Themed collection Celebrating 25 years of the Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials at Henan University

45 items
Editorial

Celebrating 25 years of the Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials at Henan University

Feng Bai, Gang Cheng, Zuliang Du and Guohua Jia introduce this themed collection celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials at Henan University.

Graphical abstract: Celebrating 25 years of the Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials at Henan University
Minireview

Nanoparticles with transformable physicochemical properties for overcoming biological barriers

The properties of nanoparticles, such as size, shape, surface properties, etc., can strongly affect their delivery efficacy. Here, the design and synthesis of nanoparticles with well-designed transformable physicochemical properties are reviewed.

Graphical abstract: Nanoparticles with transformable physicochemical properties for overcoming biological barriers
Minireview

Fascinating isomeric covalent organic frameworks

The design principles and structure–property relationship of isomeric covalent organic frameworks are summarized and recommended to accelerate their further development.

Graphical abstract: Fascinating isomeric covalent organic frameworks
Minireview

Transformation mechanism of high-valence metal sites for the optimization of Co- and Ni-based OER catalysts in an alkaline environment: recent progress and perspectives

The transformation mechanism and role of high-valence metal sites in OERs are summarized and emphasized. The design of OER catalysts based on the efficient transformation of high-valence sites is an effective way to achieve high-efficiency OERs.

Graphical abstract: Transformation mechanism of high-valence metal sites for the optimization of Co- and Ni-based OER catalysts in an alkaline environment: recent progress and perspectives
Review Article

Multicolored inorganic electrochromic materials: status, challenge, and prospects

Three strategies for achieving multicolor based on inorganic electrochromic materials: intrinsic color, structural color, and stacked color.

Graphical abstract: Multicolored inorganic electrochromic materials: status, challenge, and prospects
Review Article

Recent advances of structural/interfacial engineering for Na metal anode protection in liquid/solid-state electrolytes

Failure mechanisms of Na anodes are highlighted in this review, along with the novel strategies offered by the structural/interfacial engineering for regulating Na electroplating/stripping behavior.

Graphical abstract: Recent advances of structural/interfacial engineering for Na metal anode protection in liquid/solid-state electrolytes
Review Article

Triboelectric nanogenerators as self-powered sensors for biometric authentication

As self-powered sensors, triboelectric nanogenerators can be used to monitor different kinds of biometric characteristics, including sliding behavior, handwriting behavior, keystroke dynamics, gait characteristics, and voice characteristics.

Graphical abstract: Triboelectric nanogenerators as self-powered sensors for biometric authentication
Review Article

Carbon-based single-atom catalysts: impacts of atomic coordination on the oxygen reduction reaction

This review summarizes recent progress in carbon-based single-atom catalysts toward the ORR in the regulation of the central metal atoms, coordination atoms, defects and neighboring metal monomers.

Graphical abstract: Carbon-based single-atom catalysts: impacts of atomic coordination on the oxygen reduction reaction
Review Article

Advances in functional organic material-based interfacial engineering on metal anodes for rechargeable secondary batteries

Functional organic materials with structural designability and sustainability offer an attractive solution to promote the interfacial engineering on metal anodes, including SEI modification, 3D skeleton construction, and gel/solid-state electrolytes.

Graphical abstract: Advances in functional organic material-based interfacial engineering on metal anodes for rechargeable secondary batteries
Review Article

Polyoxometalate-based frameworks for photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis

This review distinguished POM-based frameworks into three types PMOFs, PCOFs, and PSFs and summarized the application of recently developed POM-based frameworks in photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis.

Graphical abstract: Polyoxometalate-based frameworks for photocatalysis and photothermal catalysis
Review Article

Progress and prospectives of solution-processed kesterite absorbers for photovoltaic applications

Solution-processed kesterite absorbers using different solvents are summarized, and the critical insights toward high-efficiency CZTSSe solar cells are presented.

