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Nanomaterials
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Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials
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Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Nanocomposite Materials".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 28 February 2025 | Viewed by 7370

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Thomas Dippong

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Guest Editor
Chemistry and Biology Department, Faculty of Sciences, Technical University, 430122 Baia Mare, Romania
Interests: nanomaterials; magnetic nanocomposites; sol-gel synthesis; ferrite preparations and characterization techniques; food thermal behavior; flavor analysis; volatile profile; applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Developing composite materials is a frontier research field with applications in tissue engineering scaffolds, drug delivery, supercapacitors, food packaging, water remediation and decontamination, energy conversion, sensing, storage filters, lithium-ion batteries, nanoelectronics, sensors, energy-storage devices, supercapacitors, food packaging, etc. Functional nanocomposites with specific functionalities such as drag reduction, anti-wear, self-healing, anti-fouling, and stimulus response have emerged as highly attractive materials. In this regard, inorganic quantum dots/nanoparticles, nanorods/nanotubes, and 2D materials (i.e., graphene-based nanosheets, carbon nanotubes, carbon nanospheres, bentonites, nano-sized silica particles, and zeolites) can be decorated in the inorganic/organic matrix via chemical synthesis or physical blending for improved characteristics. These include heightened thermal stability, water and chemical resistance, transparency, thermal conductivity, and tensile strength. A particular interest has been acknowledged in the hybridization of SiO2 with appropriate materials since ferrite/SiO2 composites can be tailored to meet the needs of new cutting-edge technologies. These nanomaterial systems have remarkable properties for removing harmful contaminants such as heavy metals, organic pollutants, and pharmaceuticals from various water sources.

This Special Issue aims to provide a comprehensive overview of original research articles, communications, or reviews focusing on the development, preparation, chemical synthesis, structural design, material selection, characterization, and application of advanced nanocomposites. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Novel synthesis strategies and design principles for nanocomposites (clays, nanoparticles, ferrite embedded in SiO2/PVA matrix, catalysts, dyes, drugs, etc.);
  • Mechanism of formation, physicochemical and morphological properties, and applications of nanocomposites embedded in SiO2;
  • Advances in characterizing the structure and properties of nanocomposites;
  • Processing and simulation of damage and failure in nanocomposites;
  • New applications of functional nanocomposites in medicine, healthcare, green energy, coating, magnetic materials, optoelectronics, and sensing;
  • Industrial implementations and technological innovations utilizing nanocomposites;
  • Design, synthesis, and characterization of composite adsorbent nanomaterials;
  • Nanocomposites for biomedical and dental applications.

Dr. Thomas Dippong
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. Nanomaterials 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 2900 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

  • nanocomposites
  • graphene-based composites
  • organic coatings/films
  • thermal or magnetic properties
  • semiconducting nanoparticles
  • dental gels, adhesives, resins, and composites
  • water treatment
  • pollutant removal by nanocomposites

