Themed collection 2016 Nanoscale HOT Article Collection
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Multi-component superstructures self-assembled from nanocrystal building blocks
Synthetic strategies, superstructures, properties and applications of multi-component metamaterials self-assembled from nanocrystals have been highlighted in this minireview article.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 9944-9961
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01662F
The Mendeleev–Meyer force project
Here we present the Mendeleev–Meyer Force Project which aims at tabulating all materials and substances in a fashion similar to the periodic table.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 17400-17406
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06094C
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The Atomic scale structure of liquid metal–electrolyte interfaces
Electrochemical interfaces between immiscible liquids have lately received renewed interest, both for gaining fundamental insight as well as for applications in nanomaterial synthesis.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 13859-13866
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01571A
Solid-state electrochemistry on the nanometer and atomic scales: the scanning probe microscopy approach
This brief review provides an overview of existing advanced scanning probe microscopy techniques used to probe nanoscale electrochemistry in solid state materials.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 13838-13858
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01524G
The use of azide–alkyne click chemistry in recent syntheses and applications of polytriazole-based nanostructured polymers
This article highlights recent advances in the use of efficient azide–alkyne cycloaddition reactions in the construction of branched polymers with sophisticated nanostructures.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 4864-4881
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR09122E
Fabrication of zero to three dimensional nanostructured molybdenum sulfides and their electrochemical and photocatalytic applications
A comprehensive review of nanostructured MoS2 with zero to three dimensional morphologies, exploring their electrocatalysis and photocatalysis potentials.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 18250-18269
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06836G
Synthesis, properties and applications of 2D layered MIIIXVI (M = Ga, In; X = S, Se, Te) materials
We provide a summary of the state-of-the-art of research activities on 2D layered MIIIXVI materials.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 16802-16818
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05976G
Nanoscale electrochemistry using dielectric thin films as solid electrolytes
Materials with dielectric properties at the macroscopic level can behave as solid electrolytes at the nanoscale, opening new perspectives for fundamental understanding and applications.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 13828-13837
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01383J
Ratiometric fluorescence, electrochemiluminescence, and photoelectrochemical chemo/biosensing based on semiconductor quantum dots
Ratiometric fluorescent sensors, which can provide built-in self-calibration for the correction of a variety of analyte-independent factors, have attracted particular attention for analytical sensing and optical imaging with the potential to provide a precise and quantitative analysis.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 8427-8442
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01912A
Strain engineering of graphene: a review
Strain engineering is widely considered as an effective way of tuning the properties of graphene and has opened a new field called “straintronics”.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 3207-3217
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07755A
Nanopatterned polymer brushes: conformation, fabrication and applications
Nanopatterned polymer brushes provide versatile platforms for investigation of nanoscale phenomena at biointerfaces and for a wide range of applications in biotechnology and electronics.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 680-700
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07107K
A fluorescent ELISA based on the enzyme-triggered synthesis of poly(thymine)-templated copper nanoparticles
We developed an unconventional fluorescent ELISA using spectrometry and a naked-eye readout based on an original ALP-enabled in situ synthesis of polyT–CuNPs.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 16846-16850
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06446A
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Direct fabrication of complex 3D hierarchical nanostructures by reactive ion etching of hollow sphere colloidal crystals
A straightforward hollow sphere colloidal lithography was developed to directly produce complex 3D hierarchical nanostructures.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 15845-15849
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05365C
Electron and phonon properties and gas storage in carbon honeycombs
Carbon honeycombs have two separated electron transport channels: along the straight lines of atoms and along the zigzag chains.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 12863-12868
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR03655D
Black phosphorus nonvolatile transistor memory
We demonstrated nanofloating gate transistor memory devices (NFGTMs) using mechanically-exfoliated few-layered black phosphorus (BP) channels and gold nanoparticle (AuNPs) charge trapping layers.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 9107-9112
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR02078J
Graphene homojunction: closed-edge bilayer graphene by pseudospin interaction
Depending on the sublattices they are propagated in, low-energy electrons or holes are labeled with pseudospin.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 9102-9106
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR08083E
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Photoluminescence through in-gap states in phenylacetylene functionalized silicon nanocrystals
An in-gap state was detected by scanning tunneling spectroscopy for phenylacetylene functionalized SiNCs, which can account for the PL shift to lower energy by reducing the apparent band gap for recombination.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7849-7853
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01435F
Hollow mesoporous raspberry-like colloids with removable caps as photoresponsive nanocontainers
The fabrication, characterisation and controlled cargo release of hollow mesoporous raspberry-like colloids (HMRCs), which are assembled by utilising host–guest complexation of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) are described.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7840-7844
