Review
Energy & Fuels
Jelby George, Manoj Balachandran
Summary: Extrinsic pseudocapacitance is a widely explored field in the energy storage industry. It can be imparted to diffusion-controlled energy storage materials through external methods, which helps narrow the boundary between battery-type and pseudocapacitive systems. This review provides insight into the significance of extrinsic pseudocapacitance, as well as recently reported materials, methods, and devices. The future outlook and challenges in transforming this mechanism into next-generation energy storage devices are also discussed.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenjie Zhang, Huimin Kong, Zhennan Wu, Qaofeng Yao, Linan Wang, Liang Quo, Yanjie He, Xiaoguang Qiao, Xinchang Pang, Jianping Xie
Summary: The controlled synthesis of ultrasmall metal nanocluster (NC) assemblies with a specific size and number of NCs can be achieved using star-like diblock copolymer unimolecular micelles as a scaffold. The length of the P4VP block in the polymers can be adjusted to control the size of the NC assemblies. Thiolate ligands play a crucial role in determining the size of individual nanoclusters and enhancing the stability of the NC assemblies, which have promising applications in catalysis, optics, and biomedicine.
CHEMISTRY OF MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Daoqing Fan, Jiale Ou, Ling Chen, Lichao Zhang, Zhiren Zheng, Haizhu Yu, Xiangming Meng, Manzhou Zhu
Summary: Recent decades have seen significant progress and promising applications of nanozymes in catalysis and bioclinics. However, the complicated synthetic procedures and harsh conditions pose challenges. This study presents a simple and robust one-pot method for preparing monodisperse, ultrasmall gold clusters with peroxidase-like activity. The clusters exhibited good biocompatibility and cell imaging ability, suggesting their potential as multi-functional materials.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Silan Wang, Qinzhen Li, Sha Yang, Haizhu Yu, Jinsong Chai, Manzhou Zhu
Summary: This study investigates the role of hydrogen bonding interactions in regulating the fluorescence properties of nanoclusters and demonstrates the importance of hydrogen bonds in this process through experiments.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Weizhi Gong, Mingjun Wang, Yi An, Junli Wang, Liexing Zhou, Yi Xia, Chunjian Wang, Kun Dong, Cheng Pan, Rongfeng Zhou
Summary: Chiffon-like and hydrotalcite-like alpha-Co(OH)2 nanoflakes were synthesized for extrinsic pseudocapacitive electrode, exhibiting high capacitance, excellent rate capability, and superb cycling stability. The study also highlights the importance of morphology and size design in enhancing the electrochemical energy-storage performance.
JOURNAL OF ENERGY STORAGE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Huihui Zhang, Dan Yang, Tianyi Ma, Han Lin, Baohua Jia
Summary: The production of high-capacitance electrodes beyond the theoretical limit of pure graphene materials has been achieved by rational design and a simple process, resulting in ultrafast fabrication of high-performance graphene/MnO electrodes with an ultrahigh capacitance.
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Xue Feng, Yuxiang Xue, Sevil Gonca, Kunlang Ji, Mei Zhang, Francisco R. Garcia-Garcia, Quan Li, Yi Huang, Konstantin V. Kamenev, Xianfeng Chen
Summary: The intrinsic pathological characteristics of tumor microenvironments limit the deep penetration of nanomedicines, but magnetophoresis using external magnetic force shows promise in improving their tumor penetration. However, current research mainly focuses on large nanoparticles, neglecting ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (Fe3O4) nanoparticles.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhi Wang, Rakesh Kumar Gupta, Fahri Alkan, Bao-Liang Han, Lei Feng, Xian-Qiang Huang, Zhi-Yong Gao, Chen-Ho Tung, Di Sun
Summary: The structural transformation of metal nanoclusters has been of great interest, but the mechanisms and intermediates are still unclear. In this study, a flexible 54-nuclei silver cluster (Ag54) was synthesized and its transformation mechanism was revealed. Different silver clusters showed varying catalytic activities in the reduction reaction.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Shihua Li, Jing Wei, Qiaofeng Yao, Xiaorong Song, Jianping Xie, Huanghao Yang
Summary: Photoluminescence (PL) imaging is a critical tool for disease diagnosis, therapeutic evaluation, and surgical navigation. However, developing high-efficiency nanoprobes for in vivo imaging and clinical translation remains a challenge. This review discusses the progress in engineering sub-10 nm ultrasmall luminescent nanoprobes for in vivo PL bioimaging and highlights their unique advantages. The challenges in this field and strategies for improving in vivo PL bioimaging and clinical applications are also addressed.