Graphical abstract: Progress and prospectives of solution-processed kesterite absorbers for photovoltaic applications
Review Article

Wet-chemistry synthesis of two-dimensional Pt- and Pd-based intermetallic electrocatalysts for fuel cells

Wet-chemistry synthesis of two-dimensional Pt- and Pd-based intermetallic electrocatalysts for a wide range of applications in fuel cells.

Graphical abstract: Wet-chemistry synthesis of two-dimensional Pt- and Pd-based intermetallic electrocatalysts for fuel cells
Review Article

Metal functionalization of two-dimensional nanomaterials for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction

Electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction offers a promising strategy to achieve carbon neutrality. Here we review the latest important advances of metal-functionalized 2D nanomaterials for electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction reaction (CO2RR).

Graphical abstract: Metal functionalization of two-dimensional nanomaterials for electrochemical carbon dioxide reduction
Review Article

Improving the performance of quantum dot light-emitting diodes by tailoring QD emitters

As the emitters of quantum dot light-emitting diodes, quantum dots, which are responsible for the charge injection, charge transportation, and especially exciton recombination, play a significant role in quantum dot light-emitting diodes.

Graphical abstract: Improving the performance of quantum dot light-emitting diodes by tailoring QD emitters
Communication

Ammonia-assisted synthesis of low-crystalline FeCo hydroxides for efficient electrochemical overall water splitting

Low-crystalline FeCo catalysts can be used for efficient hydrogen production via water electrolysis, with extremely low synthesis cost and a simple synthesis method.

Graphical abstract: Ammonia-assisted synthesis of low-crystalline FeCo hydroxides for efficient electrochemical overall water splitting
Communication

Selection of an aggregation-caused quenching-based fluorescent tracer for imaging studies in nano drug delivery systems

In order to develop and optimize nano drug delivery systems (NDDSs), it is crucial to understand their in vivo fate.

Graphical abstract: Selection of an aggregation-caused quenching-based fluorescent tracer for imaging studies in nano drug delivery systems
Communication

Piezoelectricity-modulated optical recombination dynamics of monolayer-MoS2/GaN-film heterostructures

Using vertically stacked monolayer-MoS2/GaN-film heterostructures as a model system, we examine the piezoelectricity-modulated carrier recombination dynamics.

Graphical abstract: Piezoelectricity-modulated optical recombination dynamics of monolayer-MoS2/GaN-film heterostructures
Paper

In situ assembly of one-dimensional Pt@ZnO nanofibers driven by a ZIF-8 framework for achieving a high-performance acetone sensor

To obtain a high-performance gas sensor, it is essential to ingeniously design sensing materials containing the features of high catalytic performance, abundant oxygen vacancies, and splendid grain dispersibility through a simple method.

Graphical abstract: In situ assembly of one-dimensional Pt@ZnO nanofibers driven by a ZIF-8 framework for achieving a high-performance acetone sensor
Paper

Tuneable effects of pyrrolic N and pyridinic N on the enhanced field emission properties of nitrogen-doped graphene

Providing insight into the specific tuneable effect of different N doping configurations and N doping ratio on the field emission properties of graphene.

Graphical abstract: Tuneable effects of pyrrolic N and pyridinic N on the enhanced field emission properties of nitrogen-doped graphene
Paper

High-efficiency all fluorescence white OLEDs with high color rendering index by manipulating excitons in co-host recombination layers

A universal design strategy based on a co-host system and a cascaded exciton transfer configuration is proposed to realize highly efficient all fluorescence white organic light-emitting diodes with high color rendering index.

Graphical abstract: High-efficiency all fluorescence white OLEDs with high color rendering index by manipulating excitons in co-host recombination layers
Paper

Building in biologically appropriate multifunctionality in aqueous copper indium selenide-based quantum dots

Mn-doped Zn–Cu–In–Se@ZnS quantum dots with intrinsic NIR emission, paramagnetism, and photo/chemodynamic activity have been successfully achieved through a straightforward aqueous phase approach.