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Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 3686 KiB  
Article
Investigating the Mechanism of Rare-Earth Ion Incorporation into Glass–Ceramic Crystal Phases through Er3+ Ion Probe Characteristics
by Zhixin Chen, Wenzhe Cui, Sijun Ren, Ju Yang, Jiayu Tian, Haitao Xia, Jiajing Shen and Guozhong Ren
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(18), 1479; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14181479 - 11 Sep 2024
Viewed by 752
Abstract
Exploring the intrinsic mechanisms of rare-earth ions entering the crystal phase has great significance for finely tuning the luminescent properties of glass–ceramics. Using Er3+ ions as a probe, X-ray diffraction was employed to precisely measure the crystallinity of SiO2-PbF2 [...] Read more.
Exploring the intrinsic mechanisms of rare-earth ions entering the crystal phase has great significance for finely tuning the luminescent properties of glass–ceramics. Using Er3+ ions as a probe, X-ray diffraction was employed to precisely measure the crystallinity of SiO2-PbF2-Er2O3 glass–ceramics synthesized under various heat treatment conditions, confirming the occurrence of a rapid crystallization process. Additionally, by combining Judd–Ofelt theory with comprehensive analyses of absorption and fluorescence spectra, we calculated the relative proportions of Er3+ ions present in the crystal phase. We found that the crystallization process in the glass–ceramics and the incorporation of Er3+ ions into the crystal phase did not occur synchronously. This discovery provides new theoretical foundations and practical guidance for understanding the mechanism of rare-earth ion incorporation into crystal phases, which is significant for the development of functional materials with specific luminescent properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)
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7 pages, 1278 KiB  
Communication
Observation of Linear Magnetoresistance in MoO2
by Yulong Su, Zhibin He, Ruizheng Jiang and Jundong Zhang
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(11), 915; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14110915 - 23 May 2024
Viewed by 867
Abstract
Magnetoresistance, the change in resistance with applied magnetic fields, is crucial to the magnetic sensor technology. Linear magnetoresistance has been intensively studied in semimetals and semiconductors. However, the air-stable oxides with a large linear magnetoresistance are highly desirable but remain to be fully [...] Read more.
Magnetoresistance, the change in resistance with applied magnetic fields, is crucial to the magnetic sensor technology. Linear magnetoresistance has been intensively studied in semimetals and semiconductors. However, the air-stable oxides with a large linear magnetoresistance are highly desirable but remain to be fully explored. In this paper, we report the direct observation of linear magnetoresistance in polycrystalline MoO2 without any sign of saturation up to 7 T under 50 K. Interestingly, the linear magnetoresistance reaches as large as 1500% under 7 T at 2 K. The linear field dependence is in great contrast to the parabolic behavior observed in single-crystal MoO2, probably due to phonon scattering near the grain boundaries. Our results pave the way to comprehending magneto-transport behavior in oxides and their potential applications in magnetic sensors. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)
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33 pages, 10616 KiB  
Article
Theoretical and Experimental Analysis of Hydroxyl and Epoxy Group Effects on Graphene Oxide Properties
by Ximena Jaramillo-Fierro and Guisella Cuenca
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 714; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080714 - 19 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1288
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed the impact of hydroxyl and epoxy groups on the properties of graphene oxide (GO) for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from water, addressing the urgent need for effective water purification methods due to industrial pollution. Employing [...] Read more.
In this study, we analyzed the impact of hydroxyl and epoxy groups on the properties of graphene oxide (GO) for the adsorption of methylene blue (MB) dye from water, addressing the urgent need for effective water purification methods due to industrial pollution. Employing a dual approach, we integrated experimental techniques with theoretical modeling via density functional theory (DFT) to examine the atomic structure of GO and its adsorption capabilities. The methodology encompasses a series of experiments to evaluate the performance of GO in MB dye adsorption under different conditions, including differences in pH, dye concentration, reaction temperature, and contact time, providing a comprehensive view of its effectiveness. Theoretical DFT calculations provide insights into how hydroxyl and epoxy modifications alter the electronic properties of GO, improving adsorption efficiency. The results demonstrate a significant improvement in the dye adsorption capacity of GO, attributed to the interaction between the functional groups and MB molecules. This study not only confirms the potential of GO as a superior adsorbent for water treatment, but also contributes to the optimization of GO-based materials for environmental remediation, highlighting the synergy between experimental observations and theoretical predictions in advances in materials science to improve sustainability. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)
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12 pages, 6512 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Characterization of Uniform and Controlled Silica Encapsulating on Lithium Yttrium Fluoride-Based Upconversion Nanoparticles
by Yahya A. Alzahrani, Abdulmalik M. Alessa, Mona K. Almosaind, Rahaf S. Alarifi, Abdulaziz Alromaeh and Masfer Alkahtani
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 685; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080685 - 16 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1125
Abstract
In this work, we present an advancement in the encapsulation of lithium yttrium fluoride-based (YLiF4:Yb,Er) upconversion nanocrystals (UCNPs) with silica (SiO2) shells through a reverse microemulsion technique, achieving UCNPs@SiO2 core/shell structures. Key parameters of this approach were optimized [...] Read more.
