Themed collection Recent Review Articles
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Recent development and prospects of surface modification and biomedical applications of MXenes
MXenes, as a novel kind of two-dimensional (2D) materials, were first discovered by Gogotsi et al. in 2011.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 1325-1338
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07616F
Plasmonic metamaterials for chiral sensing applications
Here, we will discuss the principles of recent issues in chiral sensing of plasmonic metamaterials, including suggested formulas for signal enhancement of chiral plasmonic sensors, and studies on platforms that employ different sensing mechanisms.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 58-66
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08433A
Phototherapy with layered materials derived quantum dots
This review highlights the recent progress of various layered nanomaterials based quantum dots (QDs) for photodynamic and photothermal therapy.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 43-57
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07886J
Modulation engineering of 2D MXene-based compounds for metal-ion batteries
State-of-the-art advances in MXene-based compounds for rechargeable metal-ion batteries.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 23092-23104
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08217D
Moist-electric generation
A systematical discussion on moist-electric generation from work mechanism, the recent progress in advanced materials to practical applications.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 23083-23091
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR06113D
Recent advances in nanoparticulate biomimetic catalysts for combating bacteria and biofilms
Nanozymes have been proved to be promising materials for combating bacteria and biofilms under mild conditions. In this review, we have summarized the recent progress of nanozymes in this highly active field.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 22206-22215
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05054J
Synthesis, applications and potential photoluminescence mechanism of spectrally tunable carbon dots
Due to the prominent characteristics of carbon dots, such as inexpensive precursors, low toxicity, and intrinsic fluorescence, they are regarded as potential candidates to replace traditional quantum dots.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 20411-20428
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05028K
Probing the dynamic evolution of lithium dendrites: a review of in situ/operando characterization for lithium metallic batteries
During the operation of lithium metal batteries, the direct observation of the evolving characteristics of the deposited lithium is rather challenging in consideration of the requirements for the fast-tracking and high spatial resolution of the signals within native organic electrolytes.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 20429-20436
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR06544J
2D and 3D nanostructuring strategies for thermoelectric materials
Recent progress and research trends for 2D and 3D nanostructures in thermoelectric applications.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19684-19699
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07406F
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Isothermal titration calorimetry as a complementary method for investigating nanoparticle–protein interactions
Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) is a complementary technique that can be used for investigations of protein adsorption on nanomaterials, as it quantifies the thermodynamic parameters of intermolecular interactions in situ.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19265-19273
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05790K
Recent advances of AIE dots in NIR imaging and phototherapy
This review highlights various strategies to develop AIE dots through controlling different energy decay pathways for applications in NIR bioimaging and phototherapy.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19241-19250
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR06012J
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Towards fast-charging technologies in Li+/Na+ storage: from the perspectives of pseudocapacitive materials and non-aqueous hybrid capacitors
Pseudocapacitive materials and non-aqueous hybrid capacitors represent promising strategies to realize fast-charging technologies. This minireview provides fundamentals and recent developments of these two growing research fields.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19225-19240
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05732C
Perspectives for Ag2S NIR-II nanoparticles in biomedicine: from imaging to multifunctionality
A critical analysis of the synthesis routes, properties and optical features of Ag2S nanoparticles is presented. The future perspectives of this material for advanced bioimaging are discussed.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19251-19264
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05733A
Fusion growth patterns in atomically precise metal nanoclusters
This mini-Review summarizes the fusion growth patterns of metal nanoclusters based upon M4, M13 and M14 building blocks.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19158-19165
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05789G
Carbon dots: advances in nanocarbon applications
We highlight the recent progress in the practical applications of C-Dots, with particular attention to the research in light-emitting devices, bioimaging and biodetection, catalysis, functional materials, and agriculture.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19214-19224
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05647E
Nanoinformatics, and the big challenges for the science of small things
The combination of computational chemistry and computational materials science with machine learning and artificial intelligence provides a powerful way of relating structural features of nanomaterials with functional properties.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19190-19201
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05912A
Recent advances in plasma modification of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides
Plasma processing is effective in diverse modifications of nanoscale 2D-TMDC materials, owing to its uniquely controllable, effective and clean characteristics.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19202-19213
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05522C
Decentralized manufacturing for biomimetics through cooperation of digitization and nanomaterial design
Decentralized manufacturing is advocated to promote biomimetic manufacturing through the cooperation of digitization-based 3D printing technology and nanomaterials design.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19179-19189
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR00667B
Advances in portable electrospinning devices for in situ delivery of personalized wound care
