Themed collection Recent Review Articles
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Effect of light intensity on solar-driven interfacial steam generation
We reviewed the recent progress on solar-driven interfacial steam generation under different optical intensities and provided energy and water management strategies to improve evaporation performance.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 20387-20395
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06410J
Molecular design of heterogeneous electrocatalysts using tannic acid-derived metal–phenolic networks
Recently emerged metal phenolic networks (MPNs) show promise as molecularly designable heterogeneous electrocatalysts for various electrochemical reactions owing to their unique features.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 20374-20386
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05901G
Artificial interphase engineering to stabilize aqueous zinc metal anodes
In this mini-review, the state-of-the-art knowledge on the rational artificial interphase engineering of zinc metal anodes for high performance aqueous zinc ion batteries are presented.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19828-19839
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06058A
Recent advances in the heteroatom doping of perovskite oxides for efficient electrocatalytic reactions
The minireview summarizes the advances in the heteroatom doping of perovskite oxides towards efficient electrocatalytic reactions, based on the classification of different doping sites, A site, B site, O site and dual sites in ABO3 perovskite oxides.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19840-19856
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05797A
Tuning magnetism at the two-dimensional limit: a theoretical perspective
Tuning magnetism in 2D magnets via external stimuli is reviewed, such as by the electric field, magnetic field, strain, optics, chemical functionalization, and spin–orbit engineering.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19812-19827
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06835K
Artificial intelligence-powered microfluidics for nanomedicine and materials synthesis
Artificial intelligence-powered microfluidics has greatly promoted the development of nanomedicine and material synthesis.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19352-19366
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06195J
Encapsulation of lead halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) at the single-particle level: strategies and properties
In this minireview, single-particle-level coated APbX3 NCs are introduced, mainly including their preparations and properties.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19341-19351
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05478C
Spin selectivity in chiral metal–halide semiconductors
This minireview elaborately presents the spin selectivity of chiral metal–halide semiconductors in photonic/electronic processes, and their applications in optoelectronic/spintronic devices, with the structure–property relationship highlighted.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18925-18940
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06407J
Virus-inspired nanosystems for drug delivery
Schematic illustration of virus-inspired nanosystems to overcome physiological barriers in drug delivery.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18912-18924
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05872J
Super-resolution FRET measurements
Recent advances combining FRET and super-resolution techniques are presented. This merger of methods is opening exciting opportunities to study the spatial organization and functional state of (bio)molecules and materials at the nanoscale.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18421-18433
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05769C
Silicon nanosheets derived from silicate minerals: controllable synthesis and energy storage application
Progress in developing advanced Si nanosheets from silicate minerals for energy storage is reviewed.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18410-18420
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04667E
Nanomaterial catalysts for organic photoredox catalysis-mechanistic perspective
Photoredox organic transformation have been growing, and this perspective highlights recent advances in mechanistic understanding, providing strategies to construct high efficiency and low-cost photocatalytic systems.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18044-18053
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05474K
Prospects and applications of synergistic noble metal nanoparticle-bacterial hybrid systems
The synergistic combination of noble metal nanoparticles and bacterial cells results in hybrid systems that offer new useful properties for the development of future applications and tools.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18054-18069
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04961E
Novel optimization perspectives for thermoelectric properties based on Rashba spin splitting: a mini review
This review discussed the typical high ZT materials, traditional optimized strategies, and focused on the Rashba-type thermoelectric (TE) materials, which highlights the development and challenges of Rashba effect in breaking the bottleneck of ZT.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18032-18043
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04323D
Droplet-based nanogenerators for energy harvesting and self-powered sensing
An overview of the development of droplet-based nanogenerators: from droplet properties towards energy harvesting and self-powered sensors.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17290-17309
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05386H
A minireview on chemical vapor deposition growth of wafer-scale monolayer h-BN single crystals
Recent academic breakthroughs in chemical vapor deposition (CVD) deposited h-BN are presented. The techniques, catalysts, and mechanisms are fully studied. The great advances in expanding the size of h-BN single crystals will largely push forward the way to h-BN.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17310-17317
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04034K
Recent progress in metal sulfide-based electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells
Metal sulfides (MSs) are considered as potential candidates for electron transport layers in perovskite solar cells. In this review, we summarized MSs-based electron transport layers (ETLs) according to their preparation strategies and the mechanism.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17272-17289
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04170C
The ligand effect of atomically precise gold nanoclusters in tailoring catalytic properties
