Themed collection Nanoscale 2021 Lunar New Year Collection
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Materials engineering, processing, and device application of hydrogel nanocomposites
The integration of patterning technologies and functional hydrogel nanocomposites enables their advanced device applications such as sensors, actuators, energy devices, and tissue engineering scaffolds.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 10456-10473
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01456G
Recent progress in indoor organic photovoltaics
Organic photovoltaics are a promising candidate for indoor applications. Recent progresses in optimization of indoor photovoltaic materials and devices, and the key strategies to optimize the indoor photovoltaic characteristics will be discussed.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 5792-5804
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00816H
Recent progress and advances in the environmental applications of MXene related materials
MXenes are a new type of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbide or carbonitride material with a 2D structure similar to graphene.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3574-3592
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08542D
Recent advances in two-dimensional ferromagnetism: materials synthesis, physical properties and device applications
The recent advances in 2D ferromagnets are reviewed, including materials synthesis, ferromagnetism modulation, physical properties, and potential device applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2309-2327
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08890C
Integrated nano-architectured photocatalysts for photochemical CO2 reduction
Recent advances in nanotechnology, especially the development of integrated nanostructured materials, have offered unprecedented opportunities for photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23301-23332
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05884J
Conductive-bridging random-access memories for emerging neuromorphic computing
This review covers CBRAM-based artificial synapses and neurons towards emerging computing applications from the operation principles of CBRAMs to state-of-the-art experimental demonstrations.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 14339-14368
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01671C
Fundamental understanding of the acidic oxygen evolution reaction: mechanism study and state-of-the-art catalysts
A systematic summary of the acidic OER catalytic mechanism and catalysts is given, and some experimental phenomena are explained.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 13249-13275
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02410D
Functionalized mesoporous SBA-15 silica: recent trends and catalytic applications
Various strategies to functionalize SBA-15 mesoporous silica have been reviewed with a view to evaluating its efficacy in different catalytic transformation reactions.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 11333-11363
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00732C
Recent advances in two-dimensional-material-based sensing technology toward health and environmental monitoring applications
Low dimensional materials based sensors have improved the detection strategy for sensing complex substances present in environment and human body.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3535-3559
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10178K
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
FRACTAL: Signal amplification of immunofluorescence via cyclic staining of target molecules
We demonstrate a novel signal amplification technique that can amplify the signal intensity of immunofluorescence staining via simple cyclic staining of secondary antibodies.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23506-23513
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05800A
Efficient growth and characterization of one-dimensional transition metal tellurides inside carbon nanotubes
Confinement of van der Waals materials inside 1D carbon nanotubes leads to properties not observed in the bulk.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 17185-17190
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03129A
Assembling well-arranged covalent organic frameworks on MOF-derived graphitic carbon for remarkable formaldehyde sensing
A novel core–shell structured MOF-GC@COF heterostructure was synthesized with high sensing performance toward formaldehyde is presented.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 15611-15619
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03041D
Mesoporous carbon host material for stable lithium metal anode
Lithium metal is promising anode material for next-generation battery system. Here, mesoporous carbon material is applied as a host material and it extends Li metal's cycle life.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 11818-11824
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02258F
A two-dimensional Ru@MXene catalyst for highly selective ambient electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction
Compared with the traditional Haber–Bosch process, electrochemical ammonia synthesis has attracted much attention owing to its low energy consumption, low pollution potential, and sustainability.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 10933-10938
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00788A
Hierarchical CuO@ZnCo LDH heterostructured nanowire arrays toward enhanced water oxidation electrocatalysis
As a durable electrocatalyst for water oxidation, a hierarchical heterostructured CuO@ZnCo layered double hydroxide nanowire array on a copper foil requires a low overpotential of 270 mV to attain 10 mA cm−2 in 1.0 M KOH.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 5359-5362
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00752H
Water-induced fluorescence enhancement of lead-free cesium bismuth halide quantum dots by 130% for stable white light-emitting devices
We proposed a strategy of employing water-induced Cs3Bi2Br9/BiOBr nanocomposites to achieve a substantial enhancement in photoluminescence quantum yield by ∼130%.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3637-3645
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10075J
Plasmon-driven protodeboronation reactions in nanogaps
Hot charge carriers created by plasmons break the C–B bond of 4-mercaptophenylboronic acid, transforming it into benzenethiol in nanogaps.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 24062-24069
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07023H
An all-in-one theranostic nanoplatform based on upconversion dendritic mesoporous silica nanocomposites for synergistic chemodynamic/photodynamic/gas therapy
A NO-release platform based on upconversion dendritic mesoporous silica nanocomposites was invented for combined imaging-guided synergistic chemodynamic/photodynamic/gas therapy.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 24146-24161
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06790C
Broadband polarization-insensitive and wide-angle solar energy absorber based on tungsten ring-disc array
We find that the solar energy absorption efficiency is high under a solar spectrum at AM 1.5, and it also has polarization-independence and incidence insensitivity. Our absorber has the widest operating band compared with similar absorbers reported previously.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23077-23083
