Themed collection Celebrating Professor Geoffrey Ozin's 80th Birthday

38 items
Perspective

Photon and phonon powered photothermal catalysis

Synergistic coupling of photons and phonons make the photothermal catalytic conversion of various important processes possible.

Graphical abstract: Photon and phonon powered photothermal catalysis
Minireview

Ultrabright fluorescent particles via physical encapsulation of fluorescent dyes in mesoporous silica: a mini-review

Harnessing the power of mesoporous silica to encapsulate organic fluorescent dyes has led to the creation of an extraordinary class of nanocomposite photonic materials.

Graphical abstract: Ultrabright fluorescent particles via physical encapsulation of fluorescent dyes in mesoporous silica: a mini-review
Focus

Towards an information-based theory of structure

Extracopularity is a local structural phenomenon characterised by the occurrence of fewer different bond angles than combinatorially possible.

Graphical abstract: Towards an information-based theory of structure
From the themed collection: Focus article collection
Review Article

Porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks for photo(electro)catalytic CO2 reduction

The panorama of the latest developments of the emerging porphyrin-based MOFs for photo(electro)catalytic CO2 reduction is shown.

Graphical abstract: Porphyrin-based metal–organic frameworks for photo(electro)catalytic CO2 reduction
Review Article

Biotin-functionalized nanoparticles: an overview of recent trends in cancer detection

Biotin-functionalized nanoparticles enhance cancer detection by targeting biotin receptors, which are overexpressed on cancer cells. This targeted approach improves imaging accuracy and efficacy in identifying cancerous tissues.

Graphical abstract: Biotin-functionalized nanoparticles: an overview of recent trends in cancer detection
Review Article

Plasma-based post-processing of colloidal nanocrystals for applications in heterogeneous catalysis

This review summarizes the work on converting ligand-capped colloidal nanocrystals into active heterogeneous catalysts by using non-thermal plasmas, which remove the ligands and control surface chemistry. Questions for future work are discussed.

Graphical abstract: Plasma-based post-processing of colloidal nanocrystals for applications in heterogeneous catalysis
Review Article

A comprehensive review on singlet oxygen generation in nanomaterials and conjugated polymers for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT): A minimally invasive treatment for a range of benign disorders and malignancies.

Graphical abstract: A comprehensive review on singlet oxygen generation in nanomaterials and conjugated polymers for photodynamic therapy in the treatment of cancer
Open Access Communication

Thermochemical production of ammonia via a two-step metal nitride cycle – materials screening and the strontium-based system

Combined theoretical and experimental screening of metal nitrides for the thermochemical production of ammonia without added catalyst.

Graphical abstract: Thermochemical production of ammonia via a two-step metal nitride cycle – materials screening and the strontium-based system
Communication

Colloidal TiO2 nanocrystals with engineered defectivity and optical properties

One-step synthesis of TiO2 nanocrystals described in this study allows the density of oxygen vacancies to be controlled by 2 orders of magnitude and yields homogeneously distributed vacancies with stable optical properties in oxidizing environments.

Graphical abstract: Colloidal TiO2 nanocrystals with engineered defectivity and optical properties
Communication

Flexible transparent and hydrophobic SiNCs/PDMS coatings for anti-counterfeiting applications

A fluorescence aging-resistant SiNCs/PDMS antifake coating is exploited by dispersing De-SiNCs into PDMS matrix. Interestingly, encapsulation of De-SiNCs is beneficial to improving mechanical property and thermal stability of the SiNCs/PDMS coating.

Graphical abstract: Flexible transparent and hydrophobic SiNCs/PDMS coatings for anti-counterfeiting applications
Communication

Cu–Pd bimetal-decorated siloxene nanosheets for semi-hydrogenation of acetylene

High-surface-area siloxene enables alloying between Pd and Cu via room-temperature reduction with Si–H bonds. This catalyst preparation strategy outperformed the traditional impregnation method for catalytic semi-hydrogenation of acetylene.

