Themed collection Nanoscale Most Popular 2021 Articles
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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
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
Encapsulation of gold nanoclusters: stabilization and more
Encapsulation of gold nanoclusters in polymers, silica or metal organic frameworks provides a simple route for improving their stability and other properties, for applications in bioimaging, sensing and catalysis.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 17199-17217
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04939A
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
Defects in ferroelectric HfO2
Following introduction to defects in classical ferroelectrics as well as in dielectric HfO2, this review covers recent experimental results on the impact of defects in ferroelectric HfO2 on its functional properties and resulting performance of memory devices.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 11635-11678
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01260F
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Effects of polyethylene glycol on the surface of nanoparticles for targeted drug delivery
The Effects of Surface Polyethylene Glycol on Nanoparticles' Fate. a. Mechanical properties. b. Stability. c. Drug encapsulation. d. Plasma proteins adsorption. e. Mucus penetration. f. Active targeting. g. Cellular internalization. h. Circulation time. i. Blood clearance.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 10748-10764
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02065J
Ab initio nonadiabatic molecular dynamics of charge carriers in metal halide perovskites
Atomistic details govern quantum dynamics of charge carriers in metal halide perovskites, which exhibit properties of solid state and molecular semiconductors, as revealed by time-domain density functional theory and nonadiabatic molecular dynamics.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 10239-10265
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR01990B
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Copper nanoclusters: designed synthesis, structural diversity, and multiplatform applications
Small copper nanoclusters (CuNCs) with atomic precisions and fascinating molecular-like properties have been discovered during last few decades. They have been widely applied for catalytic, biomedical, sensing, and optoelectronic applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6283-6340
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08489A
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
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Revisiting anodic alumina templates: from fabrication to applications
Review of Porous Anodic Aluminum Oxide (AAO or NAA) membranes: from fabrication, mechanisms, and internal and surface nanostructuration to applications.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2227-2265
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07582E
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
Advances in self-powered chemical sensing via a triboelectric nanogenerator
Self-powered chemical sensing via triboelectric nanogenerators is an emerging approach to continuous detection and analysis of chemical molecules on the human body and the surroundings.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2065-2081
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07770D
Dispersant-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation of 2D materials beyond graphene
Dispersant-assisted liquid-phase exfoliation allows the production of a wide range of water-based 2D material dispersions. This review provides an overview on this production method and also gives some perspectives on future research directions.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 460-484
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR05514J
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
About defect phenomena in ZnO nanocrystals
By reducing ZnO crystalline sizes from nano (50 nm) to a quantum dot (4 nm), intrinsic defect localization occurs, which changes the conductivity of ZnO from n-type to p-type.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 9160-9171
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00943E
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Scalable nanoprecipitation of niclosamide and in vivo demonstration of long-acting delivery after intramuscular injection
Controlling COVID-19 requires therapy and continued vaccination. Long-acting therapeutics offer options for test-and-cure strategies and overcome poor therapy adherence. Extended in vivo niclosamide exposure is demonstrated here as such a candidate.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6410-6416
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR00309G
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Controlled delivery of gold nanoparticle-coupled miRNA therapeutics via an injectable self-healing hydrogel
A novel injectable hydrogel drug delivery platform introduces miRNA therapeutics coupled to gold nanoparticles to cells in a 3D bioprinted heart valve disease model.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 20451-20461
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04973A
Efficient single-photon pair generation by spontaneous parametric down-conversion in nonlinear plasmonic metasurfaces
The presented work demonstrates a new efficient ultrathin entangled single-photon pair nanophotonic source based on spontaneous parametric down-conversion working at room temperature.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19903-19914
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05379E
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Enhanced surface area and reduced pore collapse of methylated, imine-linked covalent organic frameworks
Methylation of aldehyde nodes in Covalent Organic Frameworks leads to enhanced BET surface areas and reduced pore collapse compared to their non-methylated counterparts, which has been rationalized by DFT computations.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19446-19452
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05911D