Graphical abstract: Building in biologically appropriate multifunctionality in aqueous copper indium selenide-based quantum dots
Paper

A bimetallic metal–organic framework derived MnS/CoS@C heterostructure with enhanced sodium-ion storage

Due to the synergistic effect of heterojunction design and carbon framework encapsulation, the as-prepared MnS/CoS@C heterostructure anode can deliver superior specific capacity and rate capability for sodium-ion storage.

Graphical abstract: A bimetallic metal–organic framework derived MnS/CoS@C heterostructure with enhanced sodium-ion storage
Open Access Paper

In situ infrared CO detection using silver loaded EMT zeolite films

Ag-EMT nanozeolites-based in situ CO detection by oxidation of CO to CO2.

Graphical abstract: In situ infrared CO detection using silver loaded EMT zeolite films
Paper

LiCoO2 cathode surface modification with optimally structured Li3PO4 for outstanding high-voltage cycling performance

A coprecipitation method is used to form a crystalline Li3PO4 coating onto a LiCoO2 surface that enables balancing of the ionic conductivity and chemical stability, thus enhancing the electrochemical performance in lithium-ion batteries.

Graphical abstract: LiCoO2 cathode surface modification with optimally structured Li3PO4 for outstanding high-voltage cycling performance
Paper

Uniform nucleation and growth of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals with high luminous efficiency and structural stability and their application in white light-emitting diodes

Copper-based ternary halide composites have attracted great attention due to their superior chemical stability and optical properties.

Graphical abstract: Uniform nucleation and growth of Cs3Cu2I5 nanocrystals with high luminous efficiency and structural stability and their application in white light-emitting diodes
Paper

Multi-heteroatom-doping promotes molecular oxygen activation on polymeric carbon nitride for simultaneous generation of H2O2 and degradation of oxcarbazepine

We develop a simple thermal shrinkage strategy to construct multi-heteroatom-doped polymeric carbon nitride (K, P, O-CNx), which not only improves the charge separation efficiency, but also improves the adsorption/activation capacity of O2.

Graphical abstract: Multi-heteroatom-doping promotes molecular oxygen activation on polymeric carbon nitride for simultaneous generation of H2O2 and degradation of oxcarbazepine
Paper

Defect passivation and electron band energy regulation of a ZnO electron transport layer through synergetic bifunctional surface engineering for efficient quantum dot light-emitting diodes

Bifunctional engineering leads to passivation of surface defects in ZnO NPs as well as elevation of the conduction band level of ZnO to promote charge balance. State-of-the-art blue QLEDs with an EQE of 16.31% and a T50@100 cd m−2 of 1685 h are achieved.

Graphical abstract: Defect passivation and electron band energy regulation of a ZnO electron transport layer through synergetic bifunctional surface engineering for efficient quantum dot light-emitting diodes
Paper

Sulfidation and NaOH etching in CoFeAl LDH evolved catalysts for an efficient overall water splitting in an alkaline solution

The sequence of sulfidation and NaOH etching plays an important role in the morphological structure of CoFeAl LDH evolved catalysts and thus results in a completely different water splitting activity in an alkaline solution.

Graphical abstract: Sulfidation and NaOH etching in CoFeAl LDH evolved catalysts for an efficient overall water splitting in an alkaline solution
Paper

Nacre-inspired layered composite gels with broad tunable mechanical strength and structural color for stress visualization

Layered composite gels with nacre-like brick-and-mortar architecture featuring structural colors, load-bearing stability, high-stress visualization, and resistance to harsh environments.

Graphical abstract: Nacre-inspired layered composite gels with broad tunable mechanical strength and structural color for stress visualization
Paper

A combined theoretical and experimental investigation on the photocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 on Cu/ZnO polar surface

The photocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 by Cu-deposited ZnO (Cu/ZnO) polar surfaces is investigated through density functional theory (DFT) calculations combined with experimental work.

