Themed collection Fundamental Processes in Optical Nanomaterials

69 items
Editorial

Introduction to fundamental processes in optical nanomaterials

Alison Funston, Eva Hemmer, Arindam Chowdhury and Jon Veinot introduce this Nanoscale and ChemComm themed collection on fundamental processes in optical nanomaterials.

Graphical abstract: Introduction to fundamental processes in optical nanomaterials
Highlight

Colloidal quantum dot materials for next-generation near-infrared optoelectronics

Colloidal quantum dots (CQDs) are a promising class of materials for next-generation near-infrared optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells, lasers, photodetectors, and other applications.

Graphical abstract: Colloidal quantum dot materials for next-generation near-infrared optoelectronics
Open Access Minireview

Aggregation-induced emissive nanoarchitectures for luminescent solar concentrators

Recent advances in aggregation-induced emitters for luminescent solar concentrators are discussed, focusing on molecular designs enabling operation in the deep-red/near-infrared regions, for prospective use in colourless spectral conversion devices.

Graphical abstract: Aggregation-induced emissive nanoarchitectures for luminescent solar concentrators
From the themed collection: Recent Review Articles
Feature Article

Plasmonic quenching and enhancement: metal–quantum dot nanohybrids for fluorescence biosensing

Plasmonic “Quenchancement”: in this feature article, we discuss the interplay of different quenching and enhancement mechanisms that influence the development of metal–quantum dot nanohybrid biosensors.

Graphical abstract: Plasmonic quenching and enhancement: metal–quantum dot nanohybrids for fluorescence biosensing
Review Article

Progress in the design of portable colorimetric chemical sensing devices

Developement of portable colorimetric devices for detection of heavy metals, anions, biomolecules, pesticides, drugs, and other substances is vital across clinical, environmental, and food safety domains.

Graphical abstract: Progress in the design of portable colorimetric chemical sensing devices
Open Access Communication

Uncovering thermally activated purple-to-blue luminescence in Co-modified MgAl-layered double hydroxide

Co-modified nano-sandrose layered double hydroxide containing 15 mol% Co shows thermally-activated luminescence in the purple-to-blue visible-light region at room temperature.

Graphical abstract: Uncovering thermally activated purple-to-blue luminescence in Co-modified MgAl-layered double hydroxide
Communication

Tailoring fluorescent ZIF-8 nanostructures through calix[4]pyrrole modification: tunable size and enhanced organic micropollutant removal capacity

A size-controllable fluorescent ZIF-8 structure is synthesized through modification with a versatile supramolecule, bis-carboxylate functional calix[4]pyrrole. Upon modification, the micropollutant removal properties of ZIF-8 were adjustable.

Graphical abstract: Tailoring fluorescent ZIF-8 nanostructures through calix[4]pyrrole modification: tunable size and enhanced organic micropollutant removal capacity
Communication

Poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex microspheres as thermally tolerant optical resonators

Thermally tolerant polymer optical resonators are fabricated from a stereocomplex of poly(L-lactic acid) and poly(D-lactic acid) through the oil-in-water miniemulsion method.

Graphical abstract: Poly(lactic acid) stereocomplex microspheres as thermally tolerant optical resonators
Communication

Mesoporous alloy chiral nanoparticles with high production yield and strong optical activities

Gold functions as an adhesion layer and a dopant in the host silver chiral nanoparticles (CNPs), leading to high production yield and strong optical activities of binary mesoporous CNPs generated by galvanic replacement reactions of the host.

Graphical abstract: Mesoporous alloy chiral nanoparticles with high production yield and strong optical activities
Communication

Two-dimensional lead-free silver-bismuth double perovskite nanobelts with intrinsic chirality via co-antisolvent modulation strategy

The implementation of co-antisolvent modulation provides a robust strategy for numerous high-quality 2D lead-free chiral perovskite nanomaterials for chiroptical devices.

Graphical abstract: Two-dimensional lead-free silver-bismuth double perovskite nanobelts with intrinsic chirality via co-antisolvent modulation strategy
Communication

Dual-signalled magneto-optical barcodes with lanthanide-based molecular cluster-aggregates

A proof-of-concept for magneto-optical barcodes is demonstrated for the first time.

