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Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II)
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Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II)

A special issue of Materials (ISSN 1996-1944). This special issue belongs to the section "Advanced Nanomaterials and Nanotechnology".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 June 2024) | Viewed by 9436

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Matteo Tonezzer

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Guest Editor
IMEM-CNR, sede di Trento - FBK, via alla Cascata 56/C, Trento, Italy
Interests: nanomaterials; nanostructures; metal oxides; vapor phase deposition; gas sensors; chemosensors; smart sensing; electronic noses
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last two decades, the increasing ability to finely manipulate matter at the nanometer level has opened up a host of new opportunities. Being able to tune the size, structure, composition, and morphology of inorganic, organic, and hybrid nanostructures and nanocomposites is in some ways leading to the compilation of a new periodic table of elements, still to be largely explored. The potential of nanostructured materials is very wide and, although scientists are investigating them intensely, there is still a long way to go, leaving plenty of room for both fundamental and applied research. Such activities are strongly fueled by the broad range of functional applications for the developed materials, encompassing better thermally insulating materials for building, sharper and cheaper screens, elimination of environmental pollutants, distributed sensors for flammable and toxic gases, advanced devices for energy production and accumulation, new biomedical diagnostic techniques, longer-lasting prosthetics, drug delivery, smart food packaging, and water purification, among others.

The purpose of this Special Issue is to gather the latest results in the modeling, simulation, synthesis, advanced characterization, and the potential applications of nanostructured materials.

Topics will include, but are not limited to:

  • modeling, simulation and characterization of nanomaterials
  • innovative preparation routes to nanomaterials with tailored spatial organization
  • environment monitoring
  • healthcare
  • food quality assessment
  • sensing and biosensing devices
  • energy harvesting, storage and conversion
  • functional and smart materials
  • recycling and renewable resources

We encourage the submission of reviews, mini-reviews, original articles, and short communications highlighting the potential of nanomaterials to improve the environment and human life.

Dr. Matteo Tonezzer
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Materials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • nanomaterials
  • nanostructures
  • nanodevices
  • sensors
  • batteries
  • supercapacitors
  • (photo)catalysts
  • energy production
  • water purification
  • drug delivery

