Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Oksana Tananaiko, Alain Walcarius
Summary: Sol-gel-derived silica thin films have attracted great interest for their applications as platforms for electrochemical sensors and biosensors. This review summarizes the major advances made with composite silica-based films in electroanalysis, including non-ordered composite films, vertically oriented mesoporous membranes, sol-gel bioencapsulation, and spectroelectrochemical sensors.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Violeta Purcar, Valentin Raditoiu, Florentina Monica Raduly, Alina Raditoiu, Simona Caprarescu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Mihai Anastasescu
Summary: Fluorinated silica materials were prepared through sol-gel processing to achieve antireflective and hydrophobic fluorinated hybrid films. The structure and surface properties of these films were investigated, showing good thermostability and low reflectance.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Z. A. A. Halim, M. A. Mat Yajid, N. Ahmad
Summary: The thermal degradation of mesoporous hydrated silica (MHS), mesoporous silica (MS), and alumina trihydrate (ATH) hybrid systems for flame retardant materials was investigated. The results show that MHS-ATH has higher thermal stability and a wider range of water release temperature, improving the flame retardancy effect compared to ATH.
Review
Materials Science, Ceramics
Leandro Trupp, Maria Claudia Marchi, Beatriz C. Barja
Summary: Research on lanthanide-based luminescent hybrid silica materials has grown significantly in recent decades, with the sol-gel technique being one of the most powerful methods for achieving this goal. This review focuses on the commonly used strategies for inserting luminescent lanthanide(III) complexes into a silica host and their potential applications.
JOURNAL OF SOL-GEL SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Zhen Zhang, Shuang Zhao, Kunfeng Li, Zhifang Fei, Guobing Chen, Peng Zhang, Zichun Yang
Summary: In this study, hydrophobic and low-density silica-based gels were prepared using a self-catalyzed gelling process and ambient drying method. These gels have potential to be used as alternatives in cryogenic applications due to their reversible deformation, high failure strength, and low thermal conductivity at low temperatures.
Article
Materials Science, Ceramics
Tarcizo da Cruz C. de Souza, Ana Cristina de Oliveira Melo, Tiago Campolina Barbosa, Carlos Viana Martins, Luiz Orlando Ladeira, Manuel Houmard
Summary: Nanostructured silica synthesized by sol-gel method was used as a support for multi-walled carbon nanotubes synthesis through catalytic chemical vapor deposition process. Three different methods to incorporate the iron-based catalyst on the silica support were studied to identify its influence on the structural characteristics of the synthesized MWCNTs, aiming to develop advanced hybrid composites with better structural properties. Characterization of the synthesized hybrid composites showed modifications in terms of graphitization degree, morphology, and thermal stability of the MWCNTs, influenced by the catalyst incorporation method.
CERAMICS INTERNATIONAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Baoming Zhou, Yongling Wu, Hongyu Zheng
Summary: In this study, a two-step method utilizing electrochemical assisted deposition (EAD) and dip coating was used to create a superhydrophobic self-cleaning surface on copper substrate. The method involved forming a porous and hierarchical silica basecoat using a precursor solution, and then applying a superhydrophobic top-coat. The resulting coating exhibited excellent stain resistance and chemical stability, making it a promising option for protective coatings on complex surfaces.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Mandana Khaksar, Layth S. Jasim, Makarim A. Mahdi, Waleed K. Abdulsahib, Mehdi Mousavi-Kamazani, Masoud Salavati-Niasari
Summary: This study focuses on the hydrogen storage ability of sol-gel synthesized Ce2Y2O7 nanoribbons as active materials. The impact of different carbonous materials (such as graphene oxide, nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots, and g-C3N4) on the hydrogen storage capacity of Ce2Y2O7 nanoribbons was compared. The carbonous nanocomposites provided were characterized using various methods to identify their phase purity, shape, and porosity. Galvanostatic charge-discharge profiles were performed for all samples to achieve optimal capacitance. The results showed that the nanocomposites of GO/Ce2Y2O7, N-GQDs/Ce2Y2O7, and g-C3N4/Ce2Y2O7 had maximum discharge capacities of 656, 686, and 757 mAhg(-1), respectively, while pristine Ce2Y2O7 nanoribbons had a discharge capacity of 643 mAhg(-1) after 15 cycles.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Violeta Purcar, Valentin Raditoiu, Alina Raditoiu, Florentina Monica Raduly, Georgiana Cornelia Ispas, Simona Caprarescu, Adriana Nicoleta Frone, Bogdan Trica, Cristian-Andi Nicolae, Mihai Anastasescu, Hermine Stroescu