Graphical abstract: Dual-signalled magneto-optical barcodes with lanthanide-based molecular cluster-aggregates
Communication

Intra-cluster energy transfer editing in a dual-emitting system to tap into lifetime thermometry

The impact of composition control and energy transfer on luminescence thermometry was investigated in a TbIII/EuIII dual-emitting molecular cluster-aggregate, known as {Ln20}.

Graphical abstract: Intra-cluster energy transfer editing in a dual-emitting system to tap into lifetime thermometry
Communication

Tracking the super resolved structure of mitochondria using red emissive carbon nanodots as a fluorescent biomarker

Observation of morphological changes in mitochondria under various conditions using red emissive carbon nano dots.

Graphical abstract: Tracking the super resolved structure of mitochondria using red emissive carbon nanodots as a fluorescent biomarker
Communication

Plasmon enabled Claisen rearrangement with sunlight

The use of a thermodynamically closed reactor prevented the interference of hot-charge carriers in the plasmonic-heat driven Claisen rearrangement, which is conventionally performed with electrical-heating at 250 °C.

Graphical abstract: Plasmon enabled Claisen rearrangement with sunlight
Communication

Ligand-mediated electron transport channels enhance photocatalytic activity of plasmonic nanoparticles

We demonstrate that some organic ligands can provide electron transport channels that facilitate hot electron extraction from a gold nanostructure leading to a huge enhancement in the rate of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction.

Graphical abstract: Ligand-mediated electron transport channels enhance photocatalytic activity of plasmonic nanoparticles
Open Access Communication

Time gated Fourier transform spectroscopy with burst excitation for time-resolved spectral maps from the nano- to millisecond range

We demonstrate burst-mode Time Gated Fourier Transform Spectroscopy (bmTG-FTS), a technique for simultaneously capturing and disentangling emission signals from short- (ns) and long-lived (μs–ms) states.

Graphical abstract: Time gated Fourier transform spectroscopy with burst excitation for time-resolved spectral maps from the nano- to millisecond range
Communication

Interfacial dipole engineering in all-inorganic perovskite solar cells

Different functional groups on 7-azaindole (7-AI) alter its passivation ability and dipole moment. Finally, 7-AI-OCH3 proves to be highly effective in passivating defects and optimizing energy level alignment.

Graphical abstract: Interfacial dipole engineering in all-inorganic perovskite solar cells
Communication

Broadband red emission from one-dimensional hexamethonium lead bromide perovskitoid

A 1D (HM)Pb2Br6 based on hexamethonium has been developed for broadband red emission with a PLQY of 6.24%. Mechanistic investigations reveal that the red emission derives from the self-localized Pb23+, Pb3+ and Br2 species.

Graphical abstract: Broadband red emission from one-dimensional hexamethonium lead bromide perovskitoid
Communication

Enhanced electrochemiluminescence imaging of single cell membrane proteins based on Co3O4 nanozyme catalysis

The development of enhanced strategies with excellent biocompatibility is critical for electrochemiluminescence (ECL) imaging of single cells.

Graphical abstract: Enhanced electrochemiluminescence imaging of single cell membrane proteins based on Co3O4 nanozyme catalysis
Communication

Donor–acceptor complex formation by social self-sorting of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and perylene bisimides

Perylene bisimides equipped with bulky imide substituents self-assemble into orthogonally stacked dimers or bind up to two aromatic guests. These complexes were confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis and their optical properties were elucidated.

Graphical abstract: Donor–acceptor complex formation by social self-sorting of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and perylene bisimides
Communication

Nanoporous YVO4 as a luminescent host for probing molecular encapsulation

A reverse microemulsion route enabled to probe the interfacial crystallisation of luminescent nanoporous YVO4 and to encapsulate dye molecules in the nanoparticle cavities.

Graphical abstract: Nanoporous YVO4 as a luminescent host for probing molecular encapsulation
Communication

Stable deep-blue FAPbBr3 quantum dots facilitated by amorphous metal halide matrices

Matrix structure is employed to synthesize stable deep blue FAPbBr3 quantum dot solid films exhibiting good structural and optical stability even after 245 day storage.

