Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Denglin Zhao, Yueting Zheng, Tingtao Meng, Yangbin Zhu, Jipeng Jing, Xiang Chen, Hongjin Gao, Chaomin Mao, Wenchen Zheng, Hailong Hu, Tailiang Guo, Fushan Li
Summary: This study demonstrated the fabrication of a highly ordered QD monolayer with the LB technique, which significantly improved the performance and lifetime of QLEDs. The LB-HL strategy showed promising scalability for large-area QD monolayers.
SCIENCE CHINA-MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Artem N. Abramov, Igor Y. Chestnov, Ekaterina S. Alimova, Tatiana Ivanova, Ivan S. Mukhin, Dmitry N. Krizhanovskii, Ivan A. Shelykh, Ivan V. Iorsh, Vasily Kravtsov
Summary: By using local deformation of monolayer WSe2, we have successfully created high-purity single-photon emitters. Through nanoindentation and atomic force microscopy, we have identified the single-photon emitting sites and reconstructed the details of the surrounding local strain potential. The experimental results suggest that the single-photon emission is likely due to strain-induced spectral shift of dark excitonic states and their hybridization with localized states of individual defects.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Justin Boddison-Chouinard, Alex Bogan, Pedro Barrios, Jean Lapointe, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Jaroslaw Pawlowski, Daniel Miravet, Maciej Bieniek, Pawel Hawrylak, Adina Luican-Mayer, Louis Gaudreau
Summary: In this study, the conductance quantization phenomenon in a one-dimensional channel of transition metal dichalcogenide material WSe2 was measured and theoretically analyzed. The experimental results showed conductance quantization steps in units of e(2)/h in the high-mobility sample. Magnetic field measurements revealed that as the magnetic field increased, the higher conductance plateaus moved to accurate quantized values and then shifted to lower conductance values, while the e(2)/h plateau remained constant. Theoretical analysis based on microscopic atomistic tight-binding theory suggested that the valley and spin degeneracies in this material resulted in 2e(2)/h conductance steps for noninteracting holes, indicating that symmetry-breaking mechanisms such as valley polarization dominate the transport properties of such quantum structures.
NPJ 2D MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zhehao Ge, Dillon Wong, Juwon Lee, Frederic Joucken, Eberth A. Quezada-Lopez, Salman Kahn, Hsin-Zon Tsai, Takashi Taniguchi, Kenji Watanabe, Feng Wang, Alex Zettl, Michael F. Crommie, Jairo Velasco
Summary: The study reported the fabrication and characterization of stadium-shaped quantum dots based on graphene using a scanning tunneling microscope, attributing the absence of quantum chaos features in graphene quantum dots to Klein tunneling.
Article
Physics, Applied
Justin Boddison-Chouinard, Alex Bogan, Norman Fong, Kenji Watanabe, Takashi Taniguchi, Sergei Studenikin, Andrew Sachrajda, Marek Korkusinski, Abdulmenaf Altintas, Maciej Bieniek, Pawel Hawrylak, Adina Luican-Mayer, Louis Gaudreau
Summary: By fabricating devices based on heterostructures of layered 2D materials, gate-controlled tungsten diselenide (WSe2) hole quantum dots were achieved, with mesoscopic transport features observed and compared to a theoretical model. This work provides new insights for the development of quantum devices.