In this work, we present an advancement in the encapsulation of lithium yttrium fluoride-based (YLiF4:Yb,Er) upconversion nanocrystals (UCNPs) with silica (SiO2) shells through a reverse microemulsion technique, achieving UCNPs@SiO2 core/shell structures. Key parameters of this approach were optimized to eliminate the occurrence of core-free silica particles and ensure a controlled silica shell thickness growth on the UCNPs. The optimal conditions for this method were using 6 mg of UCNPs, 1.5 mL of Igepal CO-520, 0.25 mL of ammonia, and 50 μL of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), resulting in a uniform silica shell around UCNPs with a thickness of 8 nm. The optical characteristics of the silica-encased UCNPs were examined, confirming the retention of their intrinsic upconversion luminescence (UC). Furthermore, we developed a reliable strategy to avoid the coencapsulation of multiple UCNPs within a single silica shell. This approach led to a tenfold increase in the UC luminescence of the annealed particles compared to their nonannealed counterparts, under identical silica shell thickness and excitation conditions. This significant improvement addresses a critical challenge and amplifies the applicability of the resulting UCNPs@SiO2 core/shell structures in various fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)
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19 pages, 10539 KiB  
Article
Elastic Liposomes Containing Calcium/Magnesium Ferrite Nanoparticles Coupled with Gold Nanorods for Application in Photothermal Therapy
by Ana Rita F. Pacheco, Ana Margarida Barros, Carlos O. Amorim, Vítor S. Amaral, Paulo J. G. Coutinho, Ana Rita O. Rodrigues and Elisabete M. S. Castanheira
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(8), 679; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14080679 - 15 Apr 2024
Viewed by 1305
Abstract
This work reports on the design, development, and characterization of novel magneto-plasmonic elastic liposomes (MPELs) of DPPC:SP80 (85:15) containing Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 nanoparticles coupled with gold nanorods, for topical application of photothermal therapy (PTT). Both magnetic and plasmonic [...] Read more.
This work reports on the design, development, and characterization of novel magneto-plasmonic elastic liposomes (MPELs) of DPPC:SP80 (85:15) containing Mg0.75Ca0.25Fe2O4 nanoparticles coupled with gold nanorods, for topical application of photothermal therapy (PTT). Both magnetic and plasmonic components were characterized regarding their structural, morphological, magnetic and photothermal properties. The magnetic nanoparticles display a cubic shape and a size (major axis) of 37 ± 3 nm, while the longitudinal and transverse sizes of the nanorods are 46 ± 7 nm and 12 ± 1.6 nm, respectively. A new methodology was employed to couple the magnetic and plasmonic nanostructures, using cysteine as bridge. The potential for photothermia was evaluated for the magnetic nanoparticles, gold nanorods and the coupled magnetic/plasmonic nanoparticles, which demonstrated a maximum temperature variation of 28.9 °C, 33.6 °C and 37.2 °C, respectively, during a 30 min NIR-laser irradiation of 1 mg/mL dispersions. Using fluorescence anisotropy studies, a phase transition temperature (Tm) of 35 °C was estimated for MPELs, which ensures an enhanced fluidity crucial for effective crossing of the skin layers. The photothermal potential of this novel nanostructure corresponds to a specific absorption rate (SAR) of 616.9 W/g and a maximum temperature increase of 33.5 °C. These findings point to the development of thermoelastic nanocarriers with suitable features to act as photothermal hyperthermia agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)
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14 pages, 1286 KiB  
Article
Utilizing Constant Energy Difference between sp-Peak and C 1s Core Level in Photoelectron Spectra for Unambiguous Identification and Quantification of Diamond Phase in Nanodiamonds
by Oleksandr Romanyuk, Štěpán Stehlík, Josef Zemek, Kateřina Aubrechtová Dragounová and Alexander Kromka
Nanomaterials 2024, 14(7), 590; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14070590 - 27 Mar 2024
Viewed by 1327
Abstract
The modification of nanodiamond (ND) surfaces has significant applications in sensing devices, drug delivery, bioimaging, and tissue engineering. Precise control of the diamond phase composition and bond configurations during ND processing and surface finalization is crucial. In this study, we conducted a comparative [...] Read more.
The modification of nanodiamond (ND) surfaces has significant applications in sensing devices, drug delivery, bioimaging, and tissue engineering. Precise control of the diamond phase composition and bond configurations during ND processing and surface finalization is crucial. In this study, we conducted a comparative analysis of the graphitization process in various types of hydrogenated NDs, considering differences in ND size and quality. We prepared three types of hydrogenated NDs: high-pressure high-temperature NDs (HPHT ND-H; 0–30 nm), conventional detonation nanodiamonds (DND-H; ~5 nm), and size- and nitrogen-reduced hydrogenated nanodiamonds (snr-DND-H; 2–3 nm). The samples underwent annealing in an ultra-high vacuum and sputtering by Ar cluster ion beam (ArCIB). Samples were investigated by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), in situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy (UPS), and Raman spectroscopy (RS). Our investigation revealed that the graphitization temperature of NDs ranges from 600 °C to 700 °C and depends on the size and crystallinity of the NDs. Smaller DND particles with a high density of defects exhibit a lower graphitization temperature. We revealed a constant energy difference of 271.3 eV between the sp-peak in the valence band spectra (at around 13.7 eV) and the sp3 component in the C 1s core level spectra (at 285.0 eV). The identification of this energy difference helps in calibrating charge shifts and serves the unambiguous identification of the sp3 bond contribution in the C 1s spectra obtained from ND samples. Results were validated through reference measurements on hydrogenated single crystal C(111)-H and highly-ordered pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)
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