Graphical abstract: Cu–Pd bimetal-decorated siloxene nanosheets for semi-hydrogenation of acetylene
From the themed collection: Nanocatalysis
Communication

Advancing lithium–sulfur battery efficiency: utilizing a 2D/2D g-C3N4@MXene heterostructure to enhance sulfur evolution reactions and regulate polysulfides under lean electrolyte conditions

A schematic illustration for the synthesis of g-C3N4-Mx/S nanocomposites and structure of pouch cells demonstrating arrangements of electrodes and a separator.

Graphical abstract: Advancing lithium–sulfur battery efficiency: utilizing a 2D/2D g-C3N4@MXene heterostructure to enhance sulfur evolution reactions and regulate polysulfides under lean electrolyte conditions
Communication

Protector-free, non-plasmonic silver quantum clusters by femtosecond pulse laser irradiation: in situ binding on nanocellulose filaments for improved catalytic activity and cycling performance

This study introduces a new, facile method to synthesize silver clusters with neither reducing nor capping agents from aqueous silver ion solution by using high intensity femtosecond pulse laser irradiation.

Graphical abstract: Protector-free, non-plasmonic silver quantum clusters by femtosecond pulse laser irradiation: in situ binding on nanocellulose filaments for improved catalytic activity and cycling performance
Open Access Communication

Rational ligand design for enhanced carrier mobility in self-powered SWIR photodiodes based on colloidal InSb quantum dots

This study demonstrates selective ligand engineering of InSb colloidal quantum dots (CQD) for enhancing the figure of merit of self-powered short-wave infrared (SWIR) photodiodes.

Graphical abstract: Rational ligand design for enhanced carrier mobility in self-powered SWIR photodiodes based on colloidal InSb quantum dots
Communication

Synthesis of high-entropy germanides and investigation of their formation process

High-entropy germanides (AuAgCuPdPtGe and FeCoNiCrVGe) were synthesized via a rapid thermal annealing. The formation and growth mechanisms were investigated using in situ heating XRD and TEM.

Graphical abstract: Synthesis of high-entropy germanides and investigation of their formation process
Communication

Magnetic assembly of plasmonic chiral superstructures with dynamic chiroptical responses

A chiral magnetic field brings magnetoplasmonic nanoparticles into close proximity, enabling plasmonic coupling and imparting chirality to resulting superstructures, and consequently, dynamic tunability of plasmonic chiroptical properties.

Graphical abstract: Magnetic assembly of plasmonic chiral superstructures with dynamic chiroptical responses
Open Access Paper

The aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition of Mo-doped BiVO4 photoanodes for solar water splitting: an experimental and computational study

A series of Mo-doped BiVO4 photoanodes are studied using experimental and DFT methods. Mo doping replaces V sites, increasing electronic conductivity and improving solar water splitting performance.

Graphical abstract: The aerosol-assisted chemical vapour deposition of Mo-doped BiVO4 photoanodes for solar water splitting: an experimental and computational study
Paper

Rational design of dual-ion doped cobalt-free Li-rich cathode materials for enhanced cycle stability of lithium-ion pouch cell batteries

This study introduces a new method for cobalt-free lithium-ion cathodes, improving cycling stability and capacity via dual-ion doping and morphological modulation.

Graphical abstract: Rational design of dual-ion doped cobalt-free Li-rich cathode materials for enhanced cycle stability of lithium-ion pouch cell batteries
Open Access Paper

Improving the electrocatalytic activity of cobalt oxide with bismuth for acidic oxygen evolution reaction

Highly stable and active, low-cost electrocatalysts composed of Bi-doped cobalt oxides on FTO substrates for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic solutions are reported.

Graphical abstract: Improving the electrocatalytic activity of cobalt oxide with bismuth for acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Open Access Paper

Insights into the nucleation and growth of BiOCl nanoparticles by in situ X-ray pair distribution function analysis and in situ liquid cell TEM

Controlled BiOCl synthesis is hindered by its fast nucleation and growth. Our precursor allows BiOCl formation to be slowed to enable BiOCl formation to be investigated by in situ X-ray PDF and in situ liquid cell TEM.