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01016D
Super-resolution imaging-based single particle tracking reveals dynamics of nanoparticle internalization by live cells
We combine super-resolution photoactivation localization microscopy (PALM) with single particle tracking (SPT) to explore the fast dynamics of nanoparticle-cell interactions with high spatial resolution.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7423-7429
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01495J
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Unraveling a generic growth pattern in structure evolution of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters
We bring to bear a new series of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters with a unique growth pattern.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7396-7401
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00272B
SiC7 siligraphene: a novel donor material with extraordinary sunlight absorption
The g-SiC7 siligraphene shows superior sunlight optical absorbance and is promising as a donor material in photovoltaics applications.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 6994-6999
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00046K
Large-quantity and continuous preparation of two-dimensional nanosheets
Here, we present a high-efficiency exfoliation method to obtain abundant and superior graphene, h-BN, MoS2, and WS2 nanosheets in aqueous solution.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5407-5411
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07950K
The formation of the smallest fullerene-like carbon cages on metal surfaces
It is shown by in situ electron microscopy that fullerene-like spherical clusters with diameters down to 0.4 nm and thus much smaller than C60 grow in a polymerized state on Co, Fe, or Ru surfaces.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 2561-2567
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR08212A
Repeated appearance and disappearance of localized surface plasmon resonance in 1.2 nm gold clusters induced by adsorption and desorption of hydrogen atoms
The electronic structures of poly(N-vinyl-2-pyrrolidone)-stabilized gold clusters with a diameter of ∼1.2 nm can be modulated repeatedly by the adsorption and desorption of hydrogen atoms derived from NaBH4.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 2544-2547
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR06373F
Direct in situ observation of ZnO nucleation and growth via transmission X-ray microscopy
The nucleation and growth of a nanostructure controls its size and morphology, and ultimately its functional properties.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 1849-1853
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07019H
Ultra-efficient, widely tunable gold nanoparticle-based fiducial markers for X-ray imaging
We show the development of a new class of highly efficient, biocompatible fiducial markers for X-ray imaging and radiosurgery, based on polymer shells encapsulating engineered gold nanoparticle (AuNP) suspensions.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 18921-18927
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR07021C
Gold-doped silver nanocluster [Au3Ag38(SCH2Ph)24X5]2− (X = Cl or Br)
A novel 41-metal atom Au–Ag alloy nanocluster cocapped by thiolate and halogen atoms featuring an all-metallic face-fused biicosahedral Au2@AuAg20 rod-like kernel enwrapped by the outermost Ag18(SCH2Ph)24X3 shell was isolated and structurally characterized.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 18905-18911
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06615A
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Impurity effects on solid–solid transitions in atomic clusters
We use the harmonic superposition approach to examine how a single atom substitution affects low-temperature anomalies in the vibrational heat capacity (CV) of model nanoclusters.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 18326-18340
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06299G
Distinguishing uniform switching from filamentary switching in resistance memory using a fracture test
A fracture test can determine whether RRAM switching is uniform or filamentary.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 18113-18120
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06427B
Nanotube-terminated zigzag edges of phosphorene formed by self-rolling reconstruction
The edge atomic configuration often plays an important role in dictating the properties of finite-sized two-dimensional (2D) materials.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 17940-17946
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06201F
Effect of temperature on the viscoelastic properties of nano-confined liquid mixtures
Atomic force microscopy provides nanoscale insights into the molecular organisation and dynamics of confined liquids as a function of temperature.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 17472-17482
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05879E
Nanoscale orbital excitations and the infrared spectrum of a molecular Mott insulator: A15-Cs3C60
The quantum physics of ions and electrons of strongly correlated molecular conductors, superconductors and Mott insulators is fascinating especially in orbitally degenerate cases such as caesium fulleride, where nanoscale sized orbital excitations play an important role, also reflected by infrared spectra.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 17483-17488
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05725J
Structural evolution of concave trimetallic nanocubes with tunable ultra-thin shells for oxygen reduction reaction
For the large-scale commercial application of Pt-based catalysts, minimizing the usage of Pt while retaining the high catalytic activity is crucial.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 16640-16649
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR06317A
Green and facile synthesis of a theranostic nanoprobe with intrinsic biosafety and targeting abilities
A green and facile strategy was developed to fabricate theranostic transferrin–indocyanine nanoparticles with intrinsic biosafety and active targeting abilities.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 16204-16211
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01845A
Catching a virus in a molecular net
A metal–organic molecular net composed of tannic acid (TA) and iron(III) was constructed around the brome mosaic virus (BMV) particle to determine whether the added net could act as a transport barrier for water, and if the net could stabilize the virus in physically or chemically challenging environments.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 16221-16228
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR04469G
Strain-induced restructuring of the surface in core@shell nanoalloys