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

13 pages, 4761 KiB  
Article
Antipathogenic Applications of Copper Nanoparticles in Air Filtration Systems
by Subbareddy Mekapothula, Elvina Chrysanthou, James Hall, Phani Durga Nekkalapudi, Samantha McLean and Gareth W. V. Cave
Materials 2024, 17(11), 2664; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma17112664 - 1 Jun 2024
Viewed by 914
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for effective air filtration systems in healthcare environments to mitigate the spread of viral and bacterial pathogens. This study explores the utilization of copper nanoparticle-coated materials for air filtration, offering both antiviral and antimicrobial properties. [...] Read more.
The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the critical need for effective air filtration systems in healthcare environments to mitigate the spread of viral and bacterial pathogens. This study explores the utilization of copper nanoparticle-coated materials for air filtration, offering both antiviral and antimicrobial properties. Highly uniform spherical copper oxide nanoparticles (~10 nm) were synthesized via a spinning disc reactor and subsequently functionalized with carboxylated ligands to ensure colloidal stability in aqueous solutions. The functionalized copper oxide nanoparticles were applied as antipathogenic coatings on extruded polyethylene and melt-blown polypropylene fibers to assess their efficacy in air filtration applications. Notably, Type IIR medical facemasks incorporating the copper nanoparticle-coated polyethylene fibers demonstrated a >90% reduction in influenza virus and SARS-CoV-2 within 2 h of exposure. Similarly, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) filtration pre- (polyester) and post (polypropylene)-filtration media were functionalised with the copper nanoparticles and exhibited a 99% reduction in various viral and bacterial strains, including SARS-CoV-2, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumannii, Salmonella enterica, and Escherichia coli. In both cases, this mitigates not only the immediate threat from these pathogens but also the risk of biofouling and secondary risk factors. The assessment of leaching properties confirmed that the copper nanoparticle coatings remained intact on the polymeric fiber surfaces without releasing nanoparticles into the solution or airflow. These findings highlight the potential of nanoparticle-coated materials in developing biocompatible and environmentally friendly air filtration systems for healthcare settings, crucial in combating current and future pandemic threats. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II))
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13 pages, 3237 KiB  
Article
Three-Dimensional-Printed Photocatalytic Sponges Decorated with Mn-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles
by Nikolaos Rafael Vrithias, Klytaimnistra Katsara, Lampros Papoutsakis, Vassilis M. Papadakis, Zacharias Viskadourakis, Ioannis N. Remediakis and George Kenanakis
Materials 2023, 16(16), 5672; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165672 - 18 Aug 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1913
Abstract
The present work reports on the fabrication of high-density polyethylene sponges, decorated with Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures. The sponges were developed utilizing three-dimensional printing technology, while Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures, with varying doping levels, were grown at mild temperatures. The nanostructures were fully characterized by [...] Read more.
The present work reports on the fabrication of high-density polyethylene sponges, decorated with Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures. The sponges were developed utilizing three-dimensional printing technology, while Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures, with varying doping levels, were grown at mild temperatures. The nanostructures were fully characterized by means of scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy, revealing the existence of Mn doping. Moreover, their photocatalytic properties were investigated using the degradation/decolorization of a commercially available liquid laundry detergent, based on synthetic, less foaming ingredients, under UV irradiation. The Mn-doped ZnO nanostructures show better photocatalytic activity at higher doping levels. This study demonstrates that it is possible to achieve the adequate degradation of a typical detergent solution in water by means of low-cost and environmentally friendly approaches, while Mn-doped ZnO/HDPE nanostructures are good candidates for real environmental applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II))
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13 pages, 4511 KiB  
Article
The Numerical and Experimental Investigation of Piezoresistive Performance of Carbon Nanotube/Carbon Black/Polyvinylidene Fluoride Composite
by Kaiyan Huang, Shuying Tong, Xuewei Shi, Jie Wen, Xiaoyang Bi, Alamusi Li, Rui Zou, Wei Kong, Hui Yin, Wei Hu, Libin Zhao and Ning Hu
Materials 2023, 16(16), 5581; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16165581 - 11 Aug 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1165
Abstract
The composites with multiple types of nano-carbon fillers have better electrical conductivity and piezoresistive properties as compared with composites with a single type of nano-carbon fillers. As previously reported, the nano-carbon fillers with various aspect ratios, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon [...] Read more.
The composites with multiple types of nano-carbon fillers have better electrical conductivity and piezoresistive properties as compared with composites with a single type of nano-carbon fillers. As previously reported, the nano-carbon fillers with various aspect ratios, such as carbon nanotube (CNT) and carbon black (CB), have synergistic enhanced effects on the piezoresistive performance of composite sensors. However, most of the works that have been reported are experimental investigations. The efficient and usable numerical simulation investigation needs to be further developed. In this study, based on an integrated 3D statistical resistor network model, a numerical simulation model was created to calculate the piezoresistive behavior of the CNT/CB/ Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) composite. This model also takes into account the tunneling effect between nearby nano-fillers. It is found from numerical simulation results that the piezoresistive sensitivity of composite simulation cells can be influenced by the fraction of CNT and CB. In the case that the CNT content is 0.073 wt.%, the best force-electrical piezoresistive sensitivity can be achieved when the CB loading is up to 0.2 wt.%. To verify the validity of the simulation model, the previous experimental investigation results are also compared. The experimental results confirm the validity of the model. The investigation is valuable and can be utilized to design a strain sensor for this nano-composite with increased sensitivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II))