Graphical abstract: Stable deep-blue FAPbBr3 quantum dots facilitated by amorphous metal halide matrices
Communication

Heat, pH, and salt: synthesis strategies to favor formation of near-infrared emissive DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters

Synthesis yield of NIR-emissive DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters is significantly enhanced by temperatures of 20 to 40 °C and basic pH.

Graphical abstract: Heat, pH, and salt: synthesis strategies to favor formation of near-infrared emissive DNA-stabilized silver nanoclusters
Communication

Photonic enhancement in photoluminescent metal halide perovskite–photonic crystal bead hybrids

Photonic crystal-perovskite nanocrystal hybrid beads exhibit Purcell enhancement and increased quantum yields of photoluminescence. The photonic crystal matrix is key for modulating the optoelectronic properties of the incorporated nanocrystals.

Graphical abstract: Photonic enhancement in photoluminescent metal halide perovskite–photonic crystal bead hybrids
Communication

Hybrid polymer dot-magnetic nanoparticle based immunoassay for dual-mode multiplexed detection of two mycotoxins

We designed polymer dot-magnetic nanoparticle nanohybrids for signal enhancement in a test strip platform.

Graphical abstract: Hybrid polymer dot-magnetic nanoparticle based immunoassay for dual-mode multiplexed detection of two mycotoxins
Communication

Detection of SO2 using a chemically stable Ni(II)-MOF

The MOF-type Ni2(dobpdc) shows a high chemical stability towards SO2, high capacity for SO2 capture at low pressure (4.3 mmol g−1 at 298 K and up to 0.05 bar), and exceptional SO2 detection properties.

Graphical abstract: Detection of SO2 using a chemically stable Ni(ii)-MOF
Communication

Crystal photonics foundry: geometrical shaping of molecular single crystals into next generation optical cavities

FIB milling of perylene and coumarin-135 microcrystals provides dimensionally- and geometrically-precise photonic resonators, paving a way for the industrial-scale production of organic photonic modules and devices.

Graphical abstract: Crystal photonics foundry: geometrical shaping of molecular single crystals into next generation optical cavities
Open Access Paper

“Turn-on” and pinhole-free ultrathin core–shell Au@SiO2 nanoparticle-based metal-enhanced fluorescent (MEF) chemodosimeter for Hg2+

We constructed a distinct ‘‘turn-on’’ Au@SiO2 nanostructure for a metal-enhanced fluorescence system. The metal-enhanced fluorescence chemosensor shows high sensitivity and selectivity toward Hg2+ with a detection limit of 5 × 10−11 mol L−1.

Graphical abstract: “Turn-on” and pinhole-free ultrathin core–shell Au@SiO2 nanoparticle-based metal-enhanced fluorescent (MEF) chemodosimeter for Hg2+
Open Access Paper

Size-tunable silicon nanoparticles synthesized in solution via a redox reaction

A new liquid-phase redox synthesis to form silicon nanoparticles allows the solvent used during synthesis to determine particle size and fluorescent properties.

Graphical abstract: Size-tunable silicon nanoparticles synthesized in solution via a redox reaction
Paper

An electrografted monolayer of polyaniline as a tuneable platform for a glucose biosensor

Vertically Aligned Conducting Polymers: The article emphasizes the fabrication of an electrografted vertically oriented polyaniline and its application in a highly sensitive electrochemical glucose enzymatic biosensor utilizing this monolayer.

Graphical abstract: An electrografted monolayer of polyaniline as a tuneable platform for a glucose biosensor
Paper

MXene-antenna electrode with collective multipole resonances

The work explores multipolar excitations in and utilization of nanostructured transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXene) layers in designing a photodetector electrode that exhibits enhanced response through hot-electron generation.

Graphical abstract: MXene-antenna electrode with collective multipole resonances
Open Access Paper

Direct laser induced writing of high precision gold nanosphere SERS patterns

Introducing a fast, reliable, and flexible “Direct Laser Writing” technology for printing precise and complex SERS-patters on different substrates of any desired structure with nanometer resolution for applications in sensor technology and optoelectronics.