APPLIED PHYSICS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Ashish Soni, Dushyant Kushavah, Li-Syuan Lu, Wen-Hao Chang, Suman Kalyan Pal
Summary: Utilizing the excess energy from photoexcitation to improve the efficiency of next-generation light-harvesting devices is possible. Multiple exciton generation (MEG) in semiconducting materials can break the conversion efficiency limit of photovoltaic devices. Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have high absorption coefficients and show efficient MEGs with low threshold energy and high (86%) efficiency in MoS2. The results suggest that van der Waals layered materials could be a potential candidate for flexible and efficient next-generation solar cells and photodetectors.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Haifeng Sun, Meng Wang, Jing Wang, Weipeng Wang
Summary: This study evaluated the effects of surface charge on foliar uptake, translocation, and physiological response of graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in maize plants. The results showed that positively charged NH2-GQDs adhered more to the cuticle layer compared to negatively charged OH-GQDs. NH2-GQDs had a weaker inhibitory effect on photosynthesis compared to OH-GQDs. Aggregation of GQDs limited their leaf-to-root translocation, especially for NH2-GQDs. These findings provide direct evidence for the influence of surface charge on the effects of GQDs in crop plants and suggest that foliar exposure to GQDs negatively impacts plant photosynthesis and growth health.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Tobias Hartl, Daniel Herrmann, Moritz Will, Yannic Falke, Alexander Grueneis, Thomas Michely, Pantelis Bampoulis
Summary: This article reports on the fabrication of stable silicon nanocluster arrays on a special surface. The cluster binding sites, electronic structure, and thermal stability were studied using scanning tunneling microscopy and spectroscopy. The findings show that the clusters have a size-dependent bandgap and are stable up to 577 K.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Rong Liao, Si Dai, Biao Liu, Wenfang Deng, Yueming Tan, Qingji Xie
Summary: A novel strategy for photocurrent polarity switchable sensing is reported in this study by regulating electrostatic interactions between two semiconductor photoactive materials. The method achieves low detection limits and a wide linear detection range in the detection of HAase activity, providing a new and effective approach for photocurrent polarity switching and HAase activity detection.
ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Organic
Shixian Cao, Pan Wang, Xi Zeng, Zhu Tao, Xin-Long Ni
Summary: The study utilized the cucurbituril host-guest chemistry to assist in the formation of carbon dots with tunable particle size and high fluorescence emission. By retaining the original rigid macrocyclic skeletons of the hosts during the fabrication process, the CDs obtained were characterized by high quality and unique properties, offering potential applications in biosensors and other fields.
ORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Biomaterials
Guiming Niu, Fucheng Gao, Can Li, Yandong Wang, Hui Li, Yanyan Jiang
Summary: By mimicking the catalysis of natural enzymes, we synthesized Co-doped drug-based carbon dots (Co-Lvx-CDs) with enhanced broad-spectrum antibacterial capacity and sterilization ability, and excellent fluorescence properties for information encryption.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY B
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Dong Seob Chung, Tyler Davidson-Hall, Giovanni Cotella, Quan Lyu, Peter Chun, Hany Aziz
Summary: This study shows that incorporating fluorine into ZnO ETLs can significantly enhance the electroluminescence stability of QLEDs, leading to an extended device lifetime by balancing electron and hole distribution and reducing electron traps and charge accumulation at the QD/hole transport layer interface.
NANO-MICRO LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Minseon Gu, Keun Wook Lee, Beomjin Park, Beom Soo Joo, Young Jun Chang, Dong-Wook Park, Moonsup Han
Summary: Hybrid 2D/0D structures, consisting of MoS2 and silicon quantum dots (Si QDs), are developed as photodetectors to overcome the limitations of 2D materials. The introduction of Si QDs enhances the field-effect mobility of the MoS2/Si QDs device and improves its photoresponsivity. The enhanced mobility is attributed to the passivation of surface defects on MoS2 by Si QDs, while the improved photoresponsivity is due to the photoexcited charge transfer between MoS2 and Si QDs.
PHYSICA STATUS SOLIDI-RAPID RESEARCH LETTERS
(2023)
Review
Energy & Fuels
Norazuwana Shaari, Siti Kartom Kamarudin, Raihana Bahru
Summary: Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) are frequently mentioned in recent studies for their unique potential in electrical, optical, and optoelectrical properties. They are highly stable due to their carbon material and environmentally friendly nature. Various production methods and additive materials can enhance their performance, with shapes and sizes influenced by different parameters. Applications in fuel cell technology have shown improved performance.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENERGY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jose Munoz, Edurne Redondo, Martin Pumera
Summary: The paper presents a simple, universal, and robust method to tailor the capabilities of 3D-printed nanocomposite carbon/polymer electrode surfaces by using functional inorganic nanoparticles, thus enhancing the electrochemical performance of 3D-printed electronic interfaces in various areas.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Juan Amaro-Gahete, Jose A. Salatti-Dorado, Almudena Benitez, Dolores Esquivel, Valentin Garcia-Caballero, Miguel Lopez-Haro, Juan J. Delgado, Manuel Cano, Juan J. Giner-Casares, Francisco J. Romero-Salguero
Summary: The assembly of atomically dispersed iron-nitrogen sites into graphitic structures is a promising approach for sustainable production of bifunctional electrocatalysts. A novel low-temperature and solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis method allows for precise engineering of these active sites at the edges of graphene.
