Themed collection Nanoscale 2022 Lunar New Year Collection
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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
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
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
A review on the preparation, microstructure, and photocatalytic performance of Bi2O3 in polymorphs
The primitive and advanced approaches for the synthesis of various Bi2O3 polymorphs for photocatalytic applications are reviewed. The temperature-dependent phase transformation, morphology, and phase junction in Bi2O3 phases are presented.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17687-17724
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03187B
Emerging carbon shell-encapsulated metal nanocatalysts for fuel cells and water electrolysis
Carbon shell encapsulated metal nanoparticles (M@C) are key materials for fuel cell and water electrolysis applications. This review highlights the current challenges and future prospects of M@C electrocatalysts.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 15116-15141
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01328A
Transition metal-based catalysts for electrochemical water splitting at high current density: current status and perspectives
Current popular transition metal-based electrocatalysts developed for HER/OER in water splitting at high current density are critically reviewed and discussed.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 12788-12817
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02592A
ZIF-67-based catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction
As a new type of crystalline porous material, the imidazole zeolite framework (ZIF) has attracted widespread attention due to its ultra-high surface area, large pore volume, and unique advantage of easy functionalization.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 12058-12087
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01669E
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Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy for bioanalysis and diagnosis
In recent years, bioanalytical surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) has blossomed into a fast-growing research area. We present here a review on SERS-based assays with focus on early bacterial infection detection and chronic disease diagnosis.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 11593-11634
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00708D
Two-dimensional WS2/MoS2 heterostructures: properties and applications
The successful fabrication of WS2/MoS2 heterostructures provides more possibilities for optoelectronic and thermoelectric applications than graphene because of their direct bandgap characteristics.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 5594-5619
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00455G
2D metal–organic framework-based materials for electrocatalytic, photocatalytic and thermocatalytic applications
2D MOF-based materials with unique characteristics have great potential in various electrocatalytic, photocatalytic and thermocatalytic applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 3911-3936
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR09064F
Recent advances in femtosecond laser-structured Janus membranes with asymmetric surface wettability
This review covers recent advances in femtosecond laser-structured Janus membranes with asymmetric surface wettability.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2209-2226
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06639G
Exosome-mediated delivery of gene vectors for gene therapy
Exosome encapsulation protects and delivers AAV vectors for gene therapy.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1387-1397
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07622H
Towards a point-of-care SERS sensor for biomedical and agri-food analysis applications: a review of recent advancements
In this review, the recent advancements of SERS for biomedical, food and agricultural applications in the past 6 years are discussed. We also discuss the opportunities and challenges in the field while highlighting the technological gaps.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 553-580
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06832B
Topology modulation of 2D covalent organic frameworks via a “two-in-one” strategy
By employing the “two-in-one” molecular design strategy, two new 2D COFs featuring a Kagome (kgm) lattice or a rhombic square (sql) structure can be selectively formed by varying the solvents and/or by adjusting the monomer concentrations.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19385-19390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05758H
A helix foldamer oligopeptide improves intracellular stability and prolongs protein expression of the delivered mRNA
The oligopeptide structure impacts the intracellular stability of mRNA to prolong protein expression, solving a major issue of mRNA nanomedicine.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18941-18946
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03600A
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Air-stable and efficient electron doping of monolayer MoS2 by salt–crown ether treatment
The present doping technique demonstrates the highly efficient electron doping of monolayer MoS2 with high stability under ambient conditions using KOH/benzo-18-crown-6 as the dopant.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 8784-8789
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01279G
Thermally activated processes in an organic long-persistent luminescence system
Organic long-persistent luminescence (OLPL) was achieved through photo-induced charge separation, charge accumulation, and emission from charge recombination. The presence of thermal activation processes in the OLPL system was confirmed.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 8412-8417
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR09227D
Light-responsive dual-functional biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles with drug delivery and lubrication enhancement for the treatment of osteoarthritis
Visible light-responsive biodegradable mesoporous silica nanoparticles (bMSNs-AZO/CD-PMPC) were developed for osteoarthritis treatment, which simultaneously achieved lubrication enhancement and anti-inflammation.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6394-6399
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08887K
Ultra-flexible and rollable 2D-MoS2/Si heterojunction-based near-infrared photodetector via direct synthesis
Flexible and rollable MoS2/Si photodetector reveals excellent high flexibility, rollability as well as durability under harsh bending conditions.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 672-680
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07091B