Graphical abstract: Direct laser induced writing of high precision gold nanosphere SERS patterns
Open Access Paper

Surface modification effect on contrast agent efficiency for X-ray based spectral photon-counting scanner/luminescence imaging: from fundamental study to in vivo proof of concept

X-Ray imaging techniques are among the most widely used modalities in medical imaging and their constant evolution has led to the emergence of new technologies.

Graphical abstract: Surface modification effect on contrast agent efficiency for X-ray based spectral photon-counting scanner/luminescence imaging: from fundamental study to in vivo proof of concept
Open Access Paper

One-step synthesis of photoluminescent nanofluids by direct loading of reactively sputtered cubic ZrN nanoparticles into organic liquids

Sputtering of Zr in Ar/N2 produces stoichiometric, crystalline, conductive, and plasmonic ZrN nanoparticles that can be directly loaded into liquids.

Graphical abstract: One-step synthesis of photoluminescent nanofluids by direct loading of reactively sputtered cubic ZrN nanoparticles into organic liquids
Paper

Effect of hydrophilicity-imparting substituents on exciton delocalization in squaraine dye aggregates covalently templated to DNA Holliday junctions

Molecular aggregates exhibit collective sharing of electronic excitation energy known as exciton delocalization, that can be leveraged in applications such as quantum computing, optical information processing, and light harvesting.

Graphical abstract: Effect of hydrophilicity-imparting substituents on exciton delocalization in squaraine dye aggregates covalently templated to DNA Holliday junctions
Paper

Direct synthesis of CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystal assemblies

Perovskite nanocrystal assemblies have been directly synthesised via solvent and ligand induced enhancements of the attractive hydrophobic interaction.

Graphical abstract: Direct synthesis of CsPbX3 perovskite nanocrystal assemblies
Paper

Not all silicon quantum dots are equal: photostability of silicon quantum dots with and without a thick amorphous shell

The photostability of ∼5 nm diameter SiQDs with an amorphous shell was compared with that of over-etched SiQDs of equivalent dimensions that bore an a-Si shell of negligible thickness.

Graphical abstract: Not all silicon quantum dots are equal: photostability of silicon quantum dots with and without a thick amorphous shell
Paper

Aberrant photoelectric effect in the topological insulator/n-GaN heterojunction (Bi2Te3/n-GaN) under unpolarized illumination

Hint of the band gap modulation in the polycrystalline topological insulator Bi2Te3 film under unpolarized light and realization of photodetector with a typical range.

Graphical abstract: Aberrant photoelectric effect in the topological insulator/n-GaN heterojunction (Bi2Te3/n-GaN) under unpolarized illumination
Open Access Paper

Tuning dipolar and multipolar resonances of chiral silicon nanostructures for control of near field superchirality

Superchiral resonances of silicon metasurfaces are controlled by manipulation of their excited electric and magnetic multipoles.

Graphical abstract: Tuning dipolar and multipolar resonances of chiral silicon nanostructures for control of near field superchirality
From the themed collection: 2024 Nanoscale HOT Article Collection
Paper

Optical single molecule characterisation of natural and synthetic polymers through nanopores

We developed a method based on image analysis to optically determine the molecular weight of both artificial and natural polymers translocating through nanopores.

Graphical abstract: Optical single molecule characterisation of natural and synthetic polymers through nanopores
Paper

Generalised coupled-dipole model for core-satellite nanostructures

Comparison of the satellite absorbance spectra calculated with T-matrix and GCDM methods for the Au core surrounded by Ag satellites.

Graphical abstract: Generalised coupled-dipole model for core-satellite nanostructures
Open Access Paper

Synergistic or antagonistic effect of lanthanides on Rose Bengal photophysics in upconversion nanohybrids?

The photophysical behavior of rose bengal dramatically changes when functionalizing an upconversion nanoparticle due to its interaction with photoactive lanthanide cations of the matrix.

