Themed collection Recent Review Articles


Bioinspired and Biomimetic MXene-based Structures with Fascinating Properties: Recent Advances
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00151A

Application of ionic liquids for the functional materialization of chitin
This perspective article illustrates that the possible applications of chitin as a material have been widely extended through the use of ionic liquids, which are now identified as an important research field regarding chitin.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3355-3364
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00101B

Prospectus of advanced nanomaterials for antiviral properties
Over recent years metal nanoparticles have received increased attention for the treatment of viral diseases. In the presence of metal nanoparticles COVID-19 viral processes such as attachment and replication are reduced leading to insignificant viral production.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2960-2970
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00541C

Challenges surrounding nanosheets and their application to solar-driven photocatalytic water treatment
A holistic review detailing the recent advances and challenges of nanosheet-derived photocatalysts for the removal of pollutants using sunlight.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 4103-4131
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00276K

Polydiacetylene-based sensors for food applications
In this review, we discuss methods of polydiacetylene sensor fabrication, and their use as food quality and food contaminant sensors. Our perspective on the challenges and opportunities for polydiacetylene-based food sensors is included.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 4088-4102
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01180D

Progress in the preparation and application of CsPbX3 perovskites
In this review, recent progress on the preparation and application of CsPbX3 perovskites is outlined.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 4053-4068
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00100D

Engineered liver tissue in vitro to mimic liver functions and its biomedical applications
This review outlines and discusses the structure of the liver, the function of liver cells, several methods of liver tissue culture in vitro, and applications of liver tissue culture in vitro.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 4132-4154
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00144F

Recent trends in computational tools and data-driven modeling for advanced materials
The paradigm of advanced materials has grown exponentially over the last decade, with their new dimensions including digital design, dynamics, and functions.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 4069-4087
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00067A

Chemical labeling and crosslinking of tobacco mosaic virus via multi-diazonium reagents: examples, applications, and prospects
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00311B

A mini-review focusing on ambient-pressure chemical vapor deposition (AP-CVD) based synthesis of layered transition metal selenides for energy storage applications
2D layered transition metal selenides grown in ambient pressure CVD for promising energy storage applications.
Mater. Adv., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00091A

Recent progress in 0D optical nanoprobes for applications in the sensing of (bio)analytes with the prospect of global health monitoring and detailed mechanistic insights
In the present review, the current trends of the research endeavours (2017–2022) based on emerging optical biosensing applications by various 0D nanomaterials have been comprehensively described towards the detection of targeted bio-analytes.
Mater. Adv., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00238H

Metal-free triboelectric nanogenerators for application in wearable electronics
The development of self-powered systems applied in wearable electronics based on triboelectric nanogenerators introduces advances in the Internet of Things, wireless communication, and biomedical fields.
Mater. Adv., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00195K

Low-Temperature Water Electrolysis: Fundamentals, Progress, and New Strategies
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00185C

Eco-friendly synthesis of carbon nanotubes and their cancer theranostic applications
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00341D

Carbon-based Electrically Conductive Materials for Bone Repair and Regeneration
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00001F

A review on single crystal and thin film Si-Ge alloy: growth and applications
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00104G

Autophagy targeting nanoparticles in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis
Nanotechnology has been proven to be effective several times in the treatment of various diseases.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3820-3834
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00011C

Ion transport in composite polymer electrolytes
Composite polymer electrolytes have excellent comprehensive properties among all electrolytes; the detailed ion-transport mechanisms in composite polymer electrolytes are reviewed.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3809-3819
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00215A

Cellulose based flexible and wearable sensors for health monitoring
Cellulose is one of the greatest bio-resourced materials. In this review, the excellent advancement of cellulose-based sensors for wearable real-time health monitoring are described. In addition, the emerging prospects and challenges of cellulose based flexible devices within this fields are also presented.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3766-3783
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01210J

Recent trends of contrast agents in ultrasound imaging: a review of the classifications and applications
Ultrasound (US) imaging, due to its capabilities of real-time imaging, portability, low cost and favorable safety, is frequently used as a diagnostic modality for the visualization of different diseases.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3726-3741
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00969A

Recent developments of lead-free halide double perovskites: a new superstar in the optoelectronic field
Schematic representation of metal halide double perovskite and the different features described in the review.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3742-3765
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00071G

Research progress on nano-sensitizers for enhancing the effects of radiotherapy
Nano-sensitizers play key roles in tumor radiotherapy in several ways to overcome radioresistance and enhance radioresponse. This review summarizes the recent advances of nano-sensitizers in improving cancer radiotherapy.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3709-3725
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00094F

MXene wearables: properties, fabrication strategies, sensing mechanism and applications
Schematic representation of MXene based wearable sensors for various applications.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3784-3808
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01170G

Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks: design, applications, and prospects
Hydrogen-bonded organic frameworks (HOFs) are crystalline porous polymers which are formed by the interaction of hydrogen bonding among building blocks. Unique advantages of HOFs, enabling new platforms for exploring multifunctional applications.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3680-3708
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01173A