Summary: A simple and inexpensive method was reported for preparing transparent and hydrophobic hybrid coatings on PVC substrates by depositing different silica materials using sol-gel method. The hybrid silica coatings showed increased transparency and hydrophobicity on PVC substrates, making them suitable for outdoor applications. Characterization techniques including FTIR, UV/Vis spectroscopy, TEM, TGA, AFM, SE, and water contact-angle measurements were used to analyze the obtained materials.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sergei Galyshev, Evgeniya Postnova, Olga Shakhlevich, Dmitrii Agarkov, Ekaterina Agarkova, Alexey Nekrasov, Rais Mozhchil
Summary: This study focuses on the chemical and phase composition of a carbon fiber coating obtained by the electrochemical sol-gel method. The experimental data from various methods show the coating consists of amorphous silicon oxide and crystalline potassium carbonate, with optimal heat treatment temperature at around 870 degrees C. The study also estimates the loss of fiber strength during the coating process.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Andrea Erigoni, Urbano Diaz
Summary: Organic-inorganic hybrid catalysts, especially those based on silica, have been extensively researched due to their combination of structural stability and versatility. This review focuses on the synthetic tools and chemistry behind the sol-gel syntheses of hybrid catalysts, as well as exemplificative studies on mono- and multi-functional silica-based catalysts with different active sites. Materials obtained through various approaches are compared in terms of properties and catalytic performances, aiming to provide useful information for researchers in the field.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Violeta Purcar, Valentin Raditoiu, Florentina Monica Raduly, Alina Raditoiu, Mihai Anastasescu, Monica Popa, Simona Caprarescu, Raluca Somoghi, Mariana Constantin, Cristina Firinca, Georgiana Cornelia Ispas
Summary: The main objective of this study was to develop a straightforward and cost-effective method to prepare hybrid coatings by depositing silver-based silica materials on glass substrates under ambient air conditions. The synthesized silica materials containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were found to have AgNPs embedded within the silica matrix. The resulting hybrid coatings exhibited a significant reflectance.
Article
Polymer Science
Jakub Szewczyk, Daniel Aguilar-Ferrer, Emerson Coy
Summary: This review provides an overview of the current state of the art in the electrochemistry of polydopamine nanomaterials and their applications in the field of electrochemical analysis and sensing. The review covers topics such as the electrochemical oxidation mechanism of dopamine, the formation of polydopamine thin films, and the use of polydopamine in the construction and functionalization of electrochemical sensors. Future developments and prospects in the field are also outlined.
EUROPEAN POLYMER JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Michelina Catauro, Pavel Siler, Jiri Masilko, Roberta Risoluti, Stefano Vecchio Ciprioti
Summary: The present study investigated the structure, morphology, thermal behavior, and bacterial growth analysis of novel three-component hybrid materials synthesized by the sol-gel method. The materials were found to be amorphous and homogeneous regardless of the content of PEG or CGA. The PEG-rich materials retained a lower content of water, while the materials containing CGA had a higher water content due to a larger number of H-bonds with water.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Olga A. Kamanina, Elizaveta A. Lantsova, Pavel V. Rybochkin, Vyacheslav A. Arlyapov, Evgeniya A. Saverina, Natalia S. Kulikovskaya, Alexander M. Perepukhov, Anatoly N. Vereshchagin, Valentine P. Ananikov
Summary: This study presents a novel hybrid biocatalyst design that combines the individual efficiency of microorganisms while avoiding negative interactions between them. The immobilized microorganism mixture showed excellent performance in determining the biochemical oxygen demand in real water samples.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
W. Duan, M. Torras, A. Roig, C. Fernandez-Sanchez, M. Gich
Summary: Intensive water quality monitoring due to new wastewater regulations requires the development of fast and affordable analytical technologies. Electrochemical sensors are potential alternatives for sensitive analysis of environmentally relevant chemicals and require easily processed and mass-produced analyte-specific electrodes. This study investigates different methods to prepare composites for COD analysis in wastewater, evaluating their analytical performance and characterizing their microstructure and crystallinity.