Core-crosslinked, temperature- and pH-responsive micelles: design, physicochemical characterization, and gene delivery application
Stimuli-responsive block copolymer micelles can provide tailored properties for the efficient delivery of genetic material.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19412-19429
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04223H
MoS2 stacking matters: 3R polytype significantly outperforms 2H MoS2 for the hydrogen evolution reaction
Sodium naphthalenide exfoliated 3R polytype of MoS2 outperforms the 2H polytype due to much higher conversion to the metallic 1T phase.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19391-19398
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR03284D
Long-term stability and tree-ring oxidation of WSe2 using phase-contrast AFM
Phase contrast atomic force microscopy shows how tungsten diselenide oxidation evolves into complex patterns over 75 months, following season-dependent changes in the laboratory environment, in analogy with tree-rings in nature.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19238-19246
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR05413A
Design strategies of two-dimensional metal–organic frameworks toward efficient electrocatalysts for N2 reduction: cooperativity of transition metals and organic linkers
W3C12X12 (X = O, S, and Se) were screened as promising NRR electrocatalysts with an ultralow limiting potential.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 19247-19254
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR06366A
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
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
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
Rashba exciton in a 2D perovskite quantum dot
“Rashba excitons” in 2D perovskites have dispersion minima at non-zero quasimomenta. Implications to bright and dark confined excitons are presented.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 16769-16780
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04884H
One-step hydrothermal synthesis of porous Ti3C2Tz MXene/rGO gels for supercapacitor applications
Titanium carbide/reduced graphene oxide (Ti3C2Tz/rGO) gels were prepared by a one-step hydrothermal process.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 16543-16553
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR02114A
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
Understanding the interfacial charge transfer in the CVD grown Bi2O2Se/CsPbBr3 nanocrystal heterostructure and its exploitation in superior photodetection: experiment vs. theory
Efficient charge transfer in few-layer Bi2O2Se/CsPbBr3 NC heterostructure with type I band alignment paving the way for superior optoelectronic devices.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 14945-14959
https://doi.org/10.1039/D1NR04470B
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
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Inorganic nanohybrids combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria hiding within human macrophages
Ceria/bioglass nanohybrids significantly reduce bacterial survival inside human cells without harming the latter and overcome major shortcomings of conventional antibiotics.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 8224-8234
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08285F
Stiffening of DU145 prostate cancer cells driven by actin filaments – microtubule crosstalk conferring resistance to microtubule-targeting drugs
Cell stiffening induced by anticancer microtubule targeting drugs (MTDs) such as vinflunine (VFL), colchicine (COL), and docetaxel (DTX) can be driven by crosstalk between actin filaments and microtubules.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 6212-6226
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06464E
Group-IV(A) Janus dichalcogenide monolayers and their interfaces straddle gigantic shear and in-plane piezoelectricity
Broken inversion symmetry induces in-plane (d22) and shear piezoelectricity (d15) in Janus GeSSe (SnSSe) monolayers. Application of uniaxial tensile strain and formation of homo-bilayer raise them colossally to 267 pm V−1 and 604 pm V−1, respectively.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 5460-5478
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR07027K
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Stabilization effects in binary colloidal Cu and Ag nanoparticle electrodes under electrochemical CO2 reduction conditions
Colloidal Cu and Ag nanoparticles retain their shape during the CO2 reduction reaction (−0.8 V vs. RHE) due to immiscibility of the lattices and synergy at the nanoscale results in enhanced methane and C2 product formation.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 4835-4844
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR09040A
Improved synthesis of Ti3C2Tx MXenes resulting in exceptional electrical conductivity, high synthesis yield, and enhanced capacitance
EN-MILD approach for Ti3C2Tx MXene synthesis with an ultrahigh electrical conductivity of about 2.4 × 104 S cm−1.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 3572-3580
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR06671K
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
Nanotechnological immunoassay for rapid label-free analysis of candidate malaria vaccines
Oscillating micro-cantilever array enables immunoassay for single-step label-free analysis of candidate malaria vaccines. Differential read-out reveals epitope-specific timeline of malaria infection in complex serum samples.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 2338-2349
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08083G
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
Investigating the influence of block copolymer micelle length on cellular uptake and penetration in a multicellular tumor spheroid model
The efficient penetration of drug nanocarriers into tumors is an important prerequisite for therapeutic and diagnostic success.
Nanoscale, 2021,13, 280-291
https://doi.org/10.1039/D0NR08076D
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
Showcasing some of the most cited and most accessed articles published in Nanoscale during 2021.
Congratulations to all of the authors whose articles have been featured!