Electrospun curcumin-loaded polymer nanofibers: solution recipes, process parameters, properties, and biological activities
This review summarizes the latest data about electrospun curcumin-loaded polymer nanofibers: solution formulations, technological parameters, biological and antibacterial activity.
Mater. Adv., 2022, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00440B

Electrochemical ammonia synthesis: Fundamental practices and recent developments in transition metal boride, carbide and nitride-class of catalysts
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00279E

A critical review on emerging photocatalysts for syngas generation via CO2 reduction under aqueous medium: a sustainable paradigm
Mater. Adv., 2022, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00334A

Tannin as a renewable raw material for adhesive applications: a review
Greener methods for the extraction and isolation of tannin, and it's state of art in adhesive technology.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3365-3388
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00841B

2D material based heterostructures for solar light driven photocatalytic H2 production
Recent advances in 2D material based heterostructures for solar light driven photocatalytic H2 production are summarized.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3389-3417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00191H

Prospects of nano-carbons as emerging catalysts for enzyme-mimetic applications
A strategy of using nano-carbons to mimic the catalytic behaviour of enzymes is put forward.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3101-3122
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00034B

Towards improved waterproofness of Mn4+-activated fluoride phosphors
We summarize the strategies for improving the waterproofness of Mn4+-doped fluoride phosphors, including organic coating, inorganic heterogeneous/homogeneous coating, surface deactivation, preparation of single crystal phosphor, and other methods.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3089-3100
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00117A

Bioinspired carbon nanotube-based materials
A holistic summary of the design strategies, applications, and further perspectives of bioinspired CNT-based materials.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3070-3088
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00086E

Making waves: how ultrasound-targeted drug delivery is changing pharmaceutical approaches
A review article regarding ultrasound-triggered drug delivery, highlighting exciting clinical trials and new applications for this modality.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3023-3040
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01197A

Interface modification of NASICON-type Li-ion conducting ceramic electrolytes: a critical evaluation
This review article focuses on the methods to solve the critical issue of reduction in NASICON-type solid electrolytes such as Li1+xAlxTi2−x(PO4)3 and Li1+xAlxGe2−x(PO4)3 by Li metal.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3055-3069
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01239H

Magnetic nanocarriers adorned on graphene: promising contrast-enhancing agents with state-of-the-art performance in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and theranostics
Graphene-decorated magnetic nanocarriers applied as contrast agents to enhance MR images.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2971-2989
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01071A

Materials prepared by Freezing-Induced Self-Assembly of Dispersed Solutes: A Review
Ice-templating has become an increasingly popular synthetic tool in the materials science community. In this review, we focus on the role of solute–freezing front interactions, and particularly on solute–solute interactions, in determining the self-assembled structure that results from ice templating.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 3041-3054
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01017D

Polyindole and polypyrrole as a sustainable platform for environmental remediation and sensor applications
This review focuses on the synthesis and improvement of two types of N-containing conducting polymers – polypyrrole and polyindole – as well as an in-depth analysis of their binary and ternary nanocomposites in the treatment of contaminants, sensing, and green chemistry.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2990-3022
https://doi.org/10.1039/D2MA00022A

Fluorescent Schiff base sensors as a versatile tool for metal ion detection: strategies, mechanistic insights, and applications
This review discusses the advances in fluorescent Schiff base sensors for metal ion detection with a focus on the strategies, mechanistic insights, and applications.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2612-2669
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01175H

A journey of thermoplastic elastomer nanocomposites for electromagnetic shielding applications: from bench to transitional research
Thermoplastics elastomers, its processing and properties, electrical conductivity and application as EMI shielding materials.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2670-2691
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00989C

Electro-responsive polymer-based platforms for electrostimulation of cells
ES can modulate the cell response and influence its metabolic activity. This review highlights the studied polymers used in the design of conducting platforms, clarifying their conducting mechanisms and electrical cues on the cell behavior.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2337-2353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01012C

Consequences of chirality on the response of materials
In chiral materials, mirror image symmetry is broken and as a result forbidden processes can become allowed. Here we review optoelectronic properties of materials affected by chirality.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2324-2336
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01053K

Engineering Schottky-like and heterojunction materials for enhanced photocatalysis performance – a review
Photocatalysis with nanostructured semiconductors is emerging for environmental remediation.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2309-2323
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01062J

Simple strategies deployed for developing efficient and stable solution processed quantum dot solar cells
Photoanode passivation, electrolyte additives and electrocatalytic and high surface area counter electrodes control the liquid junction quantum dot solar cell (QDSC) performance.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2249-2267
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00851J

Challenges and opportunities of silk protein hydrogels in biomedical applications
Silk protein is an important natural resource for the preparation of silk-based hydrogels. Its remarkable mechanical properties and biological characteristics give it an important position in the field of biomedicine.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2291-2308
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00960E

