Themed collection Nanoscale Horizons HOT Papers

Emerging 2D materials hardware for in-sensor computing
This review covers recent advancements and future directions in 2DM-based devices for in-sensor computing, focusing on unique physical mechanisms for sensory responses, biomimetic synaptic features, and potential applications.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 205-229
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00405A
Semiconductor photocatalytic antibacterial materials and their application for bone infection treatment
This review discusses commonly used semiconductor photocatalytic antibacterial materials, methods for improving their photocatalysis performance and their application for bone infection treatment.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00542B
Recent progresses and challenges in colloidal quantum dot light-emitting diodes: a focus on electron transport layers with metal oxide nanoparticles and organic semiconductors
Recent advancements and challenges in scaling up quantum dot light-emitting diodes are highlighted, particularly with respect to the metal oxide nanoparticle and organic electron transport layers.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 2167-2197
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00370E

Plasmonic nanoparticle sensors: current progress, challenges, and future prospects
This comprehensive review summarizes the past, present, and future of plasmonic NP-based sensors in terms of different sensing platforms, different chemical and biological analytes, and the expected future technologies.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 2085-2166
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00226A
Integrative studies of ionic liquid interface layers: bridging experiments, theoretical models and simulations
Integrative “experiment–simulation–thermodynamic modeling” is highly demanded for qualitatively and quantitatively correlating the ionic liquids interface layer structuring to the overall properties, performance, and function.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 506-535
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00007B

High-refractive-index 2D photonic structures for robust low-threshold multiband lasing
A scalable 2D photonic architecture coated with a high-refractive-index dielectric enables robust, low-threshold multiband lasing. Metal-free and fabrication-friendly, this strategy advances nanophotonic integration in optical devices.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00574K
Record-high hyperpolarizabilities in atomically precise single metal-doped silver nanoclusters
Second-order nonlinear optical scattering properties of Ag25 nanoclusters are strongly affected by the nature of the metal dopant. Also, hyperpolarizabilities are one order higher than the one reported for Au25 nanoclusters and represent the largest values ever reported for nanoclusters.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 314-321
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00454J
Edge-doped substituents as an emerging atomic-level strategy for enhancing M–N4–C single-atom catalysts in electrocatalysis of the ORR, OER, and HER
Study on edge-doped M–N4–C catalysts (MN4) reveals substituent effects (including electronic effects and structural effects) on ORR, OER, HER activities.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 322-335
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00424H

Rhodium nanospheres for ultraviolet and visible plasmonics
Laser synthesis of Rh nanospheres exhibiting UV plasmons. Optical sensing after functionalization with thiolated molecules and SERS with blue light are demonstrated. The stability to high temperature and strong acids outperformed Au and Ag NPs.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 336-348
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00449C
Concealable physical unclonable function generation and an in-memory encryption machine using vertical self-rectifying memristors
This study demonstrated the potential of vertically stacked resistive random access memory (V-RRAM) as a hardware security solution, capable of performing both key generation and encryption.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 113-123
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00420E

How to recognize clustering of luminescent defects in single-wall carbon nanotubes
Defect clustering in carbon nanotubes can be recognized by a new analytical approach combining quantum yield measurements and Raman spectroscopy.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 2286-2294
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00383G
A stochastic photo-responsive memristive neuron for an in-sensor visual system based on a restricted Boltzmann machine
This work implements a photo-responsive stochastic neuron as an input neuron in an in-sensor restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM).
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 2248-2258
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00421C

In situ studies revealing the effects of Au surfactant on the formation of ultra-thin Ag layers using high-power impulse magnetron sputter deposition
In situ GIWAXS and GISAXS investigations reveal that pre-deposited Au nanoparticles can act as nuclei or growth cores that can adsorb sputtered Ag atoms, resulting in the fast formation of an ultra-thin Ag layer.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 2273-2285
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00159A

Intravital microscopic thermometry of rat mammary epithelium by fluorescent nanodiamond
This study reports an application of microscopic thermometry in a living rat using quantum sensing based on the fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) nitrogen-vacancy center, demonstrating the relevance of the technique in biomedical research using a mammal.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1938-1947
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00237G