CHEMICAL SOCIETY REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Patricia Perez Schmidt, Katiuscia Pagano, Cristina Lenardi, Marta Penconi, Ruth Mateu Ferrando, Claudio Evangelisti, Luigi Lay, Laura Ragona, Marcello Marelli, Laura Polito
Summary: This study presents a simple photo-induced synthesis method for the production of Glyco-UAuNPs using a reliable microfluidic approach at room temperature. The method eliminates the need for chemical reductants, templating agents, or co-solvents and demonstrates good feasibility and stability. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, the study shows a linear correlation between the exposed thiol ligands on the UAuNPs and the ligand concentration in the initial mixture, providing a precise design method for engineered UAuNPs or smart hybrid nano-systems.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Lizhong He, Xinhai He, Junbo Wang, Yunlong Wu, Yanyan Song, Xiaozhe Zhang
Summary: This work reports the phenomenon of co-crystallization induced emission in two atomically precise and different size nanoclusters for the first time, characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. The enhanced radiative transitions in the crystalline state are attributed to the significant restriction of intra- and inter-molecular vibrations by noncovalent interactions in the nanoclusters' crystalline state.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Feng Hu, Zong-Jie Guan, Gaoyuan Yang, Jia-Qi Wang, Jiao-Jiao Li, Shang-Fu Yuan, Gui-Jie Liang, Quan-Ming Wang
Summary: The study focuses on the boundary between molecular and metallic gold nanoclusters, presenting the synthesis and structural determination of the largest all-alkynyl-protected gold nanocluster, Au-156. The cluster's rod shape with concentric core structure displays metal-like electron dynamics, suggesting Au-156 as a key crossover cluster for the transition from molecular to metallic state. The shape of the cluster is identified as one of the crucial factors in determining the molecular or metallic nature of a gold nanocluster.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Dipankar Bain, Aarti Devi, Sikta Rashi, Sikta Chakraborty, Sarita Kolay, Amitava Patra
Summary: This study explores the aggregation-induced emission (AIE) phenomenon of D-penicillamine-capped Au-14 nanoclusters (NCs) by introducing Zn2+ ions with intriguing photophysical properties. The electrostatic interaction between the carboxylate groups of penicillamine ligands and Zn2+ ions forms large cross-linked aggregated structures, resulting in an enhancement of photoluminescence quantum yield in Au-14 NCs. The photophysical properties of these aggregates are controlled by pH, and the coordinating mechanism of Zn2+ ions with Au-14 NCs can be regulated by introducing or removing Zn2+ ions. These aggregates are used as probes with high sensitivity for the detection of Zn2+ ions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rizwan Khan, Malenahalli H. Naveen, Muhammad A. Abbas, Junghyun Lee, Hahkjoon Kim, Jin Ho Bang
Summary: Investigating photoelectrode interfaces is challenging due to complex charge carrier pathways, and photodegradation can significantly alter interfacial properties. The photodegradation of Au nanoclusters results in the formation of photoactive Au nanoparticles that can form Schottky barriers with TiO2, affecting interfacial band structures. The injection of electrons into TiO2 and subsequent electron trapping at deep surface trap states play a vital role in the photodegradation process, while the enhancement of photocurrent is attributed to multiple overlooked effects of Au NPs.
ACS ENERGY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Deborah Sultan, Wenjun Li, Lisa Detering, Gyu Seong Heo, Hannah P. Luehmann, Daniel Kreisel, Yongjian Liu
Summary: This study validates CCR2 as a useful marker for atherosclerosis and suggests the potential of Cu-64-AuNC-ECLli as a targeted molecular imaging probe for future clinical translation.
NANOMEDICINE-NANOTECHNOLOGY BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Electrochemistry
Maurya D. Gyanprakash, Prashant Kumar Gupta, Gyan Prakash Sharma, Raj Ganesh S. Pala
Summary: This study demonstrates a material design strategy to enhance the electrocatalytic activity for oxygen evolution reaction through repetitive charge/discharge supercapacitor cycling of Co3V2O8. The alteration of electronic structure and increase in electronic conductivity are achieved by stabilizing more active components on the surface and increasing oxygen vacancies.