Graphical abstract: A combined theoretical and experimental investigation on the photocatalytic hydrogenation of CO2 on Cu/ZnO polar surface
Paper

A layer-stacked NiO nanowire/nanosheet homostructure for electrochromic smart windows with ultra-large optical modulation

One type of layer-stacked NiO nanowire/nanosheet homostructure for electrochromic smart windows is fabricated by a one-pot hydrothermal method. This unique structure endows the NiO film and device with ultra-large optical modulation.

Graphical abstract: A layer-stacked NiO nanowire/nanosheet homostructure for electrochromic smart windows with ultra-large optical modulation
Paper

Elaborating the interplay between the detecting unit and emitting unit in infrared quantum dot up-conversion photodetectors

The interplay between PD and QLED units is revealed by regulating the thickness of the PbS layer and illumination intensity.

Graphical abstract: Elaborating the interplay between the detecting unit and emitting unit in infrared quantum dot up-conversion photodetectors
Paper

Design of Raman reporter-embedded magnetic/plasmonic hybrid nanostirrers for reliable microfluidic SERS biosensors

Raman Reporter-embedded magnetic/plasmonic nanostirrers are developed as capture carrier of microfluidic SERS sensor, where reliable SERS nanoprobe signals could be filtered out by using SERS signals from nanostirrers as microenvironment beacons.

Graphical abstract: Design of Raman reporter-embedded magnetic/plasmonic hybrid nanostirrers for reliable microfluidic SERS biosensors
Paper

Metal ion endogenous cycles of CoFe2O4−x induced boosted photocatalytic/PMS degradation toward polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

The graphical abstract illustrates the mechanism of action of cobalt ferrites with oxygen-rich vacancies on PAH contaminants.

Graphical abstract: Metal ion endogenous cycles of CoFe2O4−x induced boosted photocatalytic/PMS degradation toward polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
Paper

GeSe-evoked synchronous strategy for electrodeposited CZGSe solar cells

A synchronous strategy is proposed to fabricate high-quality CZGSe films and achieves a 3.69% ground-breaking efficiency for electrodeposited CZGSe-based devices.

Graphical abstract: GeSe-evoked synchronous strategy for electrodeposited CZGSe solar cells
Paper

A curtain purification system based on a rabbit fur-based rotating triboelectric nanogenerator for efficient photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds

Efficient removal of air pollution caused by volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM) through distributed energy collected from the environment is an effective strategy to achieve both energy conservation and better air quality.

Graphical abstract: A curtain purification system based on a rabbit fur-based rotating triboelectric nanogenerator for efficient photocatalytic degradation of volatile organic compounds
From the themed collection: Nanoscale and Nanoscale Horizons: Nanodevices
Paper

Single-site bipyridine cobalt complexes covalently embedded into graphitic carbon nitride with excellent photocatalytic activity and selectivity towards CO2 reduction

2, 2’-bpy-5, 5’-dialdehyde copolymerized with urea to fulfill 2, 2’-bpy imbedded into the skeleton of g-CN and then chelated with Co2+ to fabricate the single-site photocatalyst g-CN-bpy-Co with excellent catalytic performance towards CO2 reduction.

Graphical abstract: Single-site bipyridine cobalt complexes covalently embedded into graphitic carbon nitride with excellent photocatalytic activity and selectivity towards CO2 reduction
Paper

Defect-assisted dynamic multicolor modulation in KLu3F10:Tb crystals for anti-counterfeiting

KLu3F10:Tb crystals were used to realize excitation-dependent multicolor emissions. Green emissions were observed under 254 nm UV excitation, while blue emission peaking at 442 nm appeared in addition to Tb3+ emissions under 365 nm excitation.

