Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dongting Wang, Yifan Hu, Yuchen Li, Xiangchen Jia, Yuzhen Fang, Zhiliang Zhang, Xianxi Zhang
Summary: The study introduces a novel and uncomplicated wet-chemical method at room temperature for the self seeding preparation of three-dimensional hierarchically branched rutile TiO2 nanostructures. The technique utilizes titanate nanotubes as the precursor and employs a dissolution/precipitation/recrystallization process to obtain spindle-like rutile TiO2 and intermediate anatase phase, which serve as the substrates and nucleation precursor to grow the branches, resulting in the formation of 3D hierarchically branched rutile TiO2. When used as the photoanode in dye-sensitized solar cells, the hierarchical TiO2 exhibits a significantly improved power conversion efficiency of 8.32%, surpassing a typical TiO2 (P25) nanoparticle-based reference cell (eta = 5.97%) with the same film thickness. The exceptional performance is attributed to the effective combination of robust light scattering, substantial dye loading, and fast electron transport in the hierarchically branched rutile TiO2 nanostructures.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Zhu Qi, Yukari Miyazaki, Masami Sugasawa, Yingnan Yang, Nobuaki Negishi
Summary: We developed an antibacterial photocatalytic material for purifying drinking water by immobilizing Ag nanoislands on a robust TiO2 ceramic photocatalyst. The material showed significant bactericidal effects even under dark conditions, making it suitable for solar photocatalytic water purification under cloudy or rainy conditions.
JOURNAL OF WATER PROCESS ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Bi Fu, Jianjie Li, Huaide Jiang, Xiaoli He, Yanmei Ma, Jingke Wang, Chaoyang Shi, Chengzhi Hu
Summary: By modulating the morphology and microstructure of ferroelectric materials, the piezo-photocatalytic activity of ferroelectric/oxide semiconductor heterojunctions can be enhanced. In this study, BaTiO3 nanoparticles were used to construct BaTiO3@TiO2 hybrid nanofibers, which exhibited significant enhancement of synergetic piezo-photocatalytic effect under ultrasonic and ultraviolet light irradiation. The enhanced activity can be attributed to the enhancement of the piezotronic effect by single-crystalline ferroelectric nanoparticles and the nanoconfinement effect of nanofibers with high specific surface areas.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
J. A. Gonzalez-Calderon, J. C. Fierro-Gonzalez, M. G. Pena-Juarez, Elias Perez, A. Almendarez-Camarillo
Summary: This study investigated the effect of chemically modified titanium oxide nanotubes on the non-isothermal crystallization of polypropylene nanocomposites. The modified nanotubes showed significant shifts in crystallization temperature peaks and improved heterogeneous nucleation. The presence of the modifier reduced agglomeration and improved nucleation efficiency. The chemical modification of titanium oxide nanotubes plays an important role in enhancing the performance of the composite materials.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Ibraheem O. Ali, Tarek M. Salama, Ahmed A. Gawad, Ahmed A. El-Henawy, M. B. Ghazy, Mostafa F. Bakr
Summary: This study focuses on the synthesis of silver nanoparticles in the inner walls of titanate nanotubes through two different approaches. The results show that exposing a suspension of silver nitrate and pre-synthesized nanotubes to UV irradiation, followed by drying and heating, successfully leads to the synthesis of silver nanoparticles on the inner walls of the nanotubes. One of the approaches also involves calcinating the nanotubes, resulting in a transformation from a layered structure to a three-dimensional structure. Additionally, the synthesized silver nanoparticles exhibit high inhibitory effects on cancer cells and demonstrate excellent photocatalytic activity.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
S. Hejazi, S. Pour-Ali, M. S. Killian, S. Mohajernia
Summary: This mini-review summarizes recent research on the applications of anodic one-dimensional suboxide titania nanostructures with enhanced electrodics properties by introducing atomic-scale defects into the systems. Due to the unique semiconductive properties of TiO2 nanostructures, the main focus has been on photocatalytic applications, however, recent works show promise for electrochemical applications. Suboxide TiO2 nanotubes, with enhanced conductivity, are becoming promising electrodes for various applications.
ELECTROCHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brishty Deb Choudhury, Chen Lin, Sk Md Ali Zaker Shawon, Javier Soliz-Martinez, Hasina Huq, Mohammed Jasim Uddin
Summary: The study presents an improved photoanode with hierarchical microstructure of photoactive TiO2, along with the deposition of plasmonic nanoparticle Ag using photoreduction method. The branched structure of the photoanode increases dye loading, while Ag nanoparticles play multiple roles in enhancing light-to-current conversion efficiency. This novel design shows remarkably higher photon conversion efficiency compared to traditional structures.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Leonardo Fanton, Frida Loria, Mario Amores, M. Ruth Pazos, Cristina Adan, Rafael A. Garcia-Munoz, Javier Marugan
Summary: This study investigated the proliferation of osteoblast precursor cells on the surfaces of TiO2 nanowires (TNWs) grown by electrochemical anodization. The results showed lower cell proliferation rates on TNW surfaces compared to control samples without significant differences in cell survival. The relatively thin diameter and high density of TNWs may have affected cell proliferation.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Mohammad Qamar, Shabi Abbas Zaidi, Mohd Rafatullah, Mohammad Qutob, Sun-Jae Kim, Qasem A. Drmosh
Summary: The present study investigates the thermal stability and photocatalytic activity of TiO2-based nanotubes after post-hydrothermal treatment. It is found that post-hydrothermal heating improves the photocatalytic activity of the nanotubes by changing their phase structure and morphology. The holes and hydroxide ions are found to play a key role in the dye removal process. Additionally, the photocatalyst exhibits excellent stability and reusability.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Meng-Qi He, Yongjian Ai, Wanting Hu, Xiaomeng Jia, Lei Wu, Mingyu Ding, Qionglin Liang
Summary: By using DNA as an etching agent, it is possible to control the morphology and optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles, while also introducing fluorescence properties. This strategy allows for precise tuning of localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) and fluorescence-composited dual-mode signals.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Peng Zhou, Xuzhi Hu, Jie Li, Yan Wang, Henghao Yu, Zhaoyu Chen, Dong Wang, Yurong Zhao, Stephen M. King, Sarah E. Rogers, Jiqian Wang, Jian Ren Lu, Hai Xu
Summary: This work reports the design of a new peptide self-assembly strategy based on unusual alpha-sheet secondary structures. Microscopic imaging, neutron scattering, and spectroscopic measurements indicate the formation of highly ordered wide nanotubes and helical ribbons by two heterochiral peptides. Molecular dynamics simulations reveal the folding of these heteropeptides into alpha-sheets, supporting the proposed secondary structures.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Xiaolan Kang, Larissa Chaperman, Augustinas Galeckas, Souad Ammar, Fayna Mammeri, Truls Norby, Athanasios Chatzitakis
Summary: This study introduced a safe way to use toxic, yet efficient photocatalysts by integrating them into solid-state PEC cells. By loading CdS and CdSe crystalline nanoparticles on TiO2 nanotube arrays, the photocurrent density was significantly increased, and the system was able to operate effectively under varying humidity levels, showcasing potential for hydrogen production in off-grid and polluted areas.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Vishnu V. Kutwade, Ketan P. Gattu, Faizan Khan, Prakash Gajbar, Sumaiyya Shaikh, Ramphal Sharma
Summary: The research community is interested in metal sulfide/TiO(2-) based heterojunction photocatalysis for energy-efficient and environmentally benign treatment of aqueous dye pollutants. In this study, a low-cost and eco-friendly ZnMgS@TiO2 nanocomposite was prepared and its photocatalytic properties were investigated. The results showed that the ZnMgS@TiO2 photocatalyst exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity and good stability.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
M. Vinitha, G. Velraj
Summary: Polypyrrole (PPy) is a commonly used polymer with higher conductivity than other conducting polymers. Synthetic pure PPy and doped n-Ag2OPPy were characterized, showing excellent electrical properties and structural features. The increased conductivity is due to the additional effect of conductivity from the interfacial capacitive region.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS SCIENCE-MATERIALS IN ELECTRONICS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keying Guo, Maria Alba, Grace Pei Chin, Ziqiu Tong, Bin Guan, Michael J. Sailor, Nicolas H. Voelcker, Beatriz Prieto-Simon
Summary: This study explores layered carbon-stabilized pSi nanostructures as an electrochemical biosensor, demonstrating its excellent electrochemical properties and high sensitivity for DNA detection. The biosensor achieves a detection limit of 0.4 pM for a 28-nucleotide DNA sequence, two orders of magnitude lower than any other pSi-based electrochemical DNA sensors reported to date.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Agne Sulciute, Keita Nishimura, Evgeniia Gilshtein, Federico Cesano, Guido Viscardi, Albert G. Nasibulin, Yutaka Ohno, Simas Rackauskas