MATERIALS TODAY CHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Javier Hoyo, Arnau Bassegoda, Guillem Ferreres, Dolores Hinojosa-Caballero, Manuel Gutierrez-Capitan, Antoni Baldi, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez, Tzanko Tzanov
Summary: Current procedures for assessing chronic wound infection are time-consuming and require complex instruments and trained personnel. This study developed a foldable paper-based device for detecting the enzyme myeloperoxidase (MPO) in wound fluids, which is a suitable biomarker for wound infection diagnosis. The device showed efficient analytic performance in ex vivo experiments and correlated strongly with a spectrophotometric assay.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wenchao Duan, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez, Marti Gich
Summary: The study shows that bread waste can be recycled and valorized to produce a composite conductive material with excellent properties for chemical sensor applications. The material preparation is sustainable, low-cost, simple, and upscalable, making it suitable for large-scale manufacturing of single-use electrochemical sensors for the rapid analysis of halogenated organic pollutants in waters.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Electrochemistry
Wenchao Duan, Martha Raquel Baez-Gaxiola, Marti Gich, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez
Summary: Halogenated organic compounds are widely found in water due to human activities, and some of them pose risks to the environment and human health. This study develops a simple miniaturized electrochemical sensor for rapid detection of sucralose and trichloroacetic acid. The sensor uses a nanocomposite material made from bread waste as the working electrode, and a paper disk loaded with reagents for sample conditioning to simplify the analysis process. The sensor can be connected to a low-power instrument and a mobile phone, making it suitable for on-site analytical studies.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Wenchao Duan, F. Javier del Campo, Marti Gich, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez
Summary: The need for fast, user-friendly, and cost-effective analytical approaches to water quality control and management has increased as the importance of water for human and environmental health is being recognized. This study presents the fabrication and assessment of a simple electrochemical sensor for measuring dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD) in water samples from urban wastewater treatment plants (UWWTP). The sensor is fabricated using screen printing and includes a three-electrode cell configuration with a working electrode made of a composite material containing a porous carbon matrix and copper nanoparticles. A unique feature of this device is the use of a paper disk loaded with sodium hydroxide to filter the sample and condition the pH. The sensor allows for measurements by casting a small sample drop without any further user intervention. The fabrication process can be scaled up for mass production. The sensor's performance is evaluated using glucose as a standard analyte, and it shows a linear range up to 400 mg L-1 O2 with a limit of detection of 26 mg L-1 O2, well below the EU legal concentration limit for UWWTP effluents. Real water samples were also analyzed, and the COD sensor values were found to agree with those obtained using the standard dichromate method at a certified laboratory. This miniaturized sensor platform simplifies the analytical procedure for measuring COD, allowing for rapid decentralized analysis and precise control of urban wastewater treatment.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Wenchao Duan, Murat Gunes, Antonio Baldi, Marti Gich, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez
Summary: This paper describes the manufacturing and application of a miniaturized electrochemical sensor for measuring dissolved chemical oxygen demand (COD) in surface waters entering and exiting urban wastewater treatment plants. The sensor is produced using thin-film carbon electrodes and electrodepositing copper nanoparticles, allowing for a high linear range and low detection limit. It provides real-time monitoring of soluble organic load in urban wastewater.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
C. R. S. Haines, M. Gich, J. L. Garcia-Munoz, A. Romaguera, Z. Ma, M. B. Costa, M. A. Carpenter
Summary: Resonant Ultrasound Spectroscopy was used to investigate the elastic and anelastic properties of e-Fe2O3 as functions of temperature and magnetic field strength. It was found that magnetic ordering caused strains, but did not result in elastic softening. The magnetic and thermal history of the material affected its stiffening or softening during heating. The study also revealed that e-Fe2O3 exhibited both piezoelectric and piezomagnetic properties, and the magnetic domain structure and magnetic field had an impact on the acoustic resonance frequencies.
