Themed collection Recent Review Articles
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Soft skin layers for reconfigurable and programmable nanowrinkles
This Mini-review highlights reconfigurable nanowrinkles based on polymer skin layers and how they enable hierarchical structuring of thin functional materials.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23920-23928
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07054H
Overview of micro/nano-wind energy harvesters and sensors
Wind energy has attracted more and more attention among researchers in both energy harvesting and sensing fields. Here, the micro/nano wind energy harvesters and sensors are systematically reviewed and prospected.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23929-23944
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06373H
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Harnessing photo/electro-catalytic activity via nano-junctions in ternary nanocomposites for clean energy
Graphene-based ternary nanocomposite for visible light driven efficient HER.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23461-23479
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05782G
Traps in metal halide perovskites: characterization and passivation
Understanding and passivating the traps in metal halide perovskites for the fabrication of more stable and efficient devices.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 22425-22451
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05739H
Topochemical synthesis of low-dimensional nanomaterials
Over the past several decades, nanomaterials have been extensively studied owing to having a series of unique physical and chemical properties that exceed those of conventional bulk materials.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21971-21987
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04763E
Recent advances in surface-enhanced Raman scattering-based microdevices for point-of-care diagnosis of viruses and bacteria
This minireview reports the recent advances in surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS)-based assay devices for the diagnosis of infectious diseases.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21560-21570
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06340A
A minireview on multiparameter-activated nanodevices for cancer imaging and therapy
Tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive nanodevices are essential tools for cancer imaging and therapy.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21571-21582
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04080K
2D layered all-inorganic halide perovskites: recent trends in their structure, synthesis and properties
Here, we discuss the recent development in all-inorganic 2D layered halide perovskites highlighting their crystal structure, synthesis, transformations, and optical, thermoelectric, magnetic, and catalytic properties.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 21094-21117
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06138G
The synthetic strategies for single atomic site catalysts based on metal–organic frameworks
Various strategies for synthesizing single atomic site catalysts based on metal–organic frameworks are summarized and discussed.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 20580-20589
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05907B
Interfacial control and design of conductive nanomaterials for transparent nanocomposite electrodes
Facile charge transfer-modulated interfacial control and design for the development of high-performance transparent nanocomposite electrodes.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 20141-20157
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05961G
CO direct esterification to dimethyl oxalate and dimethyl carbonate: the key functional motifs for catalytic selectivity
The key functional motifs for the selectivity have been discussed in detail in this review. The isolated Pd is conducive for dimethyl carbonate (DMC), while the aggregated Pd is beneficial for dimethyl oxalate (DMO).
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 20131-20140
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03008B
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Dielectric films for high performance capacitive energy storage: multiscale engineering
This minireview summarizes the very recent advances in energy-storage dielectric films in the framework of engineering at multiple scales.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 19582-19591
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05709F
The impact of synthetic method on the catalytic application of intermetallic nanoparticles
This review seeks to connect the synthetic method and catalytic application of intermetallic nanoparticles to guide their future development.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 18545-18562
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04699J
Colloidal assembly in droplets: structures and optical properties
This review highlights recent progress in emulsion-templated colloidal clustering, especially focusing on novel structures of icosahedral, decahedral, and single-crystalline clusters.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 18576-18594
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04608F
Interfacial modification towards highly efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Highly efficient and stable PSCs have been achieved by interfacial modification of functional groups to adjust the work function, defects and vacancies, substrate wettability, formation and morphology, and recombination and transmission of carriers.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 18563-18575
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05136E
Precisely modulating the surface sites on atomically monodispersed gold-based nanoclusters for controlling their catalytic performances
The catalytic properties of atomically precise gold-based nanoclusters can be tailored by precisely modulating the surface sites on the nanoclusters.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 18004-18012
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04871B
Nanostructured manganese dioxide for anticancer applications: preparation, diagnosis, and therapy
Challenges and future perspectives on nanostructured manganese dioxide (MnO2) for anticancer applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 17982-18003