SUSTAINABLE ENERGY & FUELS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pablo G. Argudo, Lea Spitzer, Francois Jerome, Henri Cramail, Luis Camacho, Sebastien Lecommandoux
Summary: Sugar-based amphiphiles are a natural alternative to synthetic ones with biodegradable properties. An investigation of their structure-assembly relationship was conducted using various techniques in aqueous media. The results showed that the average degree of polymerization (DP) and the addition of a hydroxyl group to the hydrophobic tail affected their self-assembly. The critical micelle concentration was more influenced by changes in the hydrophobic molecular region than by variations in (DP) over bar. Amphiphiles with high (DP) over bar formed spherical micelles regardless of the presence of a hydroxyl group, while those with low (DP) over bar and only one hydrophilic moiety formed cylindrical micelles, and the addition of a hydroxyl group to the tail resulted in a spherical shape.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pablo G. Argudo, Joao Paulo Coelho, Irene Lopez-Sicilia, Andres Guerrero-Martinez, Maria T. Martin-Romero, Luis Camacho, Gustavo Fernandez, Juan J. Giner-Casares
Summary: Fluid interfaces provide an advanced platform for the directed self-assembly and formation of supramolecular polymers. Hydrogen bonding is identified as a key interaction for achieving well-defined molecular arrangement at these interfaces. Controlling hydrogen bonding is proposed as a successful strategy for supramolecular polymerization at fluid interfaces.
Article
Biophysics
Pablo G. Argudo, Lea Spitzer, Emmanuel Ibarboure, Francois Jerome, Henri Cramail, Sebastien Lecommandoux
Summary: The emulsification properties of a synthesized biocompatible mannose-based surfactant were investigated in the presence of different natural oils and aqueous phases. The results showed its potential as a low-energy surfactant for O/W nanoemulsions. Moreover, the mannose groups on the surfactant retained their native biological properties and exhibited biorecognition with concanavalin A, indicating its potential as a nanocarrier.
COLLOIDS AND SURFACES B-BIOINTERFACES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nils Demazy, Pablo G. Argudo, Guillaume Fleury
Summary: Block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly in thin films is a method to generate nanometric features with tunable geometrical configurations. The layering method can enrich the range of nanostructures and form non-native heterostructures.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Carolina Carrillo-Carrion, Valentine Comaills, Ana M. Visiga, Benoit R. Gauthier, Noureddine Khiar
Summary: We have reported the controlled drug release from a nanoscale Zr-based metal-organic framework (MOF), UiO-66, in the presence of the enzyme alkaline phosphatase (ALP) for the first time. This was achieved by prior functionalization of the MOF with N-3-PEG-PO3 ligands, which imparted colloidal stability in phosphate-containing media, endowed the MOF with multifunctionality, and conferred stimuli-responsive properties for the selective release of doxorubicin triggered by ALP activity. Cell studies demonstrated improved intracellular stability and sustained drug release in the functionalized MOF compared to the bare MOF, with enhanced drug release observed in cells with higher expression of ALP genes.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
R. Flores-Sanchez, M. Bigorra-Mir, F. Gamez, T. Lopes-Costa, P. G. Argudo, M. T. Martin-Romero, L. Camacho, J. M. Pedrosa
Summary: The mechanical and morphological effects of octadecylamine monolayers on aspirin adsorption were investigated using Langmuir isotherms measurements and Brewster angle microscopy. Aspirin caused a significant expansion of the corresponding isotherms, and the mechanical stability of the films showed a concentration-dependent behavior due to the delicate balance between the solubility of the amine and the monolayer stabilization induced by ion-pairs. The incorporation of aspirin into the interface was confirmed by UV-vis reflection spectroscopy. The feasibility of using aliphatic amines for drug delivery of anionic species was also discussed.