Graphical abstract: Insights into the nucleation and growth of BiOCl nanoparticles by in situ X-ray pair distribution function analysis and in situ liquid cell TEM
Open Access Paper

Nickel coating on plasmonic copper nanoparticles lowers cytotoxicity and enables colorimetric pH readout for antibacterial wound dressing application

Nickel coating on plasmonic copper nanoparticles enhances chemical stability, reduces cytotoxicity while providing antibacterial activity and colorimetric response to pH.

Graphical abstract: Nickel coating on plasmonic copper nanoparticles lowers cytotoxicity and enables colorimetric pH readout for antibacterial wound dressing application
Paper

A focused ion beam-fabricated high-performance electrodeposited nickel–ruthenium–ruthenium oxide nano-supercapacitor

Supercapacitor miniaturization is highly sought after due to the considerable demand for portable, flexible, and wearable microscale electronics.

Graphical abstract: A focused ion beam-fabricated high-performance electrodeposited nickel–ruthenium–ruthenium oxide nano-supercapacitor
Open Access Paper

Acetylacetone functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilicas: from sensing to catalysis

“acac-PMO” with the acac-functionality intact and embedded in the organic environment of the linker.

Graphical abstract: Acetylacetone functionalized periodic mesoporous organosilicas: from sensing to catalysis
Paper

An ultra-high mass-loading transition metal phosphide electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting and ultra-durable zinc–air batteries

We demonstrate the practical applicability of Ni–Co–Mn–P as an efficient electrocatalyst active in all the HER, OER, and ORR processes even under an ultra-high mass loading of over 22 mg cm−2.

Graphical abstract: An ultra-high mass-loading transition metal phosphide electrocatalyst for efficient water splitting and ultra-durable zinc–air batteries
Paper

Synergistic design of g-C3N4-supported CNTs: experimental and DFT insights for enhanced electrochemical performance in flexible Li–S batteries

A schematic for the preparation of a g-C3N4-CNT/S composite cathode for lithium–sulfur batteries.

Graphical abstract: Synergistic design of g-C3N4-supported CNTs: experimental and DFT insights for enhanced electrochemical performance in flexible Li–S batteries
Paper

Implication of surface oxidation of nanoscale molybdenum carbide on electrocatalytic activity

The surface oxidation of molybdenum carbide nanoparticles was controlled by the electrochemical method. The impact of surface oxidation on catalytic properties was studied by both spectroscopic and computational methods.

Graphical abstract: Implication of surface oxidation of nanoscale molybdenum carbide on electrocatalytic activity
Paper

Selective oxidation of linear alcohols: the promotional effect of water and inhibiting effect of carboxylates over dilute PdAu catalysts

The promotional effect of Pd for selective alcohol oxidation over dilute Pd-in-Au bimetallic alloy catalysts strongly depends on the alkyl chain length and is characterized via a combination of reactor and in situ infrared studies.

Graphical abstract: Selective oxidation of linear alcohols: the promotional effect of water and inhibiting effect of carboxylates over dilute PdAu catalysts
Open Access Paper

Insights from experiment and machine learning for enhanced TiO2 coated glazing for photocatalytic NOx remediation

TiO2-coated glass for photocatalytic NOx removal was optimised. Correlations between the synthesis parameters, coating properties, and photocatalytic activity was systematically studied through experimentation and machine learning tools for the first time.

Graphical abstract: Insights from experiment and machine learning for enhanced TiO2 coated glazing for photocatalytic NOx remediation
Open Access Paper

Light concentration and electron transfer in plasmonic–photonic Ag,Au modified Mo-BiVO4 inverse opal photoelectrocatalysts

Synergy of plasmonic–photonic effects in Ag,Au modified Mo-BiVO4 inverse opal photoelectrocatalysts enhance recalcitrant pharmaceutical degradation.

Graphical abstract: Light concentration and electron transfer in plasmonic–photonic Ag,Au modified Mo-BiVO4 inverse opal photoelectrocatalysts
Paper

Cyano-functionalized pyrazine: an electron-deficient unit as a solid additive enables binary organic solar cells with 19.67% efficiency

A strong electron-deficient unit CNPz as a solid additive was developed in PTQ10/m-BTP-PhC6 binary organic solar cells. A high PCE of 19.67% was achieved with a significant increase of the JSC and FF (81.8%).