Kinds of portable electrospinning devices for in situ personal wound care including hand-held spinneret, battery powered and generator powered ones were reviewed.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 19166-19178
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR02802A
Recent advances in flexible aqueous zinc-based rechargeable batteries
Recent advances in flexible Zn batteries are reviewed in terms of cathode, anode, electrolyte, scaffold and assembly technology.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 17992-18008
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR06721C
Reduction of carbon dioxide on photoexcited nanoparticles of VIII group metals
This review overviews the emerging research of photocatalytic reduction of carbon dioxide on nanoparticles of group VIII transition metals.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 16723-16732
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05971G
Biomedical and bioimaging applications of 2D pnictogens and transition metal dichalcogenides
Multifunctional platforms will play a key role and gain more prominence in the field of personalized healthcare worldwide in the near future due to the ever-increasing number of patients suffering from cancer.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 15770-15782
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR04658E
HZIF-based hybrids for electrochemical energy applications
Hybrid zeolitic imidazolate frameworks (HZIFs) possess the characteristics of both ZIFs and inorganic zeolites, attracting tremendous attention for their potential applications in electrochemical energy storage and conversion.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 15763-15769
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR06084G
Metal and metal-oxide nanozymes: bioenzymatic characteristics, catalytic mechanism, and eco-environmental applications
This review highlights the available studies on the enzymatic characteristics and catalytic mechanisms of natural enzymes and artificial metal and metal-oxide nanozymes in the removal and transformation of phenolic contaminants.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 15783-15793
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR04771A
Epitaxial graphene/silicon carbide intercalation: a minireview on graphene modulation and unique 2D materials
Intercalation of atomic species through epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide began only a few years following its initial report in 2004.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 15440-15447
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR03721G
Hierarchical fibers for water collection inspired by spider silk
The “wet-rebuilt” process of spider silk is considered an effective strategy for water collection. In this review, we give an advanced perspective on the fabrication and water-collection mechanisms from natural spider silks to functional fibers.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 15448-15463
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR04065J
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Graphitic carbon nitride-based nanocomposites and their biological applications: a review
Graphitic carbon nitrides present the finest energy gap and catalysis function and can be applied for biosensing, bioimaging, and therapy.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 14993-15003
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR04568F
Bidirectional charge-transfer behavior in carbon-based hybrid nanomaterials
This review highlights construction and study of molecular and supramolecular donor–acceptor constructs derived by linking photosensitizers to various nanocarbons in governing directional electron transfer.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 14978-14992
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR04388H
Biocompatibility of artificial micro/nanomotors for use in biomedicine
This review focuses on the biocompatibility of micro/nano-motors (MNMs) with regard to the fabrication materials and propulsion mechanisms. The future prospective and suggestions on the development of MNMs towards practical biomedical applications are also proposed.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 14099-14112
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR03393A
Boron nitride: a promising material for proton exchange membranes for energy applications
Boron nitride (BN) is an exciting material and has drawn the attention of researchers for the last decade due to its surprising properties, including large surface area, thermomechanical stability, and high chemical resistance.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 12755-12773
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR03094H
Ferritin variants: inspirations for rationally designing protein nanocarriers
Ferritin is endowed with a unique structure and the ability to self-assemble. Besides, genetic manipulation can easily tune the structure and functions of ferritin nanocages, which further expands the biomedical applications of ferritin.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 12449-12459
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR03823J
Heterogeneous gold catalysts for selective hydrogenation: from nanoparticles to atomically precise nanoclusters
Gold nanocatalysts with different sizes (nanoparticles and nanoclusters) show different catalytic performances for various selective hydrogenation reactions.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 11429-11436
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR03182K
Latest progress in constructing solid-state Z scheme photocatalysts for water splitting
Artificial Z scheme photocatalysis has been considered as a promising strategy for producing a clean energy source of hydrogen gas.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 11071-11082
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR03218E
Nanocarbon materials in water disinfection: state-of-the-art and future directions
The major modes of using nanocarbon materials for water disinfection: hydrogel filters, filtration membranes, recyclable aggregates, electrochemical devices, and photocatalysts.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 9819-9839
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR02007A
Nanomaterials with a photothermal effect for antibacterial activities: an overview
Nanomaterials and photothermal conversion nanotechnologies have been expected to provide innovative platforms for addressing antibacterial challenges, with potential to even deal with bacterial infections involving drug-resistance.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 8680-8691
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR01833F
Recent advances in micro-supercapacitors
Micro-supercapacitors (MSCs) possessing the remarkable features of high electrochemical performance and relatively small volume are promising candidates for energy storage in micro-devices.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 5807-5821
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR01090D
Bionicomposites
Incorporating nanomaterials in living systems could force the latter to produce “bionicomposites”.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 3102-3111
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR08569B
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Blue perovskite light-emitting diodes: progress, challenges and future directions
