Nanomaterials

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13 pages, 3436 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Additive Manufacturing of Electrically Conductive Multi-Layered Nanocopper in an Air Environment

by David Pervan, Anil Bastola, Robyn Worsley, Ricky Wildman, Richard Hague, Edward Lester and Christopher Tuck

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(9), 753; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14090753 - 25 Apr 2024

Viewed by 1175

Abstract

The additive manufacturing (AM) of functional copper (Cu) parts is a major goal for many industries, from aerospace to automotive to electronics, because Cu has a high thermal and electrical conductivity as well as being ~10× cheaper than silver. Previous studies on AM [...] Read more.

The additive manufacturing (AM) of functional copper (Cu) parts is a major goal for many industries, from aerospace to automotive to electronics, because Cu has a high thermal and electrical conductivity as well as being ~10× cheaper than silver. Previous studies on AM of Cu have concentrated mainly on high-energy manufacturing processes such as Laser Powder Bed Fusion, Electron Beam Melting, and Binder Jetting. These processes all require high-temperature heat treatment in an oxygen-free environment. This paper shows an AM route to multi-layered microparts from novel nanoparticle (NP) Cu feedstocks, performed in an air environment, employing a low-power (<10 W) laser sintering process. Cu NP ink was deposited using two mechanisms, inkjet printing, and bar coating, followed by low-power laser exposure to induce particle consolidation. Initial parts were manufactured to a height of approximately 100 µm, which was achieved by multi-layer printing of 15 (bar-coated) to 300 (inkjetted) layers. There was no evidence of oxidised copper in the sintered material, but they were found to be low-density, porous structures. Nonetheless, electrical resistivity of ~28 × 10⁻⁸ Ω m was achieved. Overall, the aim of this study is to offer foundational knowledge for upscaling the process to additively manufacture Cu 3D parts of significant size via sequential nanometal ink deposition and low-power laser processing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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15 pages, 3889 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction Reaction of TiO₂ Nanotubes by Combining Surface Oxygen Vacancy Engineering and Zr Doping

by Maged N. Shaddad, Prabhakarn Arunachalam, Mahmoud S. Hezam, Saba A. Aladeemy, Mamduh J. Aljaafreh, Sharif Abu Alrub and Abdullah M. Al-Mayouf

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(4), 366; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14040366 - 16 Feb 2024

Viewed by 4641

Abstract

This work examines the cooperative effect between Zr doping and oxygen vacancy engineering in anodized TiO₂ nanotubes (TNTs) for enhanced oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). Zr dopant and annealing conditions significantly affected the electrocatalytic characteristics of grown TNTs. Zr doping results in Zr [...] Read more.

This work examines the cooperative effect between Zr doping and oxygen vacancy engineering in anodized TiO₂ nanotubes (TNTs) for enhanced oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs). Zr dopant and annealing conditions significantly affected the electrocatalytic characteristics of grown TNTs. Zr doping results in Zr⁴⁺ substituted for Ti⁴⁺ species, which indirectly creates oxygen vacancy donors that enhance charge transfer kinetics and reduce carrier recombination in TNT bulk. Moreover, oxygen vacancies promote the creation of unsaturated Ti³⁺(Zr³⁺) sites at the surface, which also boosts the ORR interfacial process. Annealing at reductive atmospheres (e.g., H₂, vacuum) resulted in a larger increase in oxygen vacancies, which greatly enhanced the ORR activity. In comparison to bare TNTs, Zr doping and vacuum treatment (Zr:TNT–Vac) significantly improved the conductivity and activity of ORRs in alkaline media. The finding also provides selective hydrogen peroxide production by the electrochemical reduction of oxygen. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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9 pages, 2782 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Pillar Growth by Focused Electron Beam-Induced Deposition Using a Bimetallic Precursor as Model System: High-Energy Fragmentation vs. Low-Energy Decomposition

by Robert Winkler, Michele Brugger-Hatzl, Fabrizio Porrati, David Kuhness, Thomas Mairhofer, Lukas M. Seewald, Gerald Kothleitner, Michael Huth, Harald Plank and Sven Barth

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(21), 2907; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13212907 - 6 Nov 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1555

Abstract

Electron-induced fragmentation of the HFeCo₃(CO)₁₂ precursor allows direct-write fabrication of 3D nanostructures with metallic contents of up to >95 at %. While microstructure and composition determine the physical and functional properties of focused electron beam-induced deposits, they also provide fundamental [...] Read more.

Electron-induced fragmentation of the HFeCo₃(CO)₁₂ precursor allows direct-write fabrication of 3D nanostructures with metallic contents of up to >95 at %. While microstructure and composition determine the physical and functional properties of focused electron beam-induced deposits, they also provide fundamental insights into the decomposition process of precursors, as elaborated in this study based on EDX and TEM. The results provide solid information suggesting that different dominant fragmentation channels are active in single-spot growth processes for pