Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Koichiro Saito, Keegan McGehee, Kengo Manabe, Yasuo Norikane
Summary: By using inkjet printing with an aqueous dispersion of AuNRs containing a small amount of ethylene glycol (EG) as ink, vertically aligned gold nanorods (AuNRs) were quickly and easily formed. It was observed that the presence of EG in water suppressed rapid drying and convection in the droplets, which facilitated the formation of the nanostructures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Qiang Ma, Chengda Pan, Yingxian Xue, Zhiyun Fang, Shiyu Zhang, Botao Wu, E. Wu
Summary: This study investigated the impact of gold nanorod diameter on plasmonic enhancement of vertically aligned arrays. It was found that larger diameter gold nanorod arrays can significantly enhance the SHG of ZnO nanofilm, indicating the importance of considering nanorod diameter in achieving strong plasmon enhancement.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hossein Zargartalebi, S. Hossein Hejazi, Amir Sanati-Nezhad
Summary: The authors introduce a passive protocol to suppress the coffee-ring effect and form uniform films at micro- and nanoscales by combining superhydrophilic substrate with a neutral-wetting low-roughness mold. This method has broad applications in fabricating ordered coatings, producing nanofilters, and creating functionalized nanosensors.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Victor Fabre, Franck Carcenac, Adrian Laborde, Jean-Baptiste Doucet, Christophe Vieu, Philippe Louarn, Emmanuelle Trevisiol
Summary: An efficient superhydrophobic concentrator is developed that can drive the nonvolatile elements in a droplet to a predefined analytical surface through evaporation. The concentrator exhibits excellent concentration capacity and reproducibility, making it suitable for environmental analysis.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yi-Ting Cheng, Heng-Kwong Tsao, Yu-Jane Sheng
Summary: In this study, it was demonstrated that various ordered structures of adsorbed nanorods on smooth substrates can be achieved simply by non-affinity adsorption through dissipative particle dynamics simulations. The structures of interfacial assembly depend on nanorod concentration and solvent size, with the arrangement changing from nematic-like to smectic as the concentration increases. The assembly process is driven by entropy and results in a two-dimensional layer-by-layer growth.
Article
Energy & Fuels
Maoqi Cao, Hongmei Li, Kang Liu, Junhua Hu, Hao Pan, Junwei Fu, Min Liu
Summary: Vertical SrNbO2N nanorod arrays were successfully synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method with nitridation process, and exhibited enhanced photocatalytic activity for solar-driven photoelectrochemical water splitting after decoration with CoOx nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Applied
Masaru Kubo, Takuya Sugahara, Manabu Shimada
Summary: A new spray-assisted process was used to fabricate HKUST-1 thin films in less than 3 minutes. This process involves the formation of nanoparticles from droplets attached to the substrate surface as seed particles, followed by the growth of seed particles to form thin films. Incorporating multi-walled carbon nanotubes into the spraying solution allows for the fabrication of MWCNT/HKUST-1 films, which have consistent porosities with HKUST-1 powders synthesized by conventional and spray-assisted methods.
MICROPOROUS AND MESOPOROUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Polymer Science
Bin Cheng, Haitong Zhao, Jingfa Yang, Jiang Zhao
Summary: Continuous monitoring of the re-entrant phase separation inside evaporating droplets of PNIPAM solution with ethanol and water binary solvent was conducted using optical microscopy. The higher evaporation rate of ethanol led to changes in solvent composition, causing the polymer to precipitate and redissolve due to cononsolvency. Direct observation revealed that phase separation occurred at the air-liquid interface and the precipitates were brought into the droplet by circulations induced by Marangoni flow, providing a new method of mass transportation during phase separation.
Article
Thermodynamics
Jiazheng Liu, Jialing Yu, Xuemei Chen, Zhenhai Pan
Summary: Understanding droplet evaporation is important for science and industry. In this study, numerical simulations were used to investigate the evaporation of vertical and pendant ethanol droplets. A comprehensive model that incorporates multiple mechanisms was developed and showed excellent accuracy. The study found that vertical droplets have higher evaporation intensity and internal convection, while pendant and sessile droplets are similar.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF HEAT AND MASS TRANSFER
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rui Li, Xiangtao Huo, Xing Han, Zhipeng Wang, Mei Zhang, Min Guo
Summary: The performance of perovskite solar cells was enhanced by modifying TiO2 nanorod arrays with Nb2O5 layer. Adjusting the NbCl5 concentration improved the photovoltaic properties of perovskite films, mainly due to the improved film quality and the formation of an energy barrier hindering charge recombination.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Xuan Wang, Yuanlong Qin, Xinyu Zhang, Yumin Leng, Zhengbo Chen
Summary: An electrochemical aptasensor was constructed using Au/TiO2 nanorod arrays for ultrasensitive detection of adenosine. The aptasensor showed linear correlation between the peak SWV current values and the logarithmic concentration of adenosine, with a minimum detection limit of 0.42 fM. The aptasensor exhibited high specificity, precision, stability, and applicability for adenosine, providing a promising clinical diagnostic tool for adenosine detection.
MICROCHEMICAL JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Aijie Fan, Zhe Zhuang, Xiong Zhang, Cheng Li, Haitao Jiang, Shuai Chen, Xuguang Luo, Guohua Hu, Yiping Cui
Summary: Quasi-ordered semi-polar (1122) plane AlGaN multiple-quantum-well (MQW) nanorod arrays were successfully fabricated using self-assembly technique, with larger diameter and height. The photoluminescence (PL) peak wavelengths at room temperature showed negligible quantum-confined Stark effect in this structure. The PL integral intensity of the nanorod arrays was enhanced by 1.5 times, with increased degree of polarization, indicating enhanced polarized emission.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2021)
Article
Optics
Zekun Liao, Xiaofeng Hu, Jiao Chu, Yu Wu, Te Ji, Huachun Zhu, Weiwei Peng, Jie Wang, Hongwei Zhao, Min Chen
Summary: This paper proposes a novel and effective SERS-active substrate based on large-scale 3D Si hierarchical nanoarrays and homogeneous Au nanoparticles. The umbrella-frame structure achieved excellent SERS performance with high sensitivity and spatial uniformity. The proposed substrate can be erased and reused multiple times by plasma cleaning and exhibits excellent recyclability and stability for robust SERS activity.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jinyu Huang, Hao Liang, Jiexiong Ye, Dongting Jiang, Yiling Sun, Xuejin Li, Youfu Geng, Jiaqi Wang, Zhengfang Qian, Yu Du
Summary: Au-loaded ZnO sensors were successfully prepared via seed-assisted solvothermal methods, showing excellent performance in detecting HCHO with significantly improved detection limit and response to HCHO.
SENSORS AND ACTUATORS B-CHEMICAL
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hansa Mahajan, Seongjae Cho
Summary: Metal-oxide nanomaterials have attracted great interest due to their novel characteristics. In this study, a fascinating Au nanorod/cuprous oxide core-shell composite was synthesized for energy storage applications in a supercapacitor. The composite exhibited high specific capacitance and durable cycling stability, attributed to the presence of AuNR in the core.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunyi Zhu, Ji Liu, Tong Guo, Jing Jing Wang, Xiuzhi Tang, Valeria Nicolosi
Summary: In this study, a hydrogel-type shielding material incorporating MXene and poly(acrylic acid) was successfully fabricated through a biomineralization-inspired assembly route. The composite hydrogel exhibits excellent stretchability, recyclability, high shielding performance, and fast self-healing capability, making it suitable for electromagnetic interference shielding in terahertz technologies. The sensitive deformation responses of the hydrogel also allow for its use as an on-skin sensor. This work provides an alternative strategy for designing next-generation EMI shielding materials and a highly efficient method for fabricating MXene composites on a macroscopic scale.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanfei Yue, Jing Jing Wang, P. A. Muhammed Basheer, Yun Bai
Summary: This study investigated the influence of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag on the capacity and reliability of Raman spectroscopy in establishing the carbonation profile in concrete blends. The results showed that while Raman spectroscopy was effective in differentiating CaCO3 contents in FA or GGBS blends, the incorporation of these SCMs into the PC system had negative effects on the quantification of CaCO3.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunhong Shi, Dunzhu Li, Liwen Xiao, Daragh Mullarkey, Daniel K. Kehoe, Emmet D. Sheerin, Sebastian Barwich, Luming Yang, Yurii K. Gun'ko, Igor V. Shvets, Matthias E. Mobius, John J. Boland, Jing Jing Wang
Summary: The study found that microplastic release levels from plastics exposed to tap water and synthetic drinking water were similar, indicating that synthetic drinking water can be a suitable reference standard for testing microplastic release levels from plastic products. Polypropylene products exposed to boiling tap water developed a protective copper oxide film, leading to a significant reduction in microplastic release.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pei Shee Tan, Eoghan Vaughan, Jahidul Islam, Niall Burke, Daniela Iacopino, Joanna B. Tierney
Summary: Interleukin-6 is a crucial cytokine in inflammatory processes, and a new electrochemical immunosensor platform based on graphitic carbon electrodes has been developed for rapid, low-cost, and sensitive detection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Richard Murray, Micheal Burke, Daniela Iacopino, Aidan J. Quinn
Summary: This study demonstrates a scalable method for in situ fabrication of high-quality graphene-like materials using a CO2 laser engraver. An iterative optimization strategy was developed to identify promising parameter combinations, highlighting the benefits of rapid identification of optimum parameters for graphene electrode fabrication. The study shows that the laser graphitization process is highly non-linear, emphasizing the importance of efficient optimization methods for achieving high-quality graphene-based sensors and electronic devices.
Article
Engineering, Geological
Venkata Siva Naga Sai Goli, Evan K. Paleologos, Arvin Farid, Abdel-Mohsen O. Mohamed, Brendan C. O'Kelly, Maisa M. El Gamal, Magdalena Daria Vaverkova, Ning-Jun Jiang, Jing Jing Wang, Liwen Xiao, Prithvendra Singh, Xiao-Le Han, Yunhong Shi, Dunzhu Li, Amit Sengupta, Sree Lalitha Kayali, Yashi Singh, Arif Mohammad, Devendra Narain Singh
Summary: Plastics are essential but their degradation leads to the formation of microplastics (MPs), which have become a top environmental concern due to their pollution potential and threat to human health. This paper critically assesses the methodologies for extracting and characterizing MPs in organic solid matrices (OSMs), and identifies current obstacles and recommendations for future research. Additionally, legislative efforts against MPs and novel techniques for remediation are highlighted.
ENVIRONMENTAL GEOTECHNICS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Yunhong Shi, Dunzhu Li, Liwen Xiao, Emmet D. Sheerin, Daragh Mullarkey, Luming Yang, Xue Bai, Igor Shvets, John J. Boland, Jing Jing Wang
Summary: This study found that the addition of typical ions and particles in household plastic products can significantly reduce the release of microplastics. Different ions form different films to prevent the release of microplastics, while particles do not have this effect.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Richard Murray, Orla O'Neill, Eoghan Vaughan, Daniela Iacopino, Alan Blake, Colin Lyons, Dan O'Connell, Joe O'Brien, Aidan J. Quinn
Summary: This study reports a simple and scalable method for direct-write laser fabrication of 3D, porous graphene-like carbon electrodes from polyimide films. The method allows for the formation of high-quality surface laser-induced graphene (LIG) electrodes with integrated contact plugs to underlying metal layers. The results highlight the potential for integration of LIG-based sensor electrodes with semiconductor or roll-to-roll manufacturing.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Yanfei Yue, Jingjing Wang, Yun Bai
Summary: The status and stability of unreacted silica fume agglomerates in concrete structures subjected to various deterioration environments were investigated using a Raman microscope. The presence of unhydrated silica phases in the carbonation and sulfate attack environments indicates a potential hazard to the ecosystem.
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Dunzhu Li, Emmet D. Sheerin, Yunhong Shi, Liwen Xiao, Luming Yang, John J. Boland, Jing Jing Wang
Summary: Raman spectroscopy may not effectively distinguish microplastics from micro additive particles, but a new protocol can eliminate this interference. Testing on three typical plastic products showed that they can release microplastic-like additive particles and microplastics, potentially increasing health risks.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Environmental Sciences
Jun-Li Xu, Xiaohui Lin, Jing Jing Wang, Aoife A. Gowen
Summary: This systematic review summarizes the current knowledge on the biological effects of micro- and nanoplastics (MNPs) on human health based on mammalian systems. The majority of the studies focused on the effects of polystyrene MNPs, and most of them reported adverse health effects, including cytotoxicity, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress. Some studies investigated the factors influencing the toxicity of MNPs, such as size, concentration, and shape.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Luming Yang, Dunzhu Li, Yunhong Shi, Christopher Hill, Rekha Pilliadugula, Laura Page, Jing Jing Wang, John J. Boland, Liwen Xiao
Summary: Polylactic acid (PLA) is a popular replacement for conventional plastic products due to its high biodegradability and recyclability. However, a study found that PLA-based single-use paper cups release a higher level of microparticles compared to cups made from polyethylene (PE). The release of cellulose microfibres from PLA cups was also observed, indicating a key difference between biodegradable and conventional plastics. This highlights the need for reassessing the manufacturing process and potential risks of biodegradable plastic products.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Eoghan Vaughan, Chiara Santillo, Alessandra Imbrogno, Gennaro Gentile, Aidan J. Quinn, Saulius Kaciulis, Marino Lavorgna, Daniela Iacopino
Summary: This study investigated the process of laser-induced graphitization of sustainable chitosan-based formulations. The optimal lasing conditions and the effect of borax concentration in the chitosan matrix were studied. It was found that all obtained formulations were graphitizable with a CO2 laser, resulting in the formation of porous, high surface area, and electrically conductive laser-induced graphene (LIG) structures. Borax, as a cross-linker, enabled the graphitization process in the chitosan matrix when its content was at least 30 wt%. The graphitization process was analyzed using thermogravimetric analysis, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoemission spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. LIG electrodes fabricated from CS/40B formulations exhibited a low sheet resistance of 110 Omega/sq. After 10 minutes of electrode activation, the electrochemical characterization revealed a rapid electron transfer rate at the electrode surface, indicating the potential of these sustainable composites for LIG electrochemical sensing platforms.
ACS SUSTAINABLE CHEMISTRY & ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Humanities, Multidisciplinary
Veronica Biolcati, Meghan Wilson, Sarah Fiddyment, Richard Unitt, Cynthia Connelly Ryan, Anna Grace Hoffmann, John Gillis, Fenella France, Padraig Machain, Daniela Iacopino
Summary: This paper provides the first multi-analytical investigation of the Book of Ui Mhaine, an important Gaelic book from the medieval period. Different analysis techniques were used to study the materials used in the book's production, such as parchment, inks, and pigments. The findings not only added to the existing knowledge about Gaelic manuscripts, but also laid the groundwork for future comparative studies with other traditions in Ireland and Europe.
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Yunyun Mu, Jahidul Islam, Richard Murray, Cathal Larrigy, Alida Russo, Xinping Zhang, Aidan J. Quinn, Daniela Iacopino
Summary: This paper presents a novel approach for the fabrication of low cost Electrochemical-Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (EC-SERS) sensing platforms. Laser Induced Graphene (LIG) electrodes were functionalized with silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) to obtain hybrid Ag NPs - LIG electrodes suitable for EC-SERS analysis. The sensing capabilities of the fabricated system were demonstrated with sensitive detection of model molecule 4-aminobenzenethiol (4-ABT) as well as food contaminant melamine in milk and antibiotic difloxacin hydrochloride (DIF) in river water, without pre-treatment steps. The Ag NPs - LIG electrodes have the potential for a wide range of applications in the field of food monitoring and environmental analysis.