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04067C
Synthesizing 1D and 2D metal oxide nanostructures: using metal acetate complexes as building blocks
1D and 2D nanostructures are self-assembled after metal alkoxides react with acetic acid in a non-aqueous solvent.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 17971-17981
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03970E
Carbon-based materials for photo- and electrocatalytic synthesis of hydrogen peroxide
Advanced carbon-based materials are highlighted for light- and electricity-driven oxygen reduction and water oxidation towards hydrogen peroxide.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 16008-16027
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03178J
A Mini-Review: MXene composites for sodium/potassium-ion batteries
This paper reviews the latest research progress of MXenes and their composite materials in sodium and potassium ion batteries, briefly introduces the research background of SIBs, PIBs and MXenes, and focuses on the application of MXene composite materials in SIBs and PIBs.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 15993-16007
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04111D
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Correlative cathodoluminescence electron microscopy bioimaging: towards single protein labelling with ultrastructural context
We discuss the opportunities and challenges of correlative cathodoluminescence electron microscopy for biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 15588-15603
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02563A
Applications of pair distribution function analyses to the emerging field of non-ideal metal–organic framework materials
Pair distribution function, PDF, analyses are emerging as a powerful tool to characterize non-ideal metal–organic framework (MOF) materials with compromised ordering.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 15577-15587
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01673J
Structure and performance of the LiFePO4 cathode material: from the bulk to the surface
An overview of Li-ion transfer from the electrolyte to the solid–solution interface and then to the bulk.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 15036-15044
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03776A
Luminescent lanthanide metal–organic framework nanoprobes: from fundamentals to bioapplications
This minireview summarizes the recent advances in the emerging field of luminescent Ln-MOF nanoprobes, covering from fundamental insights to bioapplications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 15021-15035
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03373A
Nanomaterial synthesis, an enabler of amyloidosis inhibition against human diseases
We summarize current strategies for the synthesis and construction of nanoparticle inhibitors and probes against pathogenic amyloidosis.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 14422-14440
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR04273K
A minireview on doped carbon dots for photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications
This minireview highlights recent advances on photocatalytic and electrocatalytic applications of doped CDs with improved electronic structures.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 13899-13906
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR03163A
Characterizing electronic and atomic structures for amorphous and molecular metal oxide catalysts at functional interfaces by combining soft X-ray spectroscopy and high-energy X-ray scattering
Combined analyses by operando soft X-ray spectroscopy and high-energy X-ray scattering offers opportunities to unravel electronic and atomic structures that underpin interfacial catalysis.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 13276-13296
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02350G
Elemental red phosphorus-based materials for photocatalytic water purification and hydrogen production
In this review, the recent progress in RP-based materials, including the structure properties, synthesis strategies, and their applications in photocatalytic water purification and splitting is summarized.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 13297-13310
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01748E
Investigation on carrier mobility when comparing nanostructures and bands manipulation
Nanostructuring as an effective strategy to reduce thermal conductivity was well developed to enhance thermoelectric performance in the past decades.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 12741-12747
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02649B
Chemical and electrochemical synthesis of graphene oxide – a generalized view
This is a tutorial review based on the laboratory experience on the synthesis of graphene oxide using chemical and electrochemical methods.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 12731-12740
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02164D
Epitaxial graphene/Ge interfaces: a minireview
This review highlights recent progress in the studies of the growth and electronic properties of epitaxial graphene on Ge surfaces.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 11416-11426
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00185F
A review of the α-Fe2O3 (hematite) nanotube structure: recent advances in synthesis, characterization, and applications
This review highlights the recent advances regarding the α-Fe2O3 (hematite) nanotubes, from synthesis and characterization to the state-of-the-art applications for energy storage and conversion as well as environmental sensing and remediation.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 10912-10932
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR02705G
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
2D molybdenum disulphide nanosheets incorporated with single heteroatoms for the electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction
2D nanosheets give enhanced surface area to volume ratios in particle morphology and they can also provide defined surface sites to disperse foreign atoms.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 10447-10455
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01295E
Supramolecular chemistry of carbon nano-onions
An exhaustive and succinct minireview of the various reported approaches to the non-covalent surface modification of carbon nano-onions (CNOs).