Graphical abstract: Synergistic or antagonistic effect of lanthanides on Rose Bengal photophysics in upconversion nanohybrids?
Paper

Core–multi-shell design: unlocking multimodal capabilities in lanthanide-based nanoparticles as upconverting, T2-weighted MRI and CT probes

Core/shell/shell nanoparticle design with a controlled inner NaGdF4 layer between the upconverting Er/Yb-doped NaGdF4 core and the magnetic NaDyF4 shell suppressed Dy3+-induced emission loss, while simultaneously enhancing MRI T2 and CT performance.

Graphical abstract: Core–multi-shell design: unlocking multimodal capabilities in lanthanide-based nanoparticles as upconverting, T2-weighted MRI and CT probes
Open Access Paper

Influence of photothermal and plasma-mediated nano-processes on fluence thresholds for ultrafast laser-induced cavitation around gold nanoparticles

This work builds on an in-depth evaluation of cavitation bubbles around gold nanoparticles upon ultrafast laser photoexcitation and the transition of photothermal to plasma-mediated cavitation, depending on particle properties and laser pulse width.

Graphical abstract: Influence of photothermal and plasma-mediated nano-processes on fluence thresholds for ultrafast laser-induced cavitation around gold nanoparticles
Open Access Paper

Understanding Yb3+-sensitized photon avalanche in Pr3+ co-doped nanocrystals: modelling and optimization

Multicolor photon avalanche emission of Pr3+ doped NaYF4 nanocrystals under 852 nm excitation is enabled by co-doping sensitizer Yb3+ ions.

Graphical abstract: Understanding Yb3+-sensitized photon avalanche in Pr3+ co-doped nanocrystals: modelling and optimization
Open Access Paper

Ion-induced bias in Ag2S luminescent nanothermometers

Upon exploring the properties of a mixed dispersion of iron oxide nanoparticles and Ag2S luminescent nanocrystals, we discover a new source of bias in luminescence thermometry induced by the presence of metal ions in solution.

Graphical abstract: Ion-induced bias in Ag2S luminescent nanothermometers
Paper

Supramolecular assembly of dendronized spiropyrans in aqueous solutions into nanospheres with photo- and thermo-responsive chiralities

Dendronized spiropyrans assemble in water to form nanospheres with remarkable supramolecular chirality, which can be reversibly tuned through isomerization of spiropyrans or thermal collapse of the dendritic OEGs.

Graphical abstract: Supramolecular assembly of dendronized spiropyrans in aqueous solutions into nanospheres with photo- and thermo-responsive chiralities
Paper

Tuning nanoscale plasmon–exciton coupling via chemical interface damping

Here, we demonstrate how chemical interface damping (CID) influences the nanoscale plasmon–exciton coupling strength.

Graphical abstract: Tuning nanoscale plasmon–exciton coupling via chemical interface damping
Paper

Facile microfluidic synthesis of monodispersed size-controllable quantum dot (QD) microbeads using custom developed QD photoresist

Simple and effective strategy for producing quantum dot microbeads (QD-MBs) with controllable sizes, which can be crucial in diverse fields such as biosensing, drug delivery, and imaging.

Graphical abstract: Facile microfluidic synthesis of monodispersed size-controllable quantum dot (QD) microbeads using custom developed QD photoresist
Open Access Paper

Thin-film conformal fluorescent SU8-phenylenediamine

On the surface and volume.

Graphical abstract: Thin-film conformal fluorescent SU8-phenylenediamine
Open Access Paper

Engineering GaN/AuNC core–shell nanowire heterojunctions by gold nanoclusters with excitation-dependent behavior for enhancing the responsivity and stability of self-driven photodetectors

It is novel to demonstrate a self-driven ultraviolet-visible photodetector based on the gallium nitride/gold nanocluster (GaN/AuNC) core–shell nanowire heterojunctions fabricated by introducing the AuNCs onto the GaN NW surfaces.

Graphical abstract: Engineering GaN/AuNC core–shell nanowire heterojunctions by gold nanoclusters with excitation-dependent behavior for enhancing the responsivity and stability of self-driven photodetectors
Paper

Quantitative, precise and multi-wavelength evaluation of the light-to-heat conversion efficiency for nanoparticular photothermal agents with calibrated photoacoustic spectroscopy

Multi-wavelength light-to-heat conversion efficiency of dispersed nanoparticles is directly the ratio between the calibrated photoacoustic spectrum and the attenuation spectrum.