JOURNAL OF MAGNETISM AND MAGNETIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Critical Care Medicine
Aina Areny-Balaguero, Anna Sole-Porta, Marta Camprubi-Rimblas, Elena Campana-Duel, Adrian Ceccato, Anna Roig, Daniel Closa, Antonio Artigas
Summary: Sepsis is a complex syndrome caused by infection that often leads to death in infectious diseases. Personalized management is necessary due to the complexity and heterogeneity of sepsis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have the potential to tailor sepsis treatment and diagnosis, and advancements in EV-based therapies are discussed in this article. The use of hybrid and fully synthetic nanocarriers that mimic EVs is also explored. Pre-clinical and clinical studies are reviewed to provide an overview of the current and future perspectives of EV-based sepsis diagnosis and treatment.
INTENSIVE CARE MEDICINE EXPERIMENTAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Shu Wang, Meritxell Rovira, Silvia Demuru, Celine Lafaye, Jaemin Kim, Brince Paul Kunnel, Cyril Besson, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez, Francisco Serra-Graells, Josep Maria Margarit-Taule, Joan Aymerich, Javier Cuenca, Ilya Kiselev, Vincent Gremeaux, Mathieu Saubade, Cecilia Jimenez-Jorquera, Danick Briand, Shih-Chii Liu
Summary: Biomarkers in sweat can be used to evaluate the physiological conditions of athletes. This study presents a wearable sweat biomonitoring patch that can record and predict physiological biomarkers in real-time, showing promising applications for athletes performing endurance exercise.
IEEE TRANSACTIONS ON BIOMEDICAL CIRCUITS AND SYSTEMS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Manuel Gutierrez-Capitan, Ana Sanchis, Estela O. Carvalho, Antonio Baldi, Lluisa Vilaplana, Vanessa F. Cardoso, Alvaro Calleja, Mingxing Wei, Roberto de la Rica, Javier Hoyo, Arnau Bassegoda, Tzanko Tzanov, Maria-Pilar Marco, Senentxu Lanceros-Mendez, Cesar Fernandez-Sanchez
Summary: This study demonstrates a unique and easily deployable multiplex device that can simultaneously measure interleukin-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase biomarkers in sputum, aiming to facilitate the timely detection of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Wid Mekseriwattana, Witthawat Phanchai, Tipparat Thiangtrongjit, Onrapak Reamtong, Theerapong Puangmali, Patompon Wongtrakoongate, Anna Roig, Kanlaya Prapainop Katewongsa
Summary: This study investigated the interactions of SPIONs with ariboflavin (Rf)-citrate ligand with proteins in human serum, as well as the interactions with riboflavin carrier protein (RCP). The results showed that citrate-coated SPIONs exhibited stronger binding to RCP, while Rf-coated SPIONs had lower binding affinity to serum proteins. These findings are important for improving the functionality of Rf ligand, enhancing specific cellular interactions, and improving the Rf-SPIONs as MRI contrast agents for breast cancer.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Nanthilde Malandain, Hector Sanz-Fraile, Ramon Farre, Jorge Otero, Anna Roig, Anna Laromaine
Summary: There is a growing interest in developing natural hydrogel-based scaffolds for three-dimensional cell culture. In this study, type I collagen was mixed with bacterial nanocellulose fibers (BCf) to create reinforced scaffolds with improved mechanical properties. The composite hydrogels showed increased stiffness compared to collagen hydrogels alone, while maintaining the same viscoelastic response.
ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Johanna van Gent, Anna Roig
Summary: Bacterial cellulose (BC) is a biopolymer with multiple applications in the biomedical field. By functionalizing BC with CeO2 NPs, a composite material with self-regenerating antioxidant properties is achieved. Low-temperature in situ syntheses of CeO2 NPs in BC enables the formation of BC-CeO2 composites that exhibit enhanced antioxidant performance due to the incorporation of zirconium.