We report on the progress, challenges and future directions of blue perovskite light-emitting diodes to facilitate their further development.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 2109-2120
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR09885A
On the role of driving force in water transport through nanochannels within graphene oxide laminates
The comprehensive understanding of water transport in GO membranes is of great interest.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 21625-21628
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR08419J
Recent progress in transition metal phosphides with enhanced electrocatalysis for hydrogen evolution
The latest advances and perspectives in the development of TMP-based catalysts with enhanced electrocatalysis for hydrogen evolution.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 21617-21624
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR07891B
Atomic layer deposition for membrane interface engineering
Atomic layer deposition represents a burgeoning and appealing technique for membrane interface engineering.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 20505-20513
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR08114J
The wettability of gas bubbles: from macro behavior to nano structures to applications
At the center of the image are two models of bubble wettability underwater, superaerophobicity and superaerophilicity. Around the image are the macroscopic behavior and microstructures of organisms in nature related to bubble wettability.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 19659-19672
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR07315E
Oxygen plasmas: a sharp chisel and handy trowel for nanofabrication
Oxygen plasmas feature certain properties that make them attractive not only for material removal via etching and sputtering, but also for driving and sustaining nucleation and growth of various nanostructures in plasma bulk and on plasma-exposed surfaces.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 17494-17511
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR06502K
New opportunities for efficient N2 fixation by nanosheet photocatalysts
Catalytic ammonia synthesis from dinitrogen (N2) under mild conditions has been considered to be the “holy grail” of N2 fixation, which is one of the most important chemical processes in the agriculture, biological and industrial fields.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 15429-15435
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR04277B
The aerolysin nanopore: from peptidomic to genomic applications
The aerolysin pore (ARP) is a newly emerging nanopore that is richly charged, extensively used for peptide and protein sensing, as well as DNA sensing by different mechanisms.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 13857-13866
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR04255A
Plasmonics with two-dimensional semiconductors: from basic research to technological applications
Herein, we discuss the features, applications, open challenges and prospects of plasmonics with various classes of two-dimensional semiconductors “beyond graphene”.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 8938-8946
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR01395K
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Photodynamic therapy in 3D cancer models and the utilisation of nanodelivery systems
Testing Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) using nanoparticles on cells embedded in a 3-dimensional scaffold.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 1570-1581
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR07739D
Current progress in black phosphorus materials and their applications in electrochemical energy storage
Recently, a new two-dimensional material, single- or few-layered black phosphorus (BP), has attracted considerable attention for applications in electrochemical energy storage, due to its ultrahigh theoretical capacity, and can hopefully become commercialized in the near future.
Nanoscale, 2017,9, 13384-13403
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR03318D
Silicon-based nanotheranostics
The unique properties of mesoporous silicon, silica and organosilica nanoparticles allow designing multifunctional nanoarchitectures for imaging and targeted therapy.
Nanoscale, 2017,9, 12821-12829
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR04445C
Strong coupling of emitters to single plasmonic nanoparticles: exciton-induced transparency and Rabi splitting
This Feature Article reviews theory and experiments for quantum-mechanical strong coupling between excitons and plasmons in single metal nanostructures.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 14540-14552
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR05044B
Enhanced two-photon absorption of ligated silver and gold nanoclusters: theoretical and experimental assessments
Ligated silver and gold nanoclusters belonging to a non-scalable size regime with molecular-like discrete electronic states represent an emerging class of extremely interesting optical materials.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 12436-12448
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR01826C
Exploring T-carbon for energy applications
T-carbon is a theoretically predicted but also a recently experimentally synthesized carbon allotrope, which is a promising material for next-generation energy applications. Due to its unique and fantastic properties, T-carbon can be potentially used in thermoelectrics, hydrogen storage, lithium ion batteries, etc.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 5798-5806
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR09557D
Impact of nanoparticles on amyloid peptide and protein aggregation: a review with a focus on gold nanoparticles
The accelerating and inhibiting effects of nanoparticles on amyloid peptide aggregation are discussed for varying nanoparticle and peptide properties in the context of recent studies.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 20894-20913
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR04506B
Stabilization of noble metal nanostructures for catalysis and sensing
This feature article reviews our recent advances in the stabilization of noble metal nanocrystals for catalysis and sensing applications.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 20492-20504
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR06757K
Chiral metamaterials via Moiré stacking
With their highly tunable chiroptical responses in combination with cost-effective and scalable fabrication, chiral metamaterials via moiré stacking are promising for a wide range of applications.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 18096-18112
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR04352C
Towards structural biology with super-resolution microscopy
The combination of DNA nanotechnology and single-molecule biochemistry allows the first step towards the investigation of the structural organization of a protein via SR microscopy.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 16416-16424
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR03361G
Native DNA electronics: is it a matter of nanoscale assembly?