Recent advances in the targeted delivery of paclitaxel nanomedicine for cancer therapy
Cancer cases have reached an all-time high in the current era.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 2268-2290
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00961C

Modulating the porosity of carbons for improved adsorption of hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane: a review
This review examines state-of-the-art techniques to control the porosity of both activated carbons and zeolite templated carbons in order to fine-tune their ability towards the capture and storage of various gases under different pressure and temperature applications.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1905-1930
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00911G

Iron(III)-cross-linked alginate hydrogels: a critical review
Preparation, characterization and applications, particularly for signal-stimulated molecule release, of Fe3+-cross-linked alginate hydrogels are critically overviewed.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1849-1873
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00959A

Tailoring the molecular weight of polymer additives for organic semiconductors
We conduct a review of the recent progress of utilizing amorphous and semicrystalline polymer additives with varying molecular weight to manipulate the crystallization, morphology, and charge transport of solution-processable organic semiconductors.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1953-1973
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00964H

Microfluidic sensors based on two-dimensional materials for chemical and biological assessments
Different 2D materials for microfluidic sensors and their possible use in various health care and environmental applications including wearable sensors are critically addressed.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1874-1904
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00929J

Recent advances in chemical recycling of polyethylene terephthalate waste into value added products for sustainable coating solutions – hope vs. hype
In this article, we have reviewed how polyethylene terephthalate can be recycled into value-added products so that it can be used as a raw material for coating applications.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1974-1992
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01112J

CsPbI3 perovskite quantum dot solar cells: opportunities, progress and challenges
All-inorganic CsPbI3 perovskite QDs have quickly emerged as a rising star for QD PV materials and have achieved a remarkable efficiency of over 16% via advanced surface chemistry and device engineering.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1931-1952
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01075A

Toward precision oncology: SERS microfluidic systems for multiplex biomarker analysis in liquid biopsy
Liquid biopsy-based diagnosis in precision oncology exhibits significant advantages over the traditional tissue biopsies by offering dynamic assessment of tumour heterogeneity, minimally invasive procedures for frequent sampling, and cost-effective tests.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1459-1471
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00848J

Chemistry of magnetic covalent organic frameworks (MagCOFs): from synthesis to separation applications
This review aims to explore the design, development and applications of magnetically supported covalent organic frameworks (MCOFs) in extraction of metal ions, nitro explosives and chemical pollutants.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1432-1458
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01060C

Advances in materials and fabrication of separators in supercapacitors
Supercapacitors (SCs) have been extensively used in advanced energy applications due to their superior energy storage capacity and rapid charge–discharge rate.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1472-1496
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00599E

Recent developments of hydrogel based solar water purification technology
Hydrogel-based solar water purification technology has been recognized as a promising alternative to existing energy-intensive technologies. This is a timely review of the recent 3 years, focusing on design principles and remaining challenges.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1322-1340
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00894C

Application of carotenoids in sustainable energy and green electronics
Carotenoids are natural pigments responsible for coloring in flowers and seeds. The semiconducting nature of carotenoids makes them a suitable candidate for solar harvesting and biodegradable nanoelectronic devices.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1341-1358
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01070K

Selenium nanoparticles: a review on synthesis and biomedical applications
Selenium is a trace and essential micronutrient for the health of humans, animals, and microorganisms.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1415-1431
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00639H

Atomic-scale characterization of structural heterogeny in 2D TMD layers
Recent progress in atomic-scale TEM characterization of structural heterogeny in 2D TMD layers is overviewed. The prospects of visualization techniques are assessed toward atomic-scale identification and manipulation of defects and heterointerfaces.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 1401-1414
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA01013A

Chiral plasmonic nanostructures: recent advances in their synthesis and applications
This review presents the main techniques employed to construct chiral plasmonic materials and metasurfaces, in particular using soft-chemistry approaches, and discusses some applications of these nanostructures.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 186-215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00915J

Core–shell nanostructures for better thermoelectrics
The “core–shell” nanostructures can break the strongly coupled electronic and thermal parameters and help achieve high thermoelectric (TE) performance.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 125-141
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00955A

Liquid metals as soft electromechanical actuators
The unique properties of gallium based liquid metals (GaLMs) can be harnessed for realising various effects, enabling the formation of numerous soft electromechanical actuators and eventually lead to applications in more complex systems.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 173-185
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00885D

Challenges and future prospects of graphene-based hybrids for solar fuel generation: moving towards next generation photocatalysts
Challenges and future prospects of graphene based hybrids as next generation photocatalysts for solar fuel generation.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 142-172
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00748C

Nitrogen-rich covalent organic frameworks: a promising class of sensory materials
Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have emerged as highly crystalline porous organic materials. Their potential has been demonstrated for use in various applications, particularly sensing with the nitrogen-rich analogs.
Mater. Adv., 2022,3, 19-124
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1MA00506E
About this collection
This collection from Materials Advances publishes review articles on topics across materials science. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.