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 9352-9358
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01713B
Layered transition metal dichalcogenide/carbon nanocomposites for electrochemical energy storage and conversion applications
Recent advances in layered transition metal dichalcogenide/carbon nanocomposites obtained by a rational approach for energy storage and conversion applications
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8608-8625
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01664K
From low to high-index facets of noble metal nanocrystals: a way forward to enhance the performance of electrochemical CO2 reduction
The high-index facets of noble metal NCs exhibited significantly higher catalytic activity in CO2 reduction reaction than the low-index facets due to the presence of greater density of low-coordinated atoms.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8626-8635
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01412E
From polymeric carbon nitride to carbon materials: extended application to electrochemical energy conversion and storage
This review highlights the latest research advancements regarding the electrochemical energy conversion and storage application from PCN to PCN-derived carbon materials.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8636-8646
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01612H
Less known facts and findings about TiO2 nanotubes
TiO2 nanotubes: Less known facts and findings which are dictating growth and applications are highlighted – this involves: spaced tubes, alloy anodization, particle decoration, substrate dependent growth and nanotwin grain boundaries.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8119-8132
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00367K
Breaking symmetry in device design for self-driven 2D material based photodetectors
By elaborating the concept of symmetry breaking in 2D material based photodetectors, we give a concise and generalized framework which covers existing photodetectors with self-driven properties.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8109-8118
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01326A
Plasmonically enabled two-dimensional material-based optoelectronic devices
The recent progress in the use of surface plasmons to improve the performance of two-dimensional material-based optoelectronic devices is discussed.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8095-8108
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10755J
Substrate induced strain for on-surface transformation and synthesis
The substrate-induced strain is a promising alternative for on-surface transformation and synthesis of atomically-precise novel functional nanomaterials.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 7500-7508
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR01270J
Functional carbon nitride materials for water oxidation: from heteroatom doping to interface engineering
Strategies for modifying polymeric carbon nitrides and their intrinsic structure–activity relationships for photo-, electro-, and photoelectro-chemical water oxidation are discussed.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 6937-6952
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR00652A
A fog-collecting surface mimicking the Namib beetle: its water collection efficiency and influencing factors
In the Namib Desert, beetles can obtain water by fog-basking. In this review, we discussed the water collection rate of surfaces inspired by beetles from three aspects: surface wettability, surface structure and surface distribution.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 6921-6936
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10808D
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
Controlled polymer crystal/two-dimensional material heterostructures for high-performance photoelectronic applications
The recent development of thin polymer films fabricated on the surfaces of various 2D nanomaterials for high-performance photoelectronic devices is reviewed, with control of the molecular and crystalline structures of the polymers on the 2D surface.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 5293-5307
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10911K
Spatially controlled lateral heterostructures of graphene and transition metal dichalcogenides toward atomically thin and multi-functional electronics
This review demonstrates growth and electronic applications of lateral heterostructures of graphene and TMDs, highlighting key technologies controlling wafer-scale growth of continuous films for practical applications.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 5286-5292
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10859A
Recent advances in white light-emitting diodes of carbon quantum dots
In this mini review, we update the latest research in the design of high-performance WLEDs with different correlated color temperatures by tuning the red component using red emissive CQDs and single-component white emissive CQDs.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 4826-4832
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10958G
Recent advances in pristine tri-metallic metal–organic frameworks toward the oxygen evolution reaction
This minireview summarizes the synthesis strategies to access trimetallic MOFs and their catalytic performances toward the oxygen evolution reaction.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 4816-4825
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10109H
Defect engineering in two-dimensional electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution
Defect engineering could provide rich active sites, optimized electronic structure and intimate anchoring of active species, displaying multiple roles in promoting the electrocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 4283-4294
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09753H
Recent advances of novel ultrathin two-dimensional silicon carbides from a theoretical perspective