Coordination environment engineering on nickel single-atom catalysts for CO2 electroreduction
The correlation between the coordination environment and the activity/selectivity of B/C/N co-coordinated Ni single atom catalysts towards CO2 electroreduction was systematically studied by theory.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19133-19143
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05742A
Marrying luminescent Au nanoclusters to TiO2 for visible-light-driven antibacterial application
Marrying highly luminescent Au nanoclusters (NCs) to TiO2 achieves long-lasting yet visible-light-driven antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18996-19003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05503H
Regulating the synthesis rate and yield of bio-assembled FeS nanoparticles for efficient cancer therapy
FeS nanoparticles were self-assembled by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1, and the biosynthesis yield and rate can be regulated by regulating the precursor content. The resulting Bio-FeS nanoparticles exhibit excellent in vivo therapeutic performance.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18977-18986
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03591F
Tracking the emergence of epitaxial metal–oxide interfaces from precursor alloys
The oxidation process of a Pt5Ce alloy that leads to self-assembled Pt/CeO2 nanocomposites with an epitaxial heterointerface was elucidated by atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18987-18995
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03492H
Incorporating highly basic polyoxometalate anions comprising Nb or Ta into nanoscale reaction fields of porous ionic crystals
We report for the first time porous ionic crystals comprising Nb or Ta substituted polyoxometalates as recyclable solid base catalysts.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18451-18457
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04762K
A multifunctional electronic suture for continuous strain monitoring and on-demand drug release
A schematic of the drug release electronic suture system (DRESS) with a conductive fiber strain sensor core and a thermoresponsive polymer shell containing drugs.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 18112-18124
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04508C
The flexibility-based modulation of DNA nanostar phase separation
The structural flexibility of interacting units significantly impacts phase separation behaviors.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17638-17647
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03495B
Dual-site electrocatalytic nitrate reduction to ammonia on oxygen vacancy-enriched and Pd-decorated MnO2 nanosheets
One dual-site NRR electrocatalyst composed of the Ov-enriched MnO2 nanosheets (MnO2-Ov) and Pd is developed, in which MnO2-Ov adsorbs, immobilizes and activates the NO3− and N-intermediates, while the Pd supplies the Ov with adsorbed hydrogen for NRR and Ov refreshment.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17504-17511
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04962C
A digital SERS sensing platform using 3D nanolaminate plasmonic crystals coupled with Au nanoparticles for accurate quantitative detection of dopamine
We developed a digital SERS platform using the arrays of 3D nanolaminate plasmonic crystals coupled with Au nanoparticles and digital (on/off) signal analysis for the accurate quantitative detection of low-abundance dopamine molecules.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17340-17349
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03691B
Oxidation and Degradation of WS2 Monolayers Grown by NaCl-Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition: Mechanism and Prevention
Adjusting the orientation of the sapphire substrate to align the gas flow direction in the NaCl-assisted CVD process can improve the stability of monolayer WS2.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 16629-16640
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04809K
A multimodal strategy of Fe3O4@ZIF-8/GOx@MnO2 hybrid nanozyme via TME modulation for tumor therapy
TME-responsive FZGM hybrid as a nanozyme to the trigger cascade catalytic reaction for cancer therapy.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 16571-16588
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04196G
Switching interlayer magnetic order in bilayer CrI3 by stacking reversal
First-principles calculations predict that rotating one layer by 180° over the other layer can switch the interlayer magnetic order in bilayer CrI3, demonstrating stacking rotation as an effective strategy to manipulate the magnetism in 2D magnets.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 16172-16181
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02480A
Reactive oxygen species-responsive polydopamine nanoparticles for targeted and synergistic chemo and photodynamic anticancer therapy
A ROS-responsive polydopamine-based nanocarrier has been developed which undergoes intracellular degradation to release and activate the immobilised doxorubicin and phthalocyanine-based photosensitiser for synergistic chemo and photodynamic therapy.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 15899-15915
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04278E
In situ synthesis of Fe2O3 nanosphere/Co3O4 nanowire-connected reduced graphene oxide hybrid networks for high-performance supercapacitors
Three-dimensional (3D) hybrid networks consisting of reduced graphene oxide (rGO) sheets interconnected by Co3O4 nanowires (rGO/Co3O4), followed by the decoration of Fe2O3 nanospheres (NSs), were demonstrated by a facile hydrothermal method.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 15431-15444
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00126D
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Simple and high-yield preparation of carbon-black-supported ∼1 nm platinum nanoclusters and their oxygen reduction reactivity
This work established a simple method for the size-selective synthesis of a series of ligand-protected platinum nanoclusters with superior oxygen reduction reactivity.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 14679-14687
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04202E
Surface overgrowth on gold nanoparticles modulating high-energy facets for efficient electrochemical CO2 reduction
A simple overgrowth step on Au nanoparticles provides high-energy facets as dominant surfaces, which result in a large enhancement of mass and specific activities with 98% faradaic efficiency of CO production for electrochemical CO2 reduction.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 14346-14353
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03928H
Towards an ideal high-κ HfO2–ZrO2-based dielectric
