitrate complex undergo a novel process leading to highly structured cube-shaped fullerene nanostructures.

Graphical abstract: Alcohol-induced decomposition of Olmstead's crystalline Ag(i)–fullerene heteronanostructure yields ‘bucky cubes’
Paper

Reduction of graphene oxide with substituted borohydrides

The reduction of graphene oxide was examined by three different substituted borohydrides of varying reducing power. The structural and electrochemical properties of the reduced graphene oxides were described.

Graphical abstract: Reduction of graphene oxide with substituted borohydrides
Paper

Superior separation performance of ultrathin gelatin films

Ultrathin gelatin films with superior separation performance were assembled by a filtration technique on a nanofibrous scaffold.

Graphical abstract: Superior separation performance of ultrathin gelatin films
Paper

Thiol-containing polymeric embedding materials for nanoskiving

This paper describes the characterization of new embedding resins for nanoskiving (ultramicrotomy) that contain thiols.

Graphical abstract: Thiol-containing polymeric embedding materials for nanoskiving
Paper

Thermodynamic and electronic properties of tunable II–VI and IV–VI semiconductor based metal–organic frameworks from computational chemistry

From a systematic investigation 32 metal–organic frameworks, we predict 6 novel hybrid materials with semiconducting properties.

Graphical abstract: Thermodynamic and electronic properties of tunable II–VI and IV–VI semiconductor based metal–organic frameworks from computational chemistry
Paper

Three dimensional nickel–graphene core–shell electrodes

The annealing of nickel-coated porous carbon structures results in a new three dimensional nanostructured graphene encapsulated nickel core–shell electrode.

Graphical abstract: Three dimensional nickel–graphene core–shell electrodes
Paper

Renewal of sp2 bonds in graphene oxides via dehydrobromination

Restoration of the defective sp2 carbon network of graphene oxide via a dehydrohalogenation method is achieved.

Graphical abstract: Renewal of sp2 bonds in graphene oxides via dehydrobromination
Paper

Formation of linear and hyperbranched porphyrin polymers on carbon nanotubes via a CuAAC “grafting from” approach

Carbon nanotube porphyrin polymers have been synthesised via the click chemistry “grafting from” approach.

Graphical abstract: Formation of linear and hyperbranched porphyrin polymers on carbon nanotubes via a CuAAC “grafting from” approach
45 items

About this collection

This web collection highlights the activities of rising star scientists with artist-like imagination and carpenter-like technical skills in construction of nanoarchitecture. Targets are wide ranging from inorganic nanostructures to bio-related architectures and from basic mechanistic investigations to practical applications. However, all contributions have the same characteristics: as pioneers and frontiers for the next generation of nanomaterials chemistry.

The Guest Editors of the web collection are Katsuhiko Ariga (MANA National Institute for Materials Science, Tsukuba, Japan) and Martin Pumera (Nanyang Technological University, Singapore).

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