Phase and frequency-resolved microscopy of operating spin Hall nano-oscillator arrays
An efficient platform to perform phase imaging and individual nano-addressing for application in novel SHNO-based computing devices.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1732-1739
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00260A
Strongly polarized color conversion of isotropic colloidal quantum dots coupled to fano resonances
We demonstrate a novel backlight unit utilizing the plasmonic interaction of quantum dots with v-shaped metallic grooves, which are capable of enhancing the emission in the desired polarization while suppressing the unwanted polarization component.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1756-1765
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00101J
Circular RNA oligonucleotides: enzymatic synthesis and scaffolding for nanoconstruction
Circular RNAs (∼16−44 nt) were enzymatically synthesized efficiently via a novel DNA dumbbell splinting strategy, further, the circular 44 nt RNA was used as scaffold strands to construct hybrid and pure RNA double crossover tiles and nanostructures.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1749-1755
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00236A
An ionically cross-linked composite hydrogel electrolyte based on natural biomacromolecules for sustainable zinc-ion batteries
An ionically cross-linked composite hydrogel electrolyte based on biomacromolecules is developed to enable highly reversible zinc anode, thereby improving the electrochemical performance of sustainable and flexible zinc-ion batteries.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1514-1521
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00243A
Pentagonal nanowires from topological crystalline insulators: a platform for intrinsic core–shell nanowires and higher-order topology
(a) Scanning transmission electron microscopy image of a pentagonal nanowire; the inset shows the disclination and core chain (CC). The red bands from the core connect the valence and conduction bands for (b) cation and (c) anion twin-boundaries.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1290-1300
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00019F

Resistive switching memories with enhanced durability enabled by mixed-dimensional perfluoroarene perovskite heterostructures
Mixed-dimensional heterostructures of 2D perfluoroarene perovskite phases are used in resistive switching memories based on perovskite solar cells, showing enhanced performance and stability, which highlights the perspective for self-powered memories.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1146-1154
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00104D

Ion transport induced room-temperature insulator–metal transition in single-crystalline Cu2Se
Cu2Se single crystals are synthesized to demonstrate that Cu ion vacancies can create an order within the crystals which leads to a metal–insulator transition, accompanied by six-orders of magnitude resistivity and optical contrast change.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1137-1145
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00003J

A microphysiological system for handling graphene related materials under flow conditions
A kidney-on-a-chip has been developed and optimised to evaluate the effects of exposure to graphene related materials under fluid flow conditions.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 990-1001
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00064A
Green synthesis of iron-doped graphene quantum dots: an efficient nanozyme for glucose sensing
This study presents an effective approach for producing FeN/GQDs nanozymes, mimicking natural enzymes. With a simplified and eco-friendly method, it achieves remarkable peroxide-like activity and high sensitivity in glucose detection.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 976-989
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00024B

Nanoassemblies of heptamethine cyanine dye-initiated poly(amino acid) enhance ROS generation for effective antitumour phototherapy
IR783-based nanoassemblies of pol(amino acids) promote antitumor efficacy through enhanced ROS generation and tumor targeting.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 731-741
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00584D

3D printing of layered vanadium disulfide for water-in-salt electrolyte zinc-ion batteries
Durable and dissolution-free 3D printed VS2 electrodes for water-in-salt electrolyte Zn-ion batteries were reported.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 742-751
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00576C

“Clickable” graphene nanoribbons for biosensor interfaces
We demonstrate the synthesis and application of “clickable” graphene nanoribbons (GNRs) as a versatile interface for electrochemical biosensors.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 598-608
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00590A
New horizons on advanced nanoscale materials for Cultural Heritage conservation
Hydrogels based on sustainable polymers and tailored for specific applications in Cultural Heritage conservation are presented. The system cleaning ability increases with the network tortuosity (water-soluble components) and the gel surface roughness (soil/particulate matter).
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 566-579
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NH00383C
About this collection
This on-going web collection features all the articles published in Nanoscale Horizons in the last 12 months that were particularly well received by our reviewers and Editors. Congratulations to all the authors whose articles are featured!