Graphical abstract: Cyano-functionalized pyrazine: an electron-deficient unit as a solid additive enables binary organic solar cells with 19.67% efficiency
Paper

Optical study of Te8 ring clusters: comparison with density functional theory and a step towards materials design using nanoporous zeolite space

We report an experimental and theoretical study of a regular array of oriented Te8 rings formed in the ~1.14 nm diameter cavities of zeolite LTA.

Graphical abstract: Optical study of Te8 ring clusters: comparison with density functional theory and a step towards materials design using nanoporous zeolite space
Open Access Paper

Spatial tuning of adsorption enthalpies by exploiting spectator group effects in organosilica carbon capture materials

Organosilica materials containing spectator groups next to amines display quasi-solvent behavior that controls CO2 affinity. When the spectator groups are assembled as a density gradient, one obtains a spatial pattern of adsorption enthalpies.

Graphical abstract: Spatial tuning of adsorption enthalpies by exploiting spectator group effects in organosilica carbon capture materials
Paper

Rapid self-healing and superior toughness in ionically crosslinked polymer ionogels and strain sensing applications

The designed ionogel comprising poly(vinyl imidazole) and polyphosphoric acid exhibits rapid self-healing with robust mechanical properties that could further be enhanced by incorporation of Ca-ions into the matrix.

Graphical abstract: Rapid self-healing and superior toughness in ionically crosslinked polymer ionogels and strain sensing applications
Open Access Paper

Screening and property targeting of thermochemical energy storage materials in concentrated solar power using thermodynamics-based insights and mathematical optimization

We propose a computational framework to systematically identify promising solid–gas reaction candidates for thermochemical energy storage (TCES) in concentrating solar power (CSP) plants.

Graphical abstract: Screening and property targeting of thermochemical energy storage materials in concentrated solar power using thermodynamics-based insights and mathematical optimization
Paper

Manganese oxide-based mesoporous thin-film electrodes: manganese disproportionation reaction in alkaline media

In this study, we explore the disproportionation reaction mechanism in alkaline media during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) utilizing mesoporous electrodes, namely LiMn2O4 (m-LMO), Mn3O4 (m-Mn3O4), and Mn2P2O7 (m-MnPP).

Graphical abstract: Manganese oxide-based mesoporous thin-film electrodes: manganese disproportionation reaction in alkaline media
Open Access Paper

Amine functionalized surface frustrated Lewis pairs boost CO2 photocatalysis

Replacement of the Lewis base hydroxide InOH by the stronger amine InNH2 enables the formation of robust InNH2⋯In SFLP with excellent CO2 photocatalytic performance.

Graphical abstract: Amine functionalized surface frustrated Lewis pairs boost CO2 photocatalysis
Paper

Chemically exfoliated boron nanosheets for efficient oxidative dehydrogenation of propane

We report that boron in the form of nanosheets can be prepared feasibly by exfoliating layered MgB2 with hydrochloric acid, and can efficiently and stably catalyze oxidative dehydrogenation of propane.

Graphical abstract: Chemically exfoliated boron nanosheets for efficient oxidative dehydrogenation of propane
From the themed collection: Nanoscale 2024 Emerging Investigators
Paper

Photo and redox active carbon nitride – dual functionality for energy storage

The ability to directly capture and store solar energy in an electrical form within a single structure is an intriguing concept and if feasible, could be an ideal approach to overcome the intermittency issue of solar energy.

Graphical abstract: Photo and redox active carbon nitride – dual functionality for energy storage
38 items

About this collection

This special collection marks the 80th birthday of Professor Geoffrey Ozin, serving as a tribute to his outstanding contributions to materials chemistry and his lasting impact on the scientific community. Widely considered the father of nanochemistry, his work includes pioneering studies of new classes of nanomaterials, mesoporous materials, photonic crystals and nanomachines.

Guest Edited by Professor Wei Sun, Professor Le He, Professor Wendong Wang, Professor Lu Wang, Professor Georg von Freymann and Professor Bettina Lotsch, this collection aims to reflect the breadth and depth of Professor Ozin’s research interests, inspiring future generations of scientists to continue to push the boundaries of materials chemistry.


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