Themed collection Celebrating Professor Geoffrey Ozin's 80th Birthday
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Photon and phonon powered photothermal catalysis
Synergistic coupling of photons and phonons make the photothermal catalytic conversion of various important processes possible.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 4461-4480
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00783B
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 10994-11004
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00800F
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.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 5311-5335
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE01748J
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12750-12792
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00634H
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12735-12749
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01458H
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 3243-3268
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05801H
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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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 4054-4063
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH00301B
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.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1568-1573
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00143E
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 3573-3584
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH00211C
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 12411-12419
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01911C
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 3090-3103
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MH00200H
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.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 1155-1165
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00086B
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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.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 817-827
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00038B
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.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2024,9, 580-588
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00012A
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.
Mater. Horiz., 2024,11, 680-687
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3MH01597A
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 16003-16014
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01489H
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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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 22528-22538
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA02845G
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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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 15544-15557
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR01749H
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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.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 4462-4469
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00244J
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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 20887-20893
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA03734K
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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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 19137-19148
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01143K
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.
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 5200-5215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00042K
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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15814-15828
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA00918E
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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 15163-15176
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01746C
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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 13778-13791
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01383B
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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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 13281-13298
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01319K
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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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 10366-10376
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06407G
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%).
Energy Environ. Sci., 2024,17, 3365-3374
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4EE00764F
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 9436-9446
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00114A
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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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 11332-11343
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4TA01381F
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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 9508-9517
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA07277K
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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.
RSC Sustain., 2024,2, 943-960
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3SU00244F
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).
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2024,12, 6359-6375
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA07973B
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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.
EES. Catal., 2024,2, 573-584
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3EY00261F
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.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 1312-1319
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05212E
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.
J. Mater. Chem. A, 2023,11, 20601-20607
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3TA03947A
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.