This review highlights recent progress concerning the ligand effect of gold clusters in tailoring catalytic activity and selectivity, in order to guide the improvement of catalytic properties and design new gold clusters aimed at the demand in catalysis.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 16847-16859
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05232B
Recent advances in phosphorus containing noble metal electrocatalysts for direct liquid fuel cells
Here, we summarize our previous efforts and reports from other groups on P containing noble metal catalysts for direct liquid fuel cells, including synthetic methods, composition, shape and electrochemical performance.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 16052-16069
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04218A
Improving the performance stability of direct seawater electrolysis: from catalyst design to electrode engineering
Direct seawater electrolysis opens a new opportunity to lower the cost of hydrogen production from current water electrolysis technologies.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 15177-15187
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03294A
Advances in photothermal nanomaterials for biomedical, environmental and energy applications
Highlights of various emerging inorganic photothermal nanomaterials and their up-to-date applications in photothermal therapy, photothermal sterilization, solar-driven steam generation and photothermal catalysis.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 14268-14286
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04197E
In-depth study on the structures and properties of rare-earth-containing perovskite materials
The structure, morphology, composition and performance characterization techniques of rare-earth-containing perovskites were reviewed, providing in-depth and systematical research strategies.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 13976-13994
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02950A
Recent advances in plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for catalytic reactions on bifunctional metallic nanostructures
This minireview provides a comprehensive discussion on recent advances in plasmon-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for catalytic reactions on bifunctional metallic nanostructures.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 13962-13975
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04009J
Transition metal-based layered double hydroxides for photo(electro)chemical water splitting: a mini review
The review examines the areas: (i) routes for synthesis of transition metal-based LDHs, (ii) recent developments in transition metal-based LDHs for photo(electro)chemical water splitting, (iii) a summary of the structure–property relationships therein.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 13593-13603
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03409J
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Peptide foldamer-based self-assembled nanostructures containing cyclic beta-amino acids
This minireview presents the current state of knowledge in the field of peptide foldamer-based self-assembled nanostructures containing cyclic beta-amino acids.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 11325-11333
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02220B
Nonmetal-doping of noble metal-based catalysts for electrocatalysis
The recent progress in nonmetal doped noble metal-based catalysts for advanced electrocatalysis is summarized.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 11314-11324
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02019F
Emerging DNA-based multifunctional nano-biomaterials towards electrochemical sensing applications
The various utilities of DNA that render it as a multifunctional bio-nanomaterial for electrochemical biosensing applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 10305-10319
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02409D
Electrochromic response and control of plasmonic metal nanoparticles
Here, we reviewed the electrochromic behaviour and underlying mechanisms of plasmonic metal nanoparticles in the visible spectral range, and discussed the recent key progresses in understanding, controlling and utilizing plasmonic electrochromism.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 9541-9552
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01055G
Extending photocatalysis to the visible and NIR: the molecular strategy
Molecular photosensitizers (PS) allow to exploit visible (Vis) and near-infrared (NIR) light for photocatalytic production of solar fuels, organic synthesis and environmental remediation.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 9147-9159
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01401C
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Photodoping of metal oxide nanocrystals for multi-charge accumulation and light-driven energy storage
Light-driven multi-charge accumulation (i.e., photodoping) of doped metal oxide nanocrystals opens the way to innovative solutions for the direct conversion and storage of the solar energy.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 8773-8783
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR09163D
Genetically encoded RNA nanodevices for cellular imaging and regulation
Recent design and applications of emerging genetically encoded RNA nanodevices in regulating cellular gene expression, imaging, logic operation, structural biology, and optogenetics.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 7988-8003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08301A
Two-dimensional layered double hydroxide nanoadjuvant: recent progress and future direction
MgAl-layered double hydroxide (LDH) has a similar composition to the commercial aluminum adjuvant, but is highly biocompatible. The excellent adjuvanticity and biocompatibility make LDH the most potential clinical candidate adjuvant.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 7533-7549
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00881A
Recent advances and rational design strategies of carbon dots towards highly efficient solar evaporation
By rationally designing and modifying their heterostructures, carbon dots have the potential to be used as solar absorbers for solar evaporation. The roles of carbon dots to improve solar-to-vapor efficiency are thoroughly discussed.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 7523-7532
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00023C
Recent progress in mitochondria-targeting-based nanotechnology for cancer treatment
This review summarizes the state of the art design and construction of nanosystems used for mitochondria-targeted delivery.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 7108-7118
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01068A
Anderson-type polyoxometalates: from structures to functions
This review provides a deep discussion on the recent progress in the synthetic methodology, structural exploration, and promising applications of Anderson-type polyoxometalates.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 7119-7133