Polyamines and phosphates interact in the cell nucleus to form cyclic modules (the nuclear aggregates of polyamines) that wrap the entire DNA. The resulting nanotubes have semiconducting features, and potentially, both shuttle the binding proteins and twist the histones.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 12268-12275
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR03153C
Physical stimuli-responsive liposomes and polymersomes as drug delivery vehicles based on phase transitions in the membrane
Crystalline and liquid crystalline phases in the membrane lead to intriguing morphologies of vesicles for drug release upon physical stimulation.
Nanoscale, 2018,10, 6781-6800
https://doi.org/10.1039/C8NR00923F
Evaluation of mesoporous silica nanoparticles for oral drug delivery – current status and perspective of MSNs drug carriers
Mesoporous silica nanocarriers are discussed as potential oral drug delivery systems, focusing on their advantages and limitations, and future perspectives.
Nanoscale, 2017,9, 15252-15277
https://doi.org/10.1039/C7NR05762H
Wound dressings functionalized with silver nanoparticles: promises and pitfalls
Infections are the main reason why most people die from burns and diabetic wounds.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2268-2291
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08234D
Self-healing conductive hydrogels: preparation, properties and applications
The self-healing mechanism and applications of conductive self-healing hydrogels are summarized and their future development direction is presented.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 1224-1246
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09283H
Recent progress of TMD nanomaterials: phase transitions and applications
The diversity of electronic characteristics of TMDs ranging from the semiconducting, semi-metallic to metallic have broadened their application in catalysis, electrode materials and next-generation functional electronic devices.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 1247-1268
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08313H
Recent advances in soft functional materials: preparation, functions and applications
This review discusses the recent progress of three kinds of soft materials, namely gels, foams and elastomers, with emphasis on materials, properties and applications in flexible sensors, soft actuators, energy convention and storage.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 1281-1306
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07035D
Progress in BiFeO3-based heterostructures: materials, properties and applications
The optical, electrical, magnetic, and valley properties and their interactions in morphology-varied BiFeO3-based heterostructures are highlighted, along with their applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 477-523
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08800H
Progress on particulate matter filtration technology: basic concepts, advanced materials, and performances
The PM (particulate matter)-induced haze problem has caused serious environmental and health concerns.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 437-453
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08851B
Tumor immune microenvironment modulation-based drug delivery strategies for cancer immunotherapy
This review highlight the TIME modulation with systematically summarized advances of cancer immunotherapeutic drug delivery strategies for effective cancer immunotherapy.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 413-436
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08086D
2D material broadband photodetectors
2D materials and their hybrid structures have high application prospects in broadband photodetection, making them promising complements to traditional schemes.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 454-476
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09070C
Multifunctional inorganic nanomaterials for energy applications
Multifunctional inorganic nanomaterials have been attracting increasing attention for various energy applications, such as energy generation, conversion, storage, saving and transmission.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 14-42
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07008G
Liquid infused surfaces with anti-icing properties
In this review, we detail the excellent anti-icing performance of liquid infused surfaces inspired from Nepenthes. These icephobic surfaces possess promising potential for applying to solve the serious trouble caused by ice formation on solid surfaces.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 22615-22635
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR06934H
An overview on the current understanding of the photophysical properties of metal nanoclusters and their potential applications
Photophysics of atomically precise metal nanoclusters (MNCs) is an emerging area of research due to their potential applications in optoelectronics, photovoltaics, sensing, bio-imaging and catalysis.
Nanoscale, 2019,11, 22685-22723
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07963G
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.