CHEMICAL PHYSICS LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pablo G. G. Argudo, Nils Demazy, Guillaume Fleury
Summary: Nanostructured block copolymer (BCP) thin films can form various periodic patterns at the nanometer scale by manipulating BCP characteristics and annealing processes. However, the range of obtainable patterns is limited and expanding it is essential for additional functionalities. This study demonstrates a method to stack polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) BCP thin layers, resulting in a library of complex 3D hierarchical heterostructures, which opens up possibilities for functional applications through responsive layering.
ADVANCED MATERIALS INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Valentin Garcia-Caballero, Sebastian Lorca, Marta Villa-Moreno, Alvaro Caballero, Juan J. Giner-Casares, Antonio J. Fernandez-Romero, Manuel Cano
Summary: This study investigates the use of human hemoglobin (Hb) as a catalytic component in the air electrode of a primary zinc-air battery. Three different electrode modifications using Hb and Nafion were tested, and the Hb-Nafion modified electrode showed the best performance and long-term stability for oxygen electroreduction (ORR). The Hb-Nafion-based air electrode also provided higher specific capacity and discharge time compared to the Nafion-Hb modification.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Juan Amaro-Gahete, Valentin Garcia-Caballero, Almudena Benitez, Dolores G. Gil-Gavilan, Raul Rojas-Luna, Dolores Esquivel, Antonio J. Fernandez-Romero, Manuel Cano, Juan J. Giner-Casares, Francisco J. Romero-Salguero
Summary: The growing global electricity demand requires the development of cost-effective energy conversion and storage systems with inexpensive, eco-friendly, and high-efficiency catalysts. This study focuses on the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), which is crucial for high-power density fuel cells and Zn-air batteries. The researchers have successfully developed a non-noble iron-nitrogen-carbon catalyst with excellent activity for ORR processes, providing a potential alternative to the expensive commercial Pt-C catalysts. The catalyst showed promising performance as an electrode in a flooded ZAB, outperforming the benchmark Pt-C electrocatalyst.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Susana Ramos-Terron, Lea Spitzer, Cristina Martin, Eduardo Solano, Daniel Hermida-Merino, Sebastien Lecommandoux, Francois Jerome, Henri Cramail, Pablo G. G. Argudo, Gustavo de Miguel
Summary: One common method to improve the stability of metal halide perovskites (MHPs) in optical and optoelectronic devices is to add polymer additives to the perovskite layer. In this study, a β-(1,4) cellulose oligosaccharide (COS) was incorporated into a two-dimensional (2D) Ruddlesden-Popper (RP) hybrid perovskite. The SEM images showed a three-fold reduction in the size of the perovskite grains, and the dark J-V curves indicated an increase in defect concentration. The addition of COS also led to a significant increase in photoluminescence (PL) signal and exciton binding energy.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Pablo G. Argudo, Armando Maestro, Eduardo Guzman
Summary: This comprehensive review explores the study of model fluid interfaces that mimic specific lipid-based structures with biophysical relevance in order to provide a deep insight into the field of biophysics in living organisms. By examining these physiological fluid interfaces, important aspects of their behavior, lateral organization, and functions can be uncovered. This understanding can lead to the development of novel technologies and medical advances, potentially leading to innovative treatments and diagnostic tools.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Fatima Guerrero, Andres Carmona, Victoria Vidal, Ana Franco, Alejandro Martin-Malo, Elena M. Sanchez-Fernandez, Carolina Carrillo-Carrion
Summary: An effective antioxidant nanoplatform, DSeU@ZIF8, was constructed by encapsulating a selenium-containing glycomimetic into zeolitic-imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles. The nanoparticles showed remarkable antioxidant capacity and ROS-scavenging activity, and could protect endothelial cells from oxidative stress damage.
NANOSCALE HORIZONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fatima Guerrero, Victoria Pulido, Said Hamad, Pedro Aljama, Alejandro Martin-Malo, Carolina Carrillo-Carrion
Summary: This study demonstrates the potential of zeolitic-imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles to be incorporated within a renal scaffold while still retaining their ability to remove hydrophobic uremic toxins like p-cresol under flow conditions. This could lead to the development of novel adsorbents for dialysis and/or artificial kidneys in the future.