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00397F
Catalysis based on ferroelectrics: controllable chemical reaction with boosted efficiency
Ferroelectric catalysts possess the advantages of boosted catalytic efficiency as a result of polarization, which suppresses electron–hole pair recombination, and superior selectivity via the ferroelectric switch.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 7096-7107
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00847A
Control of light–valley interactions in 2D transition metal dichalcogenides with nanophotonic structures
Valley pseudospin of 2D transition-metal dichalcogenides is promising for information technologies, but its robust manipulation is challenging. This minireview highlights recent progress on using nanophotonic strategies to address this challenge.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6357-6372
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08000D
Transition metal oxide and chalcogenide-based nanomaterials for antibacterial activities: an overview
This review summarizes the recent advances of transition metal oxide and chalcogenide-based antibacterial nanomaterials, with emphasis on their inactivation mechanisms and highlighting their practical applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6373-6388
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00664A
Emergent electrochemical functions and future opportunities of hierarchically constructed metal–organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks
Hierarchically constructed metal–organic frameworks and covalent organic frameworks toward emergent electrochemical applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6341-6356
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR09167G
Cooperativity in supported metal single atom catalysis
Cooperativity in single atom catalysis greatly exceeds the (important) metal–support interaction, and other types of synergies (with a nanoparticle – NP, a second SA – SA2, or a ligand/heteroatom – X) are described in this mini-review.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 5985-6004
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00465D
Synthesis and defect engineering of molybdenum oxides and their SERS applications
Review on crystal structures, material synthesis methods, defect engineering strategies for molybdenum oxides' SERS mechanism and application investigation.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 5620-5651
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07779H
Boosting the performance of printed thermoelectric materials by inducing morphological anisotropy
Printing holds potential for low-cost and large-area patterning of thermoelectric materials. The process can be also engineered to induce morphological anisotropy in (in)organic materials, which boost the performance along a preferential direction.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 5202-5215
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08144B
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Graphene glial-interfaces: challenges and perspectives
This work provides an overview of the emerging literature on the interaction of graphene-based materials with glial cells, aiming to define the challenges and perspectives of graphene glial-interfaces.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 4390-4407
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07824G
Strong plasmon–exciton coupling in transition metal dichalcogenides and plasmonic nanostructures
This schematic shows strong plasmon–exciton coupling in transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) coupled with plasmonic single nanoparticles, nanoparticles-over-mirrors, and plasmonic arrays.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 4408-4419
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08592H
Bioinspired surfaces with special micro-structures and wettability for drag reduction: which surface design will be a better choice?
Human beings learn from creatures in nature and imitate them to solve drag reduction challenges in daily life.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 3463-3482
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07664C
Overcoming thermal quenching in upconversion nanoparticles
Recent efforts for alleviating energy dissipation and enhancement of energy collection are reviewed to combat thermal quenching in UCNPs.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 3454-3462
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08603G
Recent advances in biofluid detection with micro/nanostructured bioelectronic devices
Micro/nanostructured bioelectronic devices for various biofluid detection applications are systematically summarized and discussed with new insights for future health monitoring.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 3436-3453
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07478K
Recent advances in colour-tunable soft actuators
This review summarizes the recent advances of colour-tunable soft actuators, with emphasis on their colour-change mechanisms and highlighting their applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2780-2791
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07907C
Between plasmonics and surface-enhanced resonant Raman spectroscopy: toward single-molecule strong coupling at a hotspot
The purpose of this minireview is to build a bridge between two research fields: surface-enhanced resonant Raman spectroscopy (SERRS) and the branch of plasmonics treating strong coupling between plasmons and molecular excitons.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1566-1580
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07344J
Electrocatalysis in confined spaces: interplay between well-defined materials and the microenvironment
In this minireview, we summarize recent advances in electrocatalysis in confined spaces. Emerging electrochemical reactions are covered and discussed.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1515-1528
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08237F
Enhancing electrocatalytic water splitting by surface defect engineering in two-dimensional electrocatalysts
Overall electrocatalytic water splitting can efficiently and sustainably produce clean hydrogen energy to alleviate the global energy crisis and environmental pollution.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1581-1595
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08009H
Recent advances in focused ion beam nanofabrication for nanostructures and devices: fundamentals and applications
The past few decades have witnessed growing research interest in developing powerful nanofabrication technologies for three-dimensional (3D) structures and devices to achieve nano-scale and nano-precision manufacturing.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1529-1565
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07539F
Operando spectroscopy of nanoscopic metal/covalent organic framework electrocatalysts