Graphical abstract: Defect-assisted dynamic multicolor modulation in KLu3F10:Tb crystals for anti-counterfeiting
Paper

Synthesis of the ZnTPyP/WO3 nanorod-on-nanorod heterojunction direct Z-scheme with spatial charge separation ability for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation

Homogeneous ZnTPyP/WO3 nanorod-on-nanorod Z-scheme photocatalysts are prepared for an enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation. This study offers valuable information for preparing organic–inorganic direct Z-scheme photocatalysts.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of the ZnTPyP/WO3 nanorod-on-nanorod heterojunction direct Z-scheme with spatial charge separation ability for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen generation
Paper

Efficient and bright green InP quantum dot light-emitting diodes enabled by a self-assembled dipole interface monolayer

A self-assembled dipole interface monolayer is a possible strategy to obtain efficient and bright green InP quantum dot light-emitting diodes.

Graphical abstract: Efficient and bright green InP quantum dot light-emitting diodes enabled by a self-assembled dipole interface monolayer
Paper

Fractal structured charge-excitation triboelectric nanogenerators for powering portable electronic devices

A fractal switched-capacitor-converter combined with a TENG can greatly improve the output charge/current without reverse starting. The TENG can be integrated with a yoga mat for harvesting human-body motion energy to power portable electronics.

Graphical abstract: Fractal structured charge-excitation triboelectric nanogenerators for powering portable electronic devices
From the themed collection: Nanoscale and Nanoscale Horizons: Nanodevices
Paper

Voltage driven chemiresistor with ultralow power consumption based on self-heating bridged WO3 nanowires

The structure of bridged NWs effectively blocks the Joule heat dissipation/conduction from the (tip) bridged NWs to the (bottom) substrate and offers high utilization efficiency of Joule heat compared with film NWs device, resulting in low power use.

Graphical abstract: Voltage driven chemiresistor with ultralow power consumption based on self-heating bridged WO3 nanowires
Paper

Ultra-small α-CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots with stable, bright and pure red emission for Rec. 2020 display backlights

The 4.2 nm α-CsPbI3 quantum dots - polymer composite films with 630 nm emission and high stability have been achieved, which are used for LED displays with color gamut to 96% of the Rec. 2020 standard.

Graphical abstract: Ultra-small α-CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dots with stable, bright and pure red emission for Rec. 2020 display backlights
Paper

Integrated structure design and synthesis of a pitaya-like SnO2/N-doped carbon composite for high-rate lithium storage capability

In the synthesized pitaya-like P-SnO2/C@NC core–shell structure SnO2 ultrasmall nanoparticles are uniformly embedded in the porous carbon matrix and further coated with a continuous N-doped carbon coating layer outside the matrix.

Graphical abstract: Integrated structure design and synthesis of a pitaya-like SnO2/N-doped carbon composite for high-rate lithium storage capability
Paper

Suppressing interface recombination in CZTSSe solar cells by simple selenization with synchronous interface gradient doping

We proposed a strategy for Cd gradient doping near front interface. The formed Cd gradient significantly reduced CuZn defect and related defect clusters near front interface, thus suppressed interface recombination and improved device performance.

Graphical abstract: Suppressing interface recombination in CZTSSe solar cells by simple selenization with synchronous interface gradient doping
45 items

About this collection

Guest Edited by Professor Guohua Jia, Professor Feng Bai, Professor Gang Cheng andProfessor Zuliang Du, who are all affiliated with the Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education at Henan University.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Key Laboratory for Special Functional Materials of Ministry of Education at Henan University and to highlight the breadth of high-quality work in the institute, this collection covers the most recent research progress in a wide spectrum of nanoscience and nanotechnology. The topics of this collection include but are not limited to, semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dot-based luminescent materials for lighting and display devices, self-assembly of functional nanomaterials, self-powered electronic/optoelectronic nano-devices, high efficiency thin film photovoltaic materials and technology, nano photoelectric biological diagnosis materials and techniques, nanocomposites for nanomedicine, electrode materials for lithium batteries, electrochromic materials and devices, design of low dimensional materials using theoretical simulations (including density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulation), polymer composites for structural-color sensors, fog water harvesting, and surface wettability.

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