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18 pages, 5017 KiB  
Article
Core–Shell Spheroid Structure TiO2/CdS Composites with Enhanced Photocathodic Protection Performance
by Tingting Chen, Bo Li, Xiaolong Zhang, Xiang Ke and Rengui Xiao
Materials 2023, 16(11), 3927; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16113927 - 24 May 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1380
Abstract
In order to improve the conversion and transmission efficiency of the photoelectron, core–shell spheroid structure titanium dioxide/cadmium sulfide (TiO2/CdS) composites were synthesized as epoxy-based coating fillers using a simple hydrothermal method. The electrochemical performance of photocathodic protection for the epoxy-based composite [...] Read more.
In order to improve the conversion and transmission efficiency of the photoelectron, core–shell spheroid structure titanium dioxide/cadmium sulfide (TiO2/CdS) composites were synthesized as epoxy-based coating fillers using a simple hydrothermal method. The electrochemical performance of photocathodic protection for the epoxy-based composite coating was analyzed by coating it on the Q235 carbon steel surface. The results show that the epoxy-based composite coating possesses a significant photoelectrochemical property with a photocurrent density of 0.0421 A/cm2 and corrosion potential of −0.724 V. Importantly, the modified composite coating can extend absorption in the visible region and effectively separate photoelectron hole pairs to improve the photoelectrochemical performance synergistically, because CdS can be regarded as a sensitizer to be introduced into TiO2 to form a heterojunction system. The mechanism of photocathodic protection is attributed to the potential energy difference between Fermi energy and excitation level, which leads to the system obtaining higher electric field strength at the heterostructure interface, thus driving electrons directly into the surface of Q235 carbon steel (Q235 CS). Moreover, the photocathodic protection mechanism of the epoxy-based composite coating for Q235 CS is investigated in this paper. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II))
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10 pages, 7724 KiB  
Article
Bandgap Engineering of Two-Dimensional Double Perovskite Cs4AgBiBr8/WSe2 Heterostructure from Indirect Bandgap to Direct Bandgap by Introducing Se Vacancy
by Yiwei Cai, Zhengli Lu, Xin Xu, Yujia Gao, Tingting Shi, Xin Wang and Lingling Shui
Materials 2023, 16(10), 3668; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16103668 - 11 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1641
Abstract
Heterostructures based on layered materials are considered next-generation photocatalysts due to their unique mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. In this work, we conducted a systematic first-principles study on the structure, stability, and electronic properties of a 2D monolayer WSe2/Cs4AgBiBr [...] Read more.
Heterostructures based on layered materials are considered next-generation photocatalysts due to their unique mechanical, physical, and chemical properties. In this work, we conducted a systematic first-principles study on the structure, stability, and electronic properties of a 2D monolayer WSe2/Cs4AgBiBr8 heterostructure. We found that the heterostructure is not only a type-II heterostructure with a high optical absorption coefficient, but also shows better optoelectronic properties, changing from an indirect bandgap semiconductor (about 1.70 eV) to a direct bandgap semiconductor (about 1.23 eV) by introducing an appropriate Se vacancy. Moreover, we investigated the stability of the heterostructure with Se atomic vacancy in different positions and found that the heterostructure was more stable when the Se vacancy is near the vertical direction of the upper Br atoms from the 2D double perovskite layer. The insightful understanding of WSe2/Cs4AgBiBr8 heterostructure and the defect engineering will offer useful strategies to design superior layered photodetectors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II))
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20 pages, 3659 KiB  
Article
Mordenite-Supported Ag+-Cu2+-Zn2+ Trimetallic System: A Variety of Nanospecies Obtained via Thermal Reduction in Hydrogen Followed by Cooling in an Air or Hydrogen Atmosphere
by Inocente Rodríguez-Iznaga, Vitalii Petranovskii, Felipe F. Castillón-Barraza, Sergio Fuentes-Moyado, Fernando Chávez-Rivas and Alexey Pestryakov
Materials 2023, 16(1), 221; https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010221 - 26 Dec 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1622
Abstract
Multimetallic systems, instead of monometallic systems, have been used to develop materials with diverse supported species to improve their catalytic, antimicrobial activity, etc., properties. The changes in the types of nanospecies obtained through the thermal reduction of ternary Ag+-Cu2+-Zn [...] Read more.
Multimetallic systems, instead of monometallic systems, have been used to develop materials with diverse supported species to improve their catalytic, antimicrobial activity, etc., properties. The changes in the types of nanospecies obtained through the thermal reduction of ternary Ag+-Cu2+-Zn2+/mordenite systems in hydrogen, followed by their cooling in an air or hydrogen atmosphere, were studied. Such combinations of trimetallic systems with different metal content, variable ratios (between them), and alternating atmosphere types (during the cooling after reducing the samples in hydrogen at 350 °C) lead to diversity in the obtained copper and silver nanospecies. No reduction of Zn2+ was evidenced. A low silver content leads to the formation of reduced silver clusters, while the formation of nanoparticles of a bigger size takes place in the trimetallic samples with high silver content. The cooling of the reduced trimetallic samples in the air causes the oxidation of the obtained metallic clusters and silver and copper nanoparticles. In the case of copper, such conditions lead to the formation of mainly copper (II) oxide, while the silver nanospecies are converted mainly into clusters and nanoparticles. The zinc cations provoked changes in the mordenite matrix, which was associated with the formation of point oxygen defects in the mordenite structure and the formation of surface zinc oxide sub-nanoparticles in the samples cooled in the air. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Nanomaterials for a Better Life (Volume II))
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