Summary: This study investigated the influence of morphology on the electrochemical properties of ZnO nanostructures, comparing tetrapods of different sizes, nanorods, and nanoparticles. The analysis revealed that large ZnO tetrapods had the highest active surface area and lowest peak separation value, close to theoretical values. It is established that the pore size in different ZnO nanostructures due to packing correlates with their electrochemical properties.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Rosangela Santalucia, Tiziano Vacca, Federico Cesano, Gianmario Martra, Francesco Pellegrino, Domenica Scarano
Summary: The morphology, structure, vibrational, and optical properties of MoS2/TiO2 hybrid nanostructures were investigated through various synthesis and characterization methods. It was found that the reactivity of TiO2 nanosheets and the interaction between MoS2 and TiO2 nanosheets were modified by the in situ approach.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Brishty Deb Choudhury, Chen Lin, Sk Md Ali Zaker Shawon, Javier Soliz-Martinez, Jose Gutierrez, Muhammad N. Huda, Federico Cesano, Karen Lozano, Jin Zhong Zhang, M. Jasim Uddin
Summary: Compared to flat devices based on rigid substrates, cable-shaped dye-sensitized solar cells have advantages of smaller size, light weight, easy fabrication, flexibility, and low cost. Researchers have successfully fabricated a flexible Pt-free counter electrode using ternary nickel cobalt selenide, which greatly enhances electrocatalytic activity and power conversion efficiency, showing promising applications in wearable electronic devices.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Federico Cesano, Mohammed Jasim Uddin, Alessandro Damin, Domenica Scarano
Summary: This paper presents a low-cost method for fabricating electrical functionalities on the outer surface of carbon-nanotube/polypropylene composites, and elucidates the potentials of multi-walled carbon nanotube/polypropylene composites through various investigation methods. Electronic circuits prototypes made of carbon nanotube networks replacing traditional components are also demonstrated.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jorge Cored, Christian Wittee Lopes, Lichen Liu, Jose Soriano, Giovanni Agostini, Benjamin Solsona, Rita Sanchez-Tovar, Patricia Concepcion
Summary: This study presents a detailed understanding of the interactions among the active components in gallium promoted Cu/ZnO catalysts, depending on the speciation of the gallium, and their effect in the CO2 hydrogenation to methanol. The promoting effect of Ga3+-doped in the wurtzite ZnO lattice is compared to that of a zinc gallate phase. It is found that the Ga3+-doped ZnO sample exhibits a strong inhibition of CO formation and an enhanced methanol formation, particularly under conditions where the reverse water gas shift reaction predominates. The catalytic performance is correlated with the microstructure of the catalyst, including a surface enrichment with reduced ZnOx species, stabilization of positive charged copper species, and an increase in the amount of surface basic sites for CO2 adsorption.
JOURNAL OF CATALYSIS
(2022)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Simas Rackauskas, Federico Cesano, Mohammed Jasim Uddin
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Marcos G. Farpon, Wilson Henao, Philipp N. Plessow, Eva Andres, Raul Arenal, Carlo Marini, Giovanni Agostini, Felix Studt, Gonzalo Prieto
Summary: A frontier challenge in single-atom catalysis is the design of fully inorganic sites that can emulate the high reaction selectivity of organometallic counterparts in homogeneous catalysis. Modulating the direct coordination environment in single-atom sites through the use of the oxide support's surface chemistry is a powerful strategy that has been underexplored. In this study, isolated Rh atoms stabilized on oxygen-defective SnO2 exhibited excellent TOF and nearly full selectivity in the gas-phase hydroformylation of ethylene, surpassing the thermodynamically favored olefin hydrogenation.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Mechanics
Alberto Ciampaglia, Raffaele Ciardiello, Federico Cesano, Giovanni Belingardi, Valentina Brunella
Summary: This study investigates the effect of carbon black dispersion on the mechanical and electrical properties of polyamide 6 and 6.6 matrices. By increasing the carbon black concentration, the elastic modulus increases by 12%. Results show that carbon black can functionalize thermoplastic polymers by activating conductive networks, with a percolation threshold of 13% wt. The sensitivity of conductivity to mechanical strain is analyzed in both direct and alternate current, and a novel model for estimating the material's gauge factor variation with applied electric frequency is proposed.