Graphical abstract: Quantitative, precise and multi-wavelength evaluation of the light-to-heat conversion efficiency for nanoparticular photothermal agents with calibrated photoacoustic spectroscopy
Open Access Paper

Improving the stability of photodoped metal oxide nanocrystals with electron donating graphene quantum dots

Functionalization of Sn-doped In2O3 NCs with specifically designed electron-donating graphene quantum dots (HBC–AOM) enhances the stability of photodoped electrons over prolonged UV light exposure.

Graphical abstract: Improving the stability of photodoped metal oxide nanocrystals with electron donating graphene quantum dots
Open Access Paper

Exceptional ultrafast nonlinear optical response of functionalized silicon nanosheets

This study reveals that the functionalization of silicon nanosheets with styrene and tBuMA leads to nanostructures with exceptional nonlinear optical response. These nanostructures could have potential applications in optoelectronics and photonics.

Graphical abstract: Exceptional ultrafast nonlinear optical response of functionalized silicon nanosheets
Paper

Impact of thermal annealing and laser treatment on the morphology and optical responses of mono- and bi-metallic plasmonic honeycomb lattice

This work investigates the refinement effect of thermal annealing or ns-pulsed laser treatment methods on the morphology and optical responses of mono- and bi-metallic plasmonic honeycomb lattice prepared by nanosphere lithography.

Graphical abstract: Impact of thermal annealing and laser treatment on the morphology and optical responses of mono- and bi-metallic plasmonic honeycomb lattice
Open Access Paper

Three-dimensional building of anisotropic gold nanoparticles under confinement in submicron capsules

Encapsulated gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) were assembled into a three-dimensional structure inside a permeable silica nanocapsule under light illumination to generate multiple localized surface plasmon resonance modes with different energies.

Graphical abstract: Three-dimensional building of anisotropic gold nanoparticles under confinement in submicron capsules
Paper

Ultrafast dynamics in plasmon–exciton core–shell systems: the role of heat

We introduce a concise model for the ultrafast dynamics of plasmon–exciton nanoparticles. Assuming that all modulations are caused by heat, we can nicely recreate the transient spectra.

Graphical abstract: Ultrafast dynamics in plasmon–exciton core–shell systems: the role of heat
Open Access Paper

Extraordinary optical transmittance generation on Si3N4 membranes

Optical properties of Si3N4 membranes are modified via patterning of holes to excite surface phonon polaritons and increase transmittance.

Graphical abstract: Extraordinary optical transmittance generation on Si3N4 membranes
Open Access Paper

Predictable incorporation of nitrogen into carbon dots: insights from pinacol rearrangement and iminium ion cyclization

This study employed a rational design approach using glucosamine and ethylene glycol to synthesize N-doped carbon dots, overcoming the challenge of understanding N-incorporation chemistry and enabling precise control over N-incorporated structures.

Graphical abstract: Predictable incorporation of nitrogen into carbon dots: insights from pinacol rearrangement and iminium ion cyclization
Open Access Paper

Atomic/molecular layer deposition of europium–organic thin films on nanoplasmonic structures towards FRET-based applications

We present a novel atomic/molecular layer deposition (ALD/MLD) process for europium–organic thin films based on Eu(thd)3 and 2-hydroxyquinoline-4-carboxylic acid (HQA) precursors.

Graphical abstract: Atomic/molecular layer deposition of europium–organic thin films on nanoplasmonic structures towards FRET-based applications
Paper

Femtosecond-laser-assisted high-aspect-ratio nanolithography in lithium niobate

A femtosecond-laser-assisted lithium niobate nanolithography technique is developed. The etching rate is enhanced to 2 μm h−1. The nanohole size reaches ∼100 nm and the aspect ratio is above 40 : 1.

Graphical abstract: Femtosecond-laser-assisted high-aspect-ratio nanolithography in lithium niobate
Open Access Paper

Boosting the efficiency of transient photoluminescence microscopy using cylindrical lenses

Transient Photoluminescence Microscopy (TPLM) with cylindrical lenses allows for an improved visualization of carrier transport in semiconductor materials.