Stress-driven surface reconstructions in core@shell nanoalloys cause the disappearance of open facets to the advantage of closed-packed facets.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 15911-15919
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR03560D
Guided folding takes a start from the molecular imprinting of structured epitopes
Molecularly imprinted nanoparticles addressed at a structured epitope displayed structural recognition and promoted the structuration of the linear epitope-precursor.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 15665-15670
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR03467E
Self-assembly of carbon nanotubes in polymer melts: simulation of structural and electrical behaviour by hybrid particle-field molecular dynamics
Self-Assembly of bundle CNTs having different aspect ratios (ARs) in a polymer matrix.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 15538-15552
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR03304K
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A quasi-cyclic RNA nano-scale molecular object constructed using kink turns
The k-turn is a powerful building block in the construction of nano-scale molecular objects, exemplified by a quasi-circular six-k-turn object.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 15189-15195
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR05186C
Scaled down glass transition temperature in confined polymer nanofibers
T g of nanoconfined polymers loses dependence on molar mass, suggesting that nanofabrication may affect the long-term stability of polymer nanostructures.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 14950-14955
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR04459J
Ultra-small lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles for tumor-penetrating drug delivery
Ultra-small lipid–polymer hybrid nanoparticles are fabricated by a charge-based stabilization method. The treatment efficacy of a cancer drug-loaded, tumor-targeted formulation is evaluated in a mouse xenograft model and compared with a commonly used clinical drug formulation.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 14411-14419
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR04091H
Generalized colloidal synthesis of high-quality, two-dimensional cesium lead halide perovskite nanosheets and their applications in photodetectors
A generalized colloidal approach has been developed to directly synthesize high-quality CsPbX3 (X = Cl, Br, and I) perovskite nanosheets.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 13589-13596
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR03428D
An effective way to increase the high-frequency permeability of Fe3O4 nanorods
The oriented Fe3O4 magnetic nanorods (NRs) were successfully synthesized with a high-frequecy permeability.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 12910-12916
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR03305A
A smart multifunctional drug delivery nanoplatform for targeting cancer cells
Nanomachines incorporating stimuli-responsive chitosan hydrogels are engineered as a platform for multifunctional and wirelessly guided drug delivery to cancer cells.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 12723-12728
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR02228F
Hollow porous carbon nitride immobilized on carbonized nanofibers for highly efficient visible light photocatalytic removal of NO
A hollow porous carbon nitride nanosphere coupled with reduced graphene oxide (HCNS/rGO) was exploited as a visible-light photocatalyst to remove nitrogen monoxide in air at a low concentration (600 ppb level) under irradiation of an energy saving lamp.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 12066-12072
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR02955H
Sc20C60: a volleyballene
A stable volleyball-like molecular cluster, Volleyballene Sc20C60, was identified. It possesses relatively high symmetry and a hollow space that can be used to accommodate other atoms or molecules for the purpose of studying fundamental chemistry.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 11441-11444
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07784B
2D quasi-ordered nitrogen-enriched porous carbon nanohybrids for high energy density supercapacitors
2D quasi-ordered nitrogen-enriched porous carbon (QNPC) nanohybrids have been synthesized by an in situ polymerization assembly method. The QNPC nanohybrids offer high specific capacitance, excellent rate-capability, long-term stability and high energy density.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 10166-10176
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01094F
Tuneable graphene nanopores for single biomolecule detection
The architecture of a tuneable graphene nanopore device (left) and the highly sensitive detection of the carboxyl group in a glycine zwitterion as it translocates through the pore (right).
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 10066-10077
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR05274B
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Two-dimensional self-assembly of benzotriazole on an inert substrate
Fine tuning of experimental conditions allows dimensional control of benzotriazole species adsorbed on Au(111), revealing a subtle interplay between H-bonding, vdW inter-adsorbate and surface-adsorbate interactions, as highlighted both experimentally and theoretically.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 9167-9177
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00821F
A wormhole-like porous carbon/magnetic particles composite as an efficient broadband electromagnetic wave absorber
A wormhole-like porous/magnetic nanoparticles composite absorber synthesized with a method combining liquid–liquid phase separation and pyrolysis process has an excellent electromagnetic wave absorption performance with a wide absorption band width, strong absorbency and low thickness.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 8899-8909
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01863G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
iPAINT: a general approach tailored to image the topology of interfaces with nanometer resolution
iPAINT enables three-dimensional super-resolution imaging of soft and deformable interfaces in nanomaterials without the need of covalent labelling.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 8712-8716
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00445H
Two-dimensional B–C–O alloys: a promising class of 2D materials for electronic devices
2D alloy of B, C and O in the honeycomb structure shows a tunable band gap and high carrier mobility.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 8910-8918
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR08810K
Versatile surface engineering of porous nanomaterials with bioinspired polyphenol coatings for targeted and controlled drug delivery