COMPOSITE STRUCTURES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Vera Truttmann, Florian Schrenk, Carlo Marini, Mireia Palma, Maricruz Sanchez-Sanchez, Christoph Rameshan, Giovanni Agostini, Noelia Barrabes
Summary: The reactivity of supported monolayer protected Au nanoclusters is influenced by their structural dynamics. The effect of different ligands on the core structure evolution of Au clusters supported on CeO2 was investigated under oxidative pretreatment and CO oxidation reaction. X-ray absorption and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy studies showed that the clusters evolve to a similar core structure above 250 degrees C, indicating the active role of ligand-support interaction in the reaction.
PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rosangela Santalucia, Paolo Negro, Tiziano Vacca, Francesco Pellegrino, Alessandro Damin, Federico Cesano, Domenica Scarano
Summary: In this contribution, MoS2 nanostructures were prepared on the surface of TiO2 nanoparticles through an in situ bottom-up approach, and a multi-technique approach was used to compare the properties of MoS2 slabs on different shaped TiO2 nanoparticles. The results showed that the bottom-up approach allowed for atomic-level growth of MoS2 slabs, leading to effective chemical interactions and enhanced photocatalytic activity. The crystal face heterojunctions between coexposed {101} and {001} facets of anatase TiO2, as well as the semiconductor heterojunctions between MoS2 and TiO2 nanostructures, were considered to play a crucial role in this process.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Chiara Mastropasqua, Antonino Veca, Alessandro Damin, Valentina Brunella, Federico Cesano
Summary: Nanocomposite materials with functional fillers have gained attention for their applications in smart materials, flexible electronics, and deformation sensing. This study investigated the use of CO2 laser irradiation to activate flexible artificial leathers containing graphene oxide (GO) in the polyurethane (PU) layer, creating conductive paths. The laser activation allowed for quick fabrication of printed circuits, and the laser-activated GO/PU regions demonstrated potential for electrical transport applications and embedded deformation sensors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hanna Cheropkina, Gianluca Catucci, Federico Cesano, Arianna Marucco, Gianfranco Gilardi, Sheila J. Sadeghi
Summary: It is advantageous to develop an in vitro platform for predicting the complexity of in vivo systems. The initial step involves identifying a xenobiotic that undergoes monooxygenation through two sequential enzymatic reactions. Pesticides, specifically metabolized by human flavin-containing monooxygenase 1 (hFMO1) and cytochrome P450 (CYP), serve as a suitable model for tandem reactions. By immobilizing hFMO1 on glassy carbon electrodes modified with graphene oxide (GO) and cationic surfactant didecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB), the feasibility of the in vitro platform is demonstrated. The bioelectrode successfully catalyzes the expected sulfoxide products of three pesticides and exhibits the ability to mimic complex metabolic reactions of xenobiotics within the human body when tested in a tandem system with hFMO1 and CYP3A4.
BIOELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2023)
Editorial Material
Chemistry, Physical
Federico Cesano
Summary: The Special Issue focuses on low-dimensional structures or systems with reduced spatial dimensions, resulting in unique properties. These materials are classified according to their dimensionality (0D, 1D, 2D, etc.), originating from nanoscience and nanotechnology. One review and eighteen research articles highlight recent developments and perspectives in the field of low-dimensional structures, showcasing the potential of these systems in various areas, including energy applications, biomedical sensors, and biotechnology.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Paolo Negro, Federico Cesano, Silvia Casassa, Domenica Scarano
Summary: Graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) is a promising solar-light-activated photocatalyst due to its thermal stability, environmentally friendly characteristics, and sustainability. However, its photocatalytic performance is limited by low surface area and fast charge recombination. Many efforts have been made to overcome these limitations by improving synthesis methods and proposing different structures. In this study, the nature of polymerised carbon nitride structures obtained from the direct heating of melamine under mild conditions was investigated using various analytical techniques and calculations. The results indicate the presence of highly condensed g-C3N4 domains embedded in a less condensed melon-like framework.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Alberto Rodriguez-Gomez, Samy Ould-Chikh, Wilson Henao, Giovanni Agostini, Gonzalo Prieto, Jorge Gascon
Summary: A series of Pt-Fe catalysts supported on mesoporous silica SBA-15 were prepared and studied, showing high activity and selectivity. However, detrimental structural changes occurred after reaction-regeneration cycles, which could be minimized by reactivation.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)