Article
Environmental Sciences
Saurabh Shivalkar, Pavan Kumar Gautam, Arushi Verma, Krishna Maurya, Md Palashuddin Sk, Sintu Kumar Samanta, Amaresh Kumar Sahoo
Summary: This study presents an innovative solution for water purification using catalytic magnetic microbots developed by functionalizing iron oxide nanoparticles with carbon dots. These microbots show promising speed for degrading toxic dyes efficiently and can be used sustainably for large scale water treatment.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Miriam Lopez -Fernandez, Sadaf Tariq, Khalida Naseem, Awais Ahmad, Safia Khan, Umer Younas, Muhammad Sufyan Javed, Wong Siew Fan, Rafael Luque, Shafaqat Ali
Summary: Graphene-based composite membranes, with their advanced and specialized structural features, have wide applications in sustainable and environmental fields. The distinct laminar morphology and molecular properties of these membranes have fascinated scientists, while also being easily fabricated.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hai Huang, Jie Li, Mengge Yuan, Haowei Yang, Yu Zhao, Yulong Ying, Sheng Wang
Summary: This study presents a universal and straightforward strategy to efficiently self-assemble MOF NPs into robust MOFtors for enhanced organic- or heavy-metal-ion-contaminants remediation, without mechanical stirring. The Fe-UiOSomes-Pt micromotors exhibited excellent motility and efficiency in removing dyes and heavy metal ions, showcasing great potential for environmental cleanup.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Seyyed Mohsen Beladi-Mousavi, Sona Hermanova, Yulong Ying, Jan Plutnar, Martin Pumera
Summary: A proof-of-concept study introduces an active photocatalytic degradation procedure using intelligent visible-light-driven microrobots capable of capturing and degrading microplastics on-the-fly. These robots have built-in photocatalytic and magnetic materials for self-propelled motion under sunlight and precise actuation under a magnetic field. The photocatalytic robots generate a local self-stirring effect at the nanoscale, enhancing interaction with microplastics without the need for exterior mechanical stirrers typically used in conventional systems.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mario Urso, Martin Pumera
Summary: The growing use of plastic materials has resulted in the accumulation of waste in marine environments, causing hazardous micro- and nanoplastics. These plastic particles absorb toxic pollutants, support bacterial growth, and spread through the food chain, posing serious risks to human health. Therefore, addressing nano/microplastics pollution is crucial, and self-propelled nano/microrobots have shown promise in their efficient removal. This review critically examines advanced strategies for nano/microplastics capture and degradation by autonomous nano/microrobots, as well as the challenges and future prospects of this research field.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Nischal Oli, Jose Fernando Florez Gomez, Claudia C. Zuluaga Gomez, Rajesh K. Katiyar, Gerardo Morell, Ram S. Katiyar
Summary: This research explores the performance of bismuth ferrite as a high-capacity anode material for Li-ion batteries and enhances its performance through the optimization of binders and electrolytes. The experimental results demonstrate that using specific binders and additives can significantly improve the capacity, rate capability, and cycling stability of the bismuth ferrite anode. When paired with a LiCoO2 cathode, the full cell exhibits promising performance.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Cagatay M. Oral, Martina Ussia, Martin Pumera
Summary: In this study, enzyme-immobilized self-propelled zinc oxide microrobots were proposed to effectively remove antibiotics released into water bodies. The presence of laccase enzyme on the microrobot surfaces enhanced the removal of antibiotics via oxidation. This concept provides an environmentally friendly strategy for the removal of released antibiotics from water bodies.
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Meiyang Wang, Han Yu, Kai Yu
Summary: In recent years, great progress has been made in enhancing photocatalytic activity through polarization field to promote charge transfer and suppress recombination. Polarization-enhanced photocatalysis has gained increasing attention in the field. Among non-centrosymmetric (NCS) materials, Bismuth (Bi)-based NCS materials have attracted extensive attention due to their diverse composition, unique electronic structures, distinctive physiochemical characteristics, and hybrid electronic band structure. However, a review on the classification and application of Bi-based NCS materials in polarization-enhanced photocatalysis is still lacking. In this study, we provide a systematic overview of the application of Bi-based NCS materials in polarization-enhanced photocatalysis, starting with their classification and synthesis. We also introduce the fundamental mechanisms of band bending and charge migration regulated by three types of polarization effects (ferro-, piezo-, and pyroelectric effects). By analyzing the structural-activity relationships, we summarize the recent advances of Bi-based NCS materials in polarization-promoted photocatalytic processes. Optimization strategies to enhance their photocatalytic performance are also discussed. Finally, we discuss the current challenges and future prospects of Bi-based NCS materials in polarization-promoted photocatalysis.
CHEMICAL ENGINEERING JOURNAL
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Xiuying Yang, Honggang Zhen, Haozhou Liu, Chaojiu Chen, Yanjun Zhong, Xiushan Yang, Xinlong Wang, Lin Yang
Summary: This study proposes a new method for recycling graphite from spent lithium-ion batteries through phosphoric acid leaching-calcination. The modified graphite exhibits high-performance phosphorus-doped graphite and lithium phosphate products. This research provides a promising recovery route for exhausted lithium-ion battery anodes, enabling complete recycling.
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Xue Rui, Yong Geng, Mufan Zhuang, Shijiang Xiao, Xin Sun
Summary: This study compares the efficiency and sustainability of battery anode material (BAM) production processes using natural graphite and synthetic graphite as raw materials. The results suggest that using synthetic graphite is a better option in terms of economic and environmental performance, and it improves overall resource efficiency. These findings imply that the importance of natural graphite may be overestimated.
JOURNAL OF CLEANER PRODUCTION
(2022)
Review
Engineering, Environmental
Mengfan Wang, Xiaoming Liu
Summary: Red mud is an alkaline by-product from alumina plants, and various waste treatment methods utilizing red mud as an environmental remediation material have been developed. RM-ERMs can be used for purifying waste water, waste gas, and soil, providing an opportunity to improve the environment through purification technologies.
JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Anna Jancik-Prochazkova, Vojtech Jasek, Silvestr Figalla, Martin Pumera
Summary: Nano/micro-plastics pollution is a global concern. Researchers have developed biodegradable polymers to enhance their degradation and reduce environmental accumulation. This study presents antimony sulfide-based microrobots that can capture, transport, and degrade microplastics using magnetic field and light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity of Sb2S3 quantum material enables the degradation of microplastics under UV light in an on-the-fly regime. This proof-of-concept work shows potential for efficient elimination of microplastics, especially in water environments.
ADVANCED OPTICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Environmental
Keming Wan, Caiyu Liu, Yan Wang, Wenliang Zhang, Pengfei Qi, Lei Guo, Gang Wei, Xiaomin Liu
Summary: This review presents the recent advances in the fabrication of MXene-based hybrid 3D architectures and their applications in water environmental remediation and monitoring. The review discusses the fabrication strategies of 3D MXene architectures and the methodologies on structural and functional regulations. It also presents and discusses the environmental science applications of 3D MXene architectures for various purposes.
JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL ENGINEERING
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Lukas Dekanovsky, Hai Huang, Sana Akir, Yulong Ying, Zdenek Sofer, Bahareh Khezri
Summary: Light-driven magnetic MXene-based microrobots (MXeBOTs) have been developed for efficient removal and degradation of bisphenol A (BPA). The MXeBOTs utilize embedded Fe2O3 nanoparticles (NPs) for magnetic propulsion and grafted bismuth NPs as cocatalysts. The stability and reusability of MXeBOTs are studied in relation to BPA concentration and chemical composition of the swimming environment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mario Urso, Martina Ussia, Martin Pumera
Summary: A novel method utilizing self-propelled light-powered magnetic field-navigable microbots for actively moving, capturing, and degrading polymers is proposed in a recent study. These microbots exhibit fuel-free motion capability, and the motion can be controlled by light and directionality by a magnetic field. The efficient degradation of polymers is demonstrated, showing promising potential for degrading polymers and plastics effectively using light.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Analytical
Jyoti, Edurne Redondo, Osamah Alduhaish, Martin Pumera
Summary: This article introduces the advantages of 3D printing technology and its application in manufacturing nanocarbon electrodes. The study found that 3D printing can be used for low-cost and diagnosis of priority nerve agents.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ben Wang, Stephan Handschuh-Wang, Jie Shen, Xuechang Zhou, Zhiguang Guo, Weimin Liu, Martin Pumera, Li Zhang
Summary: Small-scale robots (SSRs) have emerged as promising and versatile tools in various applications, thanks to their ability to perform tasks at small length scales. The viscous and surface forces, such as adhesive forces and surface tension, have become dominant as robots are miniaturized, significantly impacting motion efficiency. Surface engineering with hydrophilic and hydrophobic modifications provides a new pathway to overcome motion resistance and enhance the ability of SSRs to target and regulate robots for various tasks.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Bing Wu, Jan Luxa, Jiri Sturala, Shuangying Wei, Lukas Dekanovsky, Abhilash Karuthedath Parameswaran, Min Li, Zdenek Sofer
Summary: The demand for substitutes of lithium chemistries in battery has led to the emergence of chloride ion batteries (CIBs) as a novel anion-based electrochemical energy storage. However, the use of CIBs is limited by the dissolution and side reactions of chloride-based electrode materials in liquid electrolytes. This study introduces a solid-state metal-organic material, [Al(DMSO)(6)]Cl-3, which allows for chloride ion transfer. By replacing Cl- with PF6-, the ionic conductivity of the prepared electrolyte is significantly increased, making it a potential candidate for solid-state chloride ion batteries.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENTAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Su-Jin Song, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Jan Vyskocil, Marketa Castoralova, Tomas Ruml, Martin Pumera
Summary: Magnetotactic bacteria can be precisely controlled by applying a magnetic field, allowing them to remove organic phosphate pesticides from aqueous solutions by binding with organic matter. These bacteria exhibit swarm behavior and can move in a circular direction under a programmed magnetic field. This technology shows potential for pollution removal and retrieval in various environments through directional magnetic actuation.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anna Jancik-Prochazkova, Hana Michalkova, Zbynek Heger, Martin Pumera
Summary: In this study, microrobots based on quinacridone and indigo, members of the organic hydrogen-bonded pigment family, were prepared. The microrobots were fabricated by depositing asymmetric platinum on corresponding micro-particles of quinacridone and indigo, resulting in a homogeneous size and shape distribution. These organic pigment-based microrobots exhibited autonomous locomotion in the presence of hydrogen peroxide, and their internalization into mouse colorectal carcinoma cells was visualized using confocal laser scanning microscopy. This study highlights the potential of fabricating hydrogen-bonded organic pigment-based microrobots for biomedical applications using nanoarchitectonics principles.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Siowwoon Ng, Martin Pumera
Summary: Germanene, as a germanium analog of graphene, has shown great potential as a two-dimensional layered material with customizable properties and new functionalities. This review comprehensively covers the preparation, functionalization, and properties of germananes, as well as their applications in optoelectronics, catalysis, energy conversion and storage, sensors, and biomedical areas.