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04502K
Security use of the chiral photonic film made of helical liquid crystal structures
We designed a security-enhanced anti-counterfeiting tag using chiral photonic crystal films, which has polarization-dependent transmission color changes.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21629-21634
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03743E
Preparation of periodic mesoporous organosilica with large mesopores using silica colloidal crystals as templates
Periodic mesoporous organosilicas with precisely controlled pore sizes (>10 nm) were prepared using silica colloidal crystals as a template.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21155-21164
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03837G
Nanocomposite desalination membranes made of aromatic polyamide with cellulose nanofibers: synthesis, performance, and water diffusion study
Reverse osmosis membranes of aromatic polyamide (PA) reinforced with a crystalline cellulose nanofiber (CNF) were synthesized and their desalination performance was studied.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 19628-19637
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02915G
Two-dimensional electronic devices modulated by the activation of donor-like states in boron nitride
A two-dimensional (2D) layered material-based p–n diode is an essential element in the modern semiconductor industry for facilitating the miniaturization and structural flexibility of devices with high efficiency for future optoelectronic and electronic applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 18171-18179
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00231C
A direct Z-scheme PtS2/arsenene van der Waals heterostructure with high photocatalytic water splitting efficiency
To overcome current serious energy and environmental issues, photocatalytic water splitting holds great promise because it requires only solar energy as an energy input to produce hydrogen.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 17281-17289
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02286A
Dual-sensitized upconversion-assisted, triple-band absorbing luminescent solar concentrators
Luminescent solar concentrator-photovoltaic systems (LSC-PV) harvest solar light by using transparent photoluminescent plates, which is expected to be particularly useful for building-integrated PV applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 17265-17271
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01008A
Enhanced carrier transport by transition metal doping in WS2 field effect transistors
Both generalized atomic doping and localized contact decoration using transition metal, Cu, can significantly improve the contact condition and enhance the carrier transport of two-dimensional semiconductors.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 17253-17264
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01573C
Bi-MOF derived micro/meso-porous Bi@C nanoplates for high performance lithium-ion batteries
Micro/meso-porous Bi@C nanoplates are synthesized by pyrolyzing Bi-based MOFs prepared by a microwave-assisted hydrothermal method to overcome huge volume expansion and pulverization of anode materials during battery operation.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 15214-15221
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03219K
In situ semi-transformation from heterometallic MOFs to Fe–Ni LDH/MOF hierarchical architectures for boosted oxygen evolution reaction
Design an in-situ semi-transformation strategy for the development of Fe-Ni LDH/MOF hierarchical architecture exhibiting large accessible surface, open electron transport channel and multiple active sites to promote the electrocatalytic capacity.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 14514-14523
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02697B
The coexistence of threshold and memory switching characteristics of ALD HfO2 memristor synaptic arrays for energy-efficient neuromorphic computing
Coexistence of threshold and memory switching characteristics of ALD HfO2 memristor synaptic arrays for energy-efficient neuromorphic computing.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 14120-14134
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02335C
Implementation of an electrically modifiable artificial synapse based on ferroelectric field-effect transistors using Al-doped HfO2 thin films
Biological synaptic behaviors such as short-/long-term plasticity were implemented by ferroelectric polarization switching dynamics of Al-doped HfO2 ferroelectric gate insulators.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 13421-13430
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02401E
Origin of ferromagnetism and the effect of doping on Fe3GeTe2
Fe3GeTe2 is found to have antiferromagnetic ground state spin order in its stoichiometric phase. It is a defect and doping that make this material ferromagnetic.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 13501-13506
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10171C
Size- and temperature-dependent photoluminescence spectra of strongly confined CsPbBr3 quantum dots
Lead-halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are receiving much attention as a potential high-quality source of photons due to their superior luminescence properties in comparison to other semiconductor NCs.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 13113-13118
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02711A
Ni/Co bimetallic organic framework nanosheet assemblies for high-performance electrochemical energy storage
Multilayer NiCo-MOF nanosheet assemblies hold great potential as an electrode material for EES equipment. A facile one-pot synthesis procedure, high capacity and stable performance are prominent features of multilayer NiCo-MOF materials.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 10685-10692
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02016H
Engineering macrophage-derived exosomes for targeted chemotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer
A macrophage exosome coated nanoplatform for targeted chemotherapy of triple-negative breast cancer.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 10854-10862
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00523A
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Gold nanoclusters as electrocatalysts: size, ligands, heteroatom doping, and charge dependences
Results of this study provide clear design guidelines for developing highly active electrocatalysts using thiolate-protected gold and alloy clusters.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 9969-9979
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00702A
Oxygen vacancy control as a strategy to achieve highly reliable hafnia ferroelectrics using oxide electrode
Recently, hafnia ferroelectrics with two spontaneous polarization states have attracted marked attention for non-volatile, super-steep switching devices, and neuromorphic application due to their fast switching, scalability, and CMOS compatibility.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 9024-9031
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00933D
Utilization of metal–organic frameworks for the adsorptive removal of an aliphatic aldehyde mixture in the gas phase
Considerable efforts have been undertaken in the domain of air quality management for the removal of hazardous volatile organic compounds, particularly carbonyl compounds (CCs).