Graphical abstract: Boosting the efficiency of transient photoluminescence microscopy using cylindrical lenses
Open Access Paper

Surface and optical properties of phase-pure silver iodobismuthate nanocrystals

Phase-pure and highly crystalline AgBiI4 NCs are synthesized by hot-injection synthesis route. The iodine-rich surface of the NCs enable their impressive long-term environmental and thermal stabilities. This study shines light on the surface-electronic structure relationship for AgBiI4 NCs.

Graphical abstract: Surface and optical properties of phase-pure silver iodobismuthate nanocrystals
Paper

Luminescent hexagonal microtubes prepared through water-induced self-assembly of a polymorphic organoboron compound: formation mechanism and waveguide behaviour

Strong blue fluorescent HNBI-B, its polymorphic behavior and water-induced self-assembly (WISA) into nanodiscoids and fluorescent hexagonal microtubes with efficient waveguide behavior are described.

Graphical abstract: Luminescent hexagonal microtubes prepared through water-induced self-assembly of a polymorphic organoboron compound: formation mechanism and waveguide behaviour
Open Access Paper

Hybrid multifunctionalized mesostructured stellate silica nanoparticles loaded with β-diketonate Tb3+/Eu3+ complexes as efficient ratiometric emissive thermometers working in water

The synthesis and properties of efficient ratiometric nanothermometers based on mesoporous stellate nanoparticles functionalized with an acetylacetonate derivative and loaded with β-diketonate-Tb3+/Eu3+ complexes working in water, PBS or cells.

Graphical abstract: Hybrid multifunctionalized mesostructured stellate silica nanoparticles loaded with β-diketonate Tb3+/Eu3+ complexes as efficient ratiometric emissive thermometers working in water
Paper

Lateral surface passivation of CdSe nanoplatelets through crown management

Radiative and nonradiative recombination centers are located on the lateral surface of the CdSe nanoplatelets.

Graphical abstract: Lateral surface passivation of CdSe nanoplatelets through crown management
Paper

Achieving photostability in dye-sensitized upconverting nanoparticles and their use in Fenton type photocatalysis

The poor photostability of dye-sensitized upconverting nanoparticles limits their applicability. By covalently encapsulating modified IR820 in a silica shell, the accessibility of oxygen to interact and cause degradation is completely avoided.

Graphical abstract: Achieving photostability in dye-sensitized upconverting nanoparticles and their use in Fenton type photocatalysis
Paper

Anisotropy and thermal properties in GeTe semiconductor by Raman analysis

Low-symmetric GeTe semiconductor has excellent optical and thermal properties, but few studies are available on their in-plane optical anisotropic nature that is crucial for their applications in optoelectronic and thermoelectric devices.

Graphical abstract: Anisotropy and thermal properties in GeTe semiconductor by Raman analysis
Open Access Paper

Exploring the intra-4f and the bright white light upconversion emissions of Gd2O3:Yb3+,Er3+-based materials for thermometry

Upconversion broadband white light emission driven by low-power near-infrared lasers has been reported for many materials, but the mechanisms and effects related to this phenomenon remain unclear.

Graphical abstract: Exploring the intra-4f and the bright white light upconversion emissions of Gd2O3:Yb3+,Er3+-based materials for thermometry
69 items

About this collection

Advanced optical nanomaterials are the building block to innovative technologies that have the potential to address societal challenges from energy to health. Optical nanomaterials offer solutions to more efficient energy harvesting and energy conversion technologies, to enhanced data storage and fast and secure telecommunication, or to more efficient and personalized biomedical approaches, to name just a few examples. To achieve the goal of real-life applications, better understanding of known processes and the discovery of new fundamental phenomena is key.

This cross-journal collection in ChemComm and Nanoscale, guest edited by Professor Arindam Chowdhury (IIT Bombay, India), Dr Alison Funston (Monash University, Australia), Professor Eva Hemmer (University of Ottawa, Canada) and Professor Jonathan Veinot (University of Alberta, Canada), features research reporting new processes, phenomena, applications, and fundamental science in optical nanomaterials.

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