Versatile surface engineering of porous nanomaterials with bioinspired polyphenol coatings was developed for targeted and controlled drug delivery.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 8600-8606
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00600K
Polytypism and unexpected strong interlayer coupling in two-dimensional layered ReS2
Two stable stacking orders (namely isotropic-like and anisotropic-like stacking orders) and unexpected strong interlayer coupling are revealed in two-dimensional layered ReS2 by Raman spectroscopy, photoluminescence and first-principle calculation.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 8324-8332
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR01569G
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Hierarchical organization and molecular diffusion in gold nanorod/silica supercrystal nanocomposites
The internal organization of gold nanorod supercrystals is fully described as well as infiltration with silica and SERS performance.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7914-7922
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00712K
![Open Access](https://www.rsc-cdn.org/pubs-core/2022.0.147/content/NewImages/open-access-icon-orange.png)
Shape-controlled continuous synthesis of metal nanostructures
A gas-liquid segmented flow is used in a microreactor for the continuous production of faceted nanocrystals.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7534-7543
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR08531D
High quality reduced graphene oxide flakes by fast kinetically controlled and clean indirect UV-induced radical reduction
A highly efficient and clean method for the production of reduced graphene oxide via UV irradiation of aqueous dispersions of graphene oxide (GO) containing small quantities of acetone and isopropanol is developed.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7572-7579
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00156D
Geometry strategy for engineering the recombination possibility of excitons in nanowires
A geometry strategy is proposed to forbid the radiative recombination possibility and thus prolong the lifetime of excitons in nanowires by engineering the symmetries of wave-functions of band-edge states.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7318-7325
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR08934D
Nanoplasmonics tuned “click chemistry”
We demonstrate that the thiol–ene “click” reaction is locally induced at the surface of gold nanoparticles by exploiting their nanoplasmonic properties.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7105-7112
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR09018K
Towards three-dimensional Weyl-surface semimetals in graphene networks
Three families of graphene networks are topological semimetals with Weyl-surfaces, and their 2D and 1D structures are also Weyl semimetals.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 7232-7239
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00882H
Mesoscopic perovskite solar cells with an admixture of nanocrystalline TiO2 and Al2O3: role of interconnectivity of TiO2 in charge collection
Perovskite solar cells with an admixture of nanocrystalline TiO2 and Al2O3 are prepared to explore the role of the mesoporous TiO2 layer: interconnection of TiO2 particles plays an important role in charge collection.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 6341-6351
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR05974G
Organic ferroelectric/semiconducting nanowire hybrid layer for memory storage
Laterally-accumulated charges at the interface between ferroelectric and semiconductor nanowires enable the design of a new configuration of memory device.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5968-5976
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00049E
Pressure-driven opening of carbon nanotubes
The closing and opening of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is essential for their applications in nanoscale chemistry and biology.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 6014-6020
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00138F
Ultrathin Cu2O as an efficient inorganic hole transporting material for perovskite solar cells
Ultrathin Cu2O prepared by a thermal oxidation method was investigated as an efficient hole transporting material for perovskite solar cells.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 6173-6179
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07758C
An organic indicator functionalized graphene oxide nanocomposite-based colorimetric assay for the detection of sarcosine
Rapid detection of sarcosine is a key requirement for both diagnosis and treatment of disease.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5488-5496
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00005C
Bottom-up electrochemical preparation of solid-state carbon nanodots directly from nitriles/ionic liquids using carbon-free electrodes and the applications in specific ferric ion detection and cell imaging
Solid-state carbon nanodots were generated from nitriles/ionic liquids via a bottom-up electrochemical strategy and successfully used in specific Fe3+ detection and bioimaging.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5470-5477
https://doi.org/10.1039/C6NR00023A
Realizing omnidirectional light harvesting by employing hierarchical architecture for dye sensitized solar cells
To improve the omnidirectional light-harvesting in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), here we present a dandelion-like structure composed of ZnO hemispherical shells and nanorods.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5478-5487
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07948A
Multipod-like silica/polystyrene clusters
Experimental and digital syntheses are compared to achieve batches of original and highly symmetrical clusters as checked by cryo-electron tomography.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5454-5469
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR07613G
Structural evolution and mechanical behaviour of Pt nanoparticle superlattices at high pressure
High-pressure synchrotron SAXS experiments on Pt nanocrystal superlattices reveal four stages in the structural and mechanical property evolution upon compression.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5214-5218
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR08291A
Cellulose conjugated FITC-labelled mesoporous silica nanoparticles: intracellular accumulation and stimuli responsive doxorubicin release
Novel cellulose conjugated mesoporous silica nanoparticles (CLS-MSPs) for stimuli responsive intracellular doxorubicin (DOX) delivery were designed.
Nanoscale, 2016,8, 5089-5097
https://doi.org/10.1039/C5NR08753H
About this collection
This on-going web collection showcases all of the HOT Nanoscale articles published in 2016, as recommended by referees. Congratulations to all of the authors whose articles are featured.