Dielectric properties are improved by fabrication of a Ferroelectric Hf0.5Zr0.5O2/Antiferroelectric ZrO2 nanolaminate structure. The new design increases the density of morphotropic phase boundary, which consequently enhances the dielectric constant.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 13631-13640
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02272E
Cubic-like Co/NC composites derived from ZIF-67 with a dual control strategy of size and graphitization degree for microwave absorption
MOFs with high tunability are considered ideal candidates as microwave-absorbing materials.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 12896-12909
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03450B
ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon to trap polysulfides for high performance lithium–sulfur batteries
The commercial application of Lithium–sulfur batteries (LSBs) is impeded by the shuttle effect. We report zinc (Zn) and nitrogen (N) co-doped ZIF-8 derived hollow carbon (ZHC) as a promising separator coating for LSBs to control the shuttle effect.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 11086-11092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01674A
Novel two-dimensional tetrahexagonal boron nitride with a sizable band gap and a sign-tunable Poisson's ratio
Tetrahexagonal boron nitride as a suitable substrate for tetrahexcarbon possesses robust stability, exotic mechanical behaviors such as sign-tunable Poisson's ratio, and remarkable electronic properties such as indirect-to-direct band gap transition.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 9303-9314
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00734C
Air-gap embedded triboelectric nanogenerator via surface modification of non-contact layer using sandpapers
A method to enhance the electrical outputs of the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is proposed and theoretically/experimentally analyzed. The non-/contact surfaces of the air-gap embedded TENG are polished by the optimum grit number of sandpapers.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 8837-8847
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01517F
High speed growth of MAPbBr3 single crystals via low-temperature inverting solubility: enhancement of mobility and trap density for photodetector applications
High-quality CH3NH3PbBr3 hybrid perovskite single crystal growth and outstanding optoelectronic application using the complete dissolution at low temperatures based on low temperature solubility, which has been demonstrated for the first time.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 8275-8282
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01600H
Phonon transport in the nano-system of Si and SiGe films with Ge nanodots and approach to ultralow thermal conductivity
Ballistic phonon transport was observed in Si films containing Ge nanodots. In SiGe films containing Ge nanodots, thermal conductivity was drastically reduced close to that of amorphous materials due to alloy phonon scattering and nanodot scattering.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 4971-4977
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08499A
Iron-based nanoparticles for MR imaging-guided ferroptosis in combination with photodynamic therapy to enhance cancer treatment
MR imaging-guided a synergistic ferroptosis-photodynamic therapy strategy can enhance antitumor effects by accumulating intracellular ROS through the utilization of iron-based nanoparticles.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 4855-4870
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08757B
CoP2/Fe-CoP2 yolk–shell nanoboxes as efficient electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction
A MOF-on-MOF process affords novel hollow nanocrystals composed of CoP2 yolk and FexCo1−xP2 exhibiting excellent electrocatalytic performance for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 4569-4575
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08108F
Ultrasensitive chemiluminescence immunoassay with enhanced precision for the detection of cTnI amplified by acridinium ester-loaded microspheres and internally calibrated by magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles
Hydrogel microspheres sensitive to temperature as new potential signal enhancers and magnetic fluorescent nanoparticles as internal standards were used to establish a new CLIA method for the accurate diagnosis of cTnI in the human body.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 3275-3284
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08008J
Facile synthesis of 3D Ni@C nanocomposites derived from two kinds of petal-like Ni-based MOFs towards lightweight and efficient microwave absorbers
3D conductive networks constructed by decorating petal-like Ni-based MOFs on the surface of graphene nanosheets exhibit superior microwave absorption properties.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 3119-3135
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07991J
An asymmetric sandwich structural cellulose-based film with self-supported MXene and AgNW layers for flexible electromagnetic interference shielding and thermal management
An asymmetric sandwich film containing cellulose fiber skin layers and independent Ti3C2Tx MXene and silver nanowire core layers with multifunctional EMI shielding, and thermal conductive and solar-thermal energy conversion capacities.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2378-2388
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07840A
Photoresponse improvement of mixed-dimensional 1D–2D GaAs photodetectors by incorporating constructive interface states
A mixed-dimensional photodetector was constructed to convert the harmful surface states of low-dimensional materials into their constructive interface states.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 1086-1092
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06788A
Layer-by-layer coated nanoliposomes for oral delivery of insulin
Nanosulin – a highly stable multilayer insulin-coated nanoliposome, enhanced insulin permeation across the intestinal epithelium and maintained bioactivity via oral administration in vivo.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 776-789
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06104B
Highly dispersive Co3O4 nanoparticles incorporated into a cellulose nanofiber for a high-performance flexible supercapacitor
Transition metal oxides used as electrode materials for flexible supercapacitors have attracted huge attention due to their high specific capacitance and surface-to-volume ratio, specifically for cobalt oxide (Co3O4) nanoparticles.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 355-370
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06982E
About this collection
To mark the Lunar New Year, this web collection features some of the most popular articles published in Nanoscale in 2021 by corresponding authors based in Asia.
Congratulations to all of the authors whose articles have been featured!