Compared to graphene with semimetallic features, two-dimensional (2D) silicon carbide (Si–C) materials constitute another highly promising family for opto-electronic applications owing to their intrinsic electronic gaps.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 4269-4282
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08755A
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
Nanoscale boron carbonitride semiconductors for photoredox catalysis
Ceramic boron carbon nitrides are utilized as semiconductor for solar energy conversion. The photocatalyst provides a low-cost, robust, metal-free, and ambient method for sustainable photosynthesis.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3593-3604
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09333H
A mini-review: emerging all-solid-state energy storage electrode materials for flexible devices
New technologies for future electronics such as personal healthcare devices and foldable smartphones require emerging developments in flexible energy storage devices as power sources.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 3560-3573
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08722B
Copper chalcogenide materials as photothermal agents for cancer treatment
This work for the first time reviews the recent research progress of copper-based chalcogenide photothermal materials.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2902-2913
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR08737K
Light-activated nanozymes: catalytic mechanisms and applications
Introducing light to nanomaterial-based enzyme mimics, nanozymes, allowed a diverse range of applications from biosensor development, environmental remediation to therapeutics.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2914-2923
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR10822J
3D printing of bioinspired textured surfaces with superamphiphobicity
The advances in 3D printing of bioinspired textured surfaces with superamphiphobicity are summarized.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 2924-2938
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09620E
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
Transforming lanthanide and actinide chemistry with nanoparticles
This minireview summarizes and discusses recent progress on the use of nanoparticles in lanthanide and actinide chemistry. We examine different types of nanoparticles and critically analyze their performance in a comparative mode.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 1339-1348
https://doi.org/10.1039/C9NR09175K
A construction guide for high-nuclearity (≥50 metal atoms) coinage metal clusters at the nanoscale: bridging molecular precise constructs with the bulk material phase
A comprehensive review of different synthesis strategies for high-nuclearity clusters of copper, silver and gold.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 24331-24348
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05632D
Research advances in integrated theranostic probes for tumor fluorescence visualization and treatment
Fuorescent theranostic probes have developed rapidly in the field of precision medicine with their distinctive merit. This review, we described the design strategy and function of fluorescence-based probes in tumor visualization and treatment.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 24311-24330
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06867E
Topology of transition metal dichalcogenides: the case of the core–shell architecture
This review paper highlights the rich opportunities of curvature and architecture in transition metal dichalcogenides for improved material design.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23897-23919
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06660E
The microbial adhesive arsenal deciphered by atomic force microscopy
Microbes employ a variety of strategies to adhere to abiotic and biotic surfaces, as well as host cells.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23885-23896
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07492F
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Halloysite nanotubes – the nano-bio interface
The unique bio-nano interface of halloysite nanotubes with cellular systems and its impact on potential biotechnological and biomedical applications is presented and critically reviewed.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23444-23460
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06820A
Printed carbon nanotube thin-film transistors: progress on printable materials and the path to applications
This work reviews progress towards fully printed CNT-TFTs, highlighting advancements in material selection and processing for different device components.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23371-23390
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06231F
Boosting gas separation performance and suppressing the physical aging of polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM-1) by nanomaterial blending
The development of PIM-1 mixed matrix membranes using organic, inorganic and hybrid fillers towards the ideal gas separation enhancement.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23333-23370
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07042D
Recent advances in optical and optoelectronic data storage based on luminescent nanomaterials
The recent achievements in luminescent nanomaterials used in optical and optoelectronic data storage have been reviewed.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23391-23423
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06719A
Pd nanoparticles as a plasmonic material: synthesis, optical properties and applications
Pd as an alternative material for nanoplasmonics.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 23424-23443
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06270G
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
Rich information on 2D materials revealed by optical second harmonic generation
Second harmonic generation as a versatile tool for uncovering various properties of two-dimensional materials.
Nanoscale, 2020,12, 22891-22903
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06051H