Metal and covalent organic frameworks (MOFs and COFs) are increasingly finding exceptional utility in electrocatalytic systems.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1507-1514
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07508F
Theoretical and computational investigations into mechanobactericidal activity of nanostructures at the bacteria-biomaterial interface: a critical review
Modeling and simulation of bacteria-nanostructure interactions can reveal critical insights underlying the physics of the process, verify and predict bacterial behaviour, or optimize bactericidal activity.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 647-658
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07976F
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Single molecule electronic devices with carbon-based materials: status and opportunity
The field of single molecule electronics has progressed remarkably in the past decades by allowing for more versatile molecular functions and improving device fabrication techniques.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 659-671
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07844A
Conjugated nanomaterials for solar fuel production
Photocatalytic hydrogen production from water has the potential to fulfil future energy needs by producing a clean and storable fuel. Here the discuss the recent advances in using nanosized materials as photocatalysts.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 634-646
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07533G
Anisotropic nanomaterials for asymmetric synthesis
This review focuses on anisotropic nanomaterials and considers the state-of-the-art progress in asymmetric synthesis catalysed by 1D, 2D and 3D nanostructures.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 20354-20373
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05977G
Rational design of metal oxide catalysts for electrocatalytic water splitting
The review introduces the mechanisms of heterogeneous hydrogen evolution (HER) and oxygen evolution reactions (OER), summarizes in-situ characterization techniques and surveys strategies to boost the activities of metal oxide electrocatalysts.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 20324-20353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06285A
Hierarchical MXene/transition metal chalcogenide heterostructures for electrochemical energy storage and conversion
This review highlights the synthesis strategy, surface/heterointerface engineering, and potential applications of the hierarchical MXene/TMC heterostructures.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19740-19770
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05799E
Hexagonal-phase NaREF4 upconversion nanocrystals: the matter of crystal structure
The debates on the crystallographic details of the hexagonal phase of NaREF4 (RE = rare earth elements) are reviewed, and a fresh perspective is proposed to understand the superior luminescence properties of the materials.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19771-19782
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04209B
Amorphous materials for elementary-gas-involved electrocatalysis: an overview
The summary and perspective on fabrication, structure tuning, and elemental-gas-involved catalytic applications of amorphous materials have been outlined in this review.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19783-19811
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06764H
Two-dimensional materials for electrochemical CO2 reduction: materials, in situ/operando characterizations, and perspective
2D materials and in situ and operando characterization techniques for the development of next-generation CO2 conversion systems.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19712-19739
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06196H
Two-dimensional multiferroics
2D multiferroics achieve multiple functions and new mechanisms through magnetoelectric, piezoelectric, and magnetoelastic coupling phenomena, opening up new research avenues.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19324-19340
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06598J
Silver chalcogenide nanoparticles: a review of their biomedical applications
Silver chalcogenide (Ag2X, where X = S, Se, or Te) nanoparticles have been extensively investigated for their applications in electronics but have only recently been explored for biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19306-19323
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03872E
Application of expanded graphite-based materials for rechargeable batteries beyond lithium-ions
In this review, we evaluate and summarize the application of expanded graphite-based materials in rechargeable batteries, including alkaline ions (such as Na+, K+) storage and multivalent ion (such as Mg2+, Zn2+, Ca2+ and Al3+) storage batteries.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19291-19305
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05873H
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Precursor chemistry of metal nitride nanocrystals
We review the chemistry that leads or could lead to colloidal metal nitride nanocrystals, via solution-based methods.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18865-18882
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05092C
Copper nanocatalysts applied in coupling reactions: a mechanistic insight
Well-defined Cu-based nanoparticles represent a valuable catalytic tool for synthesis purposes due to their structural and electronic versatility, requiring thorough mechanistic understanding inputs into their rational design.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18817-18838
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05894K
Two-dimensional materials towards separator functionalization in advanced Li–S batteries
Harnessing the unique advantages of 2D materials towards separator functionalization for boosting both the sulfur cathode and lithium anode in Li–S batteries.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18883-18911
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05489A
Anisotropic Janus materials: from micro-/nanostructures to applications
In this review, we highlight recent advances in the application of Janus membranes and Janus particles, as well as our understanding of the construction of Janus materials, with a particular emphasis on the microstructure of Janus materials.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18839-18864
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05499F
Flexible electrodes with high areal capacity based on electrospun fiber mats
The ever-growing portable, flexible, and wearable devices impose new requirements from power sources.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18391-18409
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05681F
About this collection
In addition to high impact and high quality research across nanoscience & nanotechnology, Nanoscale publishes topical review articles. Reviews will be added to this webpage as soon as possible after publication.