ELECTROCHIMICA ACTA
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Sharda Mundotiya, Rupesh Singh, Sulay Saha, Rohit Kakkar, Sachin Pal, Deepak Kunzru, Raj Ganesh S. Pala, Sivakumar
Summary: This study investigates the effect of Na on Ni-promoted MoS2 during the HDS of dibenzothiophene (DBT), revealing that Na reduces the HDS activity by replacing Ni sites and making the hydrogen dissociation step more endothermic. An increase in Na concentration decreases the HDS of DBT but has a nonmonotonic effect on the selectivity of different mechanistic pathways. Incorporation of Na in Ni-promoted MoS2 enhances the selectivity towards a cost-effective direct desulfurization (DDS) pathway, although the selectivity decreases after reaching an optimal Na concentration.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chandresh Kumar Rastogi, Shilendra Kumar Sharma, Sayantan Sasmal, Raj Ganesh S. Pala, Jitendra Kumar, Sri Sivakumar
Summary: Incorporating suitable lanthanide ions into semiconducting WO3 enables host-sensitized luminescence for solid-state lighting applications. Codoping with additional lanthanide ions assists in transferring energy to produce bright luminescence based on the electronic structure of the doped system. The role of Tb3+ ions as a sensitizer to facilitate emission from Eu3+ ions has been investigated, leading to the development of a white-light-emitting phosphor with optimized doping concentrations.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Gyan Prakash Sharma, Prashant Kumar Gupta, Shilendra Kumar Sharma, Raj Ganesh S. Pala, Sri Sivakumar
Summary: The effect of sulfur doping in Co3V2O8 on the electrochemical performance of supercapacitors was explored, resulting in enhanced ECSA and electronic conductivity, leading to improved specific capacity and rate capability. S-doped Co3V2O8 showed high performance in both aqueous and non-aqueous electrolytes, demonstrating its potential for high-energy storage systems. Additionally, doping with other chalcogenides like selenium also showed improved device performance, indicating a versatile approach for high-performance devices.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Arti Sahu, Pooja Rani, Anandh Subramaniam, Raj Ganesh Pala
Summary: Metallic glasses exhibit higher electrocatalytic activity and can achieve comparable activity to crystalline materials with less precious metal, leading to cost savings. Partially amorphous alloys also have higher electrochemical stability, expanding the material space for valuable catalysts.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HYDROGEN ENERGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rashmi, Maurya D. Gyanprakash, Monika Gadhewal, Raj Ganesh S. Pala, Sri Sivakumar
Summary: Crystal facet engineering is an effective method to tune material properties and improve the efficiency of photoelectrochemical water splitting. Experimental results show that different crystal facets exhibit varying photoelectrochemical and electrochemical activities, and the differences in band edge positions affect the driving force of oxygen evolution reaction.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Auhin Kumar Maparu, Prerana Singh, Beena Rai, Ashutosh Sharma, Sri Sivakumar
Summary: Soft nanoparticles derived from PDMS have been developed as a promising material for intracellular drug delivery. A simple and scalable strategy has been presented to prepare sub-50 nm PDMS nanoparticles, which are soft, hydrophobic, stable, and biocompatible. These nanoparticles have shown excellent potential for delivering anticancer drugs to the mitochondria and nucleus of cancer cells, resulting in significantly enhanced cancer cell inhibition.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Amit Verma, Raj Ganesh Pala
Summary: This article highlights the importance and challenges of producing H-2 from solar energy and water, emphasizing the coupled nature of physicochemical events and the critical need for interface stability in semiconductor photoelectrochemistry research.
CURRENT OPINION IN ELECTROCHEMISTRY
(2022)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Shalini Arora, Sri Sivakumar
Summary: The formation of Ni x S y /Co x S y phases on the HDS catalyst surface poses challenges in the HDS reaction by blocking active sites and increasing inert mass. This study investigates the effect of metal-support interactions and catalyst compositions on phase separation and removal of Ni x S y phases, resulting in higher HDS activity for the leached catalysts compared to conventional ones.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yogendra Nath Chouryal, Rahul Kumar Sharma, Neeraj Tomar, Neelam Yadav, Heera Lal Kewat, Ishfaq Abdullah Wani, Sandeep Nigam, Praveen Kumar Surolia, Sri Sivakumar, Pushpal Ghosh
Summary: This study reports on the synthesis of phase pure, cubic BaGdF5:Er/Yb-doped nanocrystals using ionic liquids, which can be used as an absorption layer in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to enhance solar energy conversion efficiency. Bright-green and red emissions were observed from the nanoparticles. The DSSCs with BaGdF5:Er3+(1%)/Yb3+(10%)/TiO2 absorption layer achieved the highest photon conversion efficiency of 7.75% and current density of 15.9 mA/cm2, showing a significant enhancement compared to those with only TiO2 layer.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Suchismita Ghosh, Abdul Akhir, Deepanshi Saxena, Sneha Singh, Sri Sivakumar, Sidharth Chopra, Raja Angamuthu
Summary: The photophysical properties of anthracene-appended koneramines (L-An) were analyzed and utilized as chemosensors for the detection of Cd2+ and Zn2+. The compounds showed fluorescence turn-on signals upon binding with Cd2+ and Zn2+, and were found to be potentially useful for detecting these ions inside cells. The cadmium complex also exhibited bactericidal activity and antibiofilm activity against multidrug-resistant S. aureus.
DALTON TRANSACTIONS
(2022)