ADVANCED MATERIALS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Fabrizio Guzzetta, Cameron W. Jellett, Jalal Azadmanjiri, Pradip Kumar Roy, Saeed Ashtiani, Karel Friess, Zdenek Sofer
Summary: The attention in recent decades has been focused on the optoelectronic properties of indium and gallium chalcogenides, leading to advancements in fundamental and applied science. Group III-VI compounds have laminated structures that can be exfoliated to monolayers. Besides indium and gallium chalcogenides, there are other uncommon compounds in the family of group III-VI compounds, which have various crystal lattices, including layered structures. Aluminum chalcogenides show potential as anodes in batteries and semiconductors. Studies on thallium-based compounds are still exploring their semiconducting and thermoelectric properties. This review aims to summarize the significant features of these unusual materials and propose new studies to revive their potential in future technology.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Zdenek Sofer, Yunpeng Zuo, Nikolas Antonatos, Lukas Dekanovsky, Jan Luxa, Joshua D. Elliott, Diego Gianolio, Jir Saturala, Fabrizio Guzzetta, Stefanos Mourdikoudis, Jakub Regner, Roman Melek
Summary: Transition-metal tellurides have emerged as attractive catalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction, but their intrinsic activity hinders practical applications. This study successfully fabricated PdTe2-based catalysts with different types of vacancies, demonstrating remarkable HER activity. The defect engineering strategy used in this work can be extended to other two-dimensional materials, expanding their potential application fields.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Michela Sanna, Katarina A. A. Novcic, Siowwoon Ng, Miroslav Cerny, Martin Pumera
Summary: MAX phases are layered ternary compounds with physical properties that have been widely studied, including their use in the synthesis of MXenes. Recently, their unexpected photoactivity under visible light has been reported. Through theoretical calculations and experimental characterisation, it was found that MAX phases have photoabsorption capabilities attributed to the presence of photoactive oxide impurities on their surface. These impurities naturally form from contact with air and solvents. This study highlights the potential use of MAX phases in other photoelectrochemical processes.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Jelena Isailovic, Ana Oberlintner, Uros Novak, Matjaz Finsgar, Filipa M. Oliveira, Jan Pastika, Zdenek Sofer, Nikola Tasic, Rui Gusmao, Samo B. Hocevar
Summary: In this study, a MXene-chitosan membrane was developed for the detection of gaseous H2O2. The sensor showed high sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility, with a low detection limit of 4 μg m(-3) and a linear response in the concentration range of 0.5-30.0 mg m(-3).
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Evgeniya Kovalska, Bing Wu, Liping Liao, Vlastimil Mazanek, Jan Luxa, Ivo Marek, Luc Lajaunie, Zdenek Sofer
Summary: This study successfully synthesized high-quality few-layer siligene through nonaqueous electrochemical exfoliation method, and evaluated its performance as an anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The results showed that the siligene exhibited excellent electrochemical characteristics and increased the capacity of the integrated batteries by 10%.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Filipa M. M. Oliveira, Jalal Azadmanjiri, Xuehang Wang, Minghao Yu, Zdenek Sofer
Summary: The development of new materials for EMI shielding is crucial, and MXenes have shown great potential as EMI shielding materials due to their electric conductivity, low density, and flexibility. Different processing techniques have been employed to produce MXene-based materials with desired EMI shielding performance. This review summarizes the processes and key parameters involved, discusses the determination of power coefficients and the concept of green shielding materials, and concludes with an overview of the current challenges and prospects in the production of MXene materials as EMI shields.
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Stefan Wert, Christian Iffelsberger, Akshay Kumar K. Padinjareveetil, Martin Pumera
Summary: Transition metal trichalcogenphosphites (MPX3) are 2D materials with potential as electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). In our study, we found that edge-like defects of FePSe3 crystals exhibit increased electrochemical activity and catalytic activity for the HER. These findings have important implications for the application of these materials in electrochemistry and for understanding the electrochemical performance of layered compounds.
ACS APPLIED ELECTRONIC MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Keval K. Sonigara, Jayraj V. Vaghasiya, Carmen C. Mayorga-Martinez, Martin Pumera
Summary: Flexible aqueous zinc-ion batteries with a Ti3C2Tx decorated sulfur cathode and iodine-added amphiphilic gel electrolyte show high storage capacity, good cycling stability, and excellent mechanical stability. They can power various electronic gadgets and offer promising potential for flexible energy storage technologies.
NPJ 2D MATERIALS AND APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Siowwoon Ng, Michela Sanna, Edurne Redondo, Martin Pumera
Summary: Three-dimensional (3D) printing is a popular technique for producing customized parts, and 3D carbon electrodes have great potential in electrochemical applications. Atomic layer deposition (ALD) can create functional coatings on 3D carbon electrodes, enhancing their performance in light-driven water splitting hydrogen and oxygen evolution reactions.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS CHEMISTRY A
(2023)