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8330-8343
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00234H
In vivo photothermal inhibition of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus infection by in situ templated formulation of pathogen-targeting phototheranostics
Herein, pathogen-targeting phototheranostic nanoparticles, Van-OA@PPy, are in situ developed for efficient elimination of MRSA infection, which is reflected by dual-modality magnetic resonance and photoacoustic imaging.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 7651-7659
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00181C
A robust Mn@FeNi-S/graphene oxide nanocomposite as a high-efficiency catalyst for the non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of hydrogen peroxide
Synthesis procedure of a Mn@FeNi-S/GO nanocomposite and its characterization and electrocatalytic performance.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 5961-5972
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09148C
Naturally derived honeycomb-like N,S-codoped hierarchical porous carbon with MS2 (M = Co, Ni) decoration for high-performance Li–S battery
A 3D electrocatalyst designed by ginkgo-nut derived porous carbon with CoS2 nanoparticles decoration exhibits a high Li–S battery performance. This is ascribed to a high binding energy towards LiPSs and a low Li+ diffusion energy barrier of CoS2.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 5114-5124
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10419D
Facile in situ fabrication of biomorphic Co2P-Co3O4/rGO/C as an efficient electrocatalyst for the oxygen reduction reaction
Biomorphic Co2P-Co3O4/rGO/C, consisting of Co2P-Co3O4 heterogeneous particles and rGO sheets on a C substrate, is in situ fabricated using G+ bacteria as both a P source and template, which leads to good electrocatalytic performances for the ORR.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 4374-4382
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10785A
Enhanced sodium storage kinetics by volume regulation and surface engineering via rationally designed hierarchical porous FeP@C/rGO
The kinetics and dynamic studies demonstrate that the superior sodium storage capability of FeP@C/rGO is attributed to the rational designed hierarchical porous nanoarchitecture with a high capacitive contribution and a small volume expansion.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 4341-4351
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09278A
Under-oil self-driven and directional transport of water on a femtosecond laser-processed superhydrophilic geometry-gradient structure
We report a simple, flexible and substrate-independent method for pumpless under-oil directional transport of water.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 4077-4084
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09902F
Enhanced activity of vancomycin by encapsulation in hybrid magnetic nanoparticles conjugated to a cell-penetrating peptide
We describe a novel antibiotic delivery system based on magnetic nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated to a cell-penetrating peptide (CPP).
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3855-3870
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09687F
Quinone/ester-based oxygen functional group-incorporated full carbon Li-ion capacitor for enhanced performance
Lithium ion capacitors (LICs) are regarded as one of the most promising energy storage devices since they can bridge the gap between lithium ion batteries and supercapacitors.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3677-3685
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10339B
A simple fluorescence aptasensor for gastric cancer exosome detection based on branched rolling circle amplification
Exosomes are membrane nanovesicles carrying molecular information that may reflect the biological and genetic characteristics of their parent cells.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2445-2451
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08747H
Inkjet printed uniform quantum dots as color conversion layers for full-color OLED displays
We proposed a new full-color display framework QD-OLEDs, where blue OLEDs are used as pump light, and red and green QDs are printed on color filters as color conversion layers.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2103-2110
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09086J
Photomultiplication type organic photodetectors based on electron tunneling injection
PM type OPDs are firstly achieved based on electron tunneling injection with electron-only transport properties.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 1091-1099
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09926C
An aqueous synthesis of porous PtPd nanoparticles with reversed bimetallic structures for highly efficient hydrogen generation from ammonia borane hydrolysis
Porous PtPd NPs with reversed bimetallic structures from Pd-on-Pt to Pt-on-Pd can be one-pot prepared in aqueous solution under the modulation of [C16mim]Cl and glycine and show superior catalytic activities for AB hydrolysis to produce hydrogen.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 638-647
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR07144J
About this collection
To mark the Lunar New Year, this web collection features some of the most popular articles published in Nanoscale in 2020 by corresponding authors based in Asia.
Congratulations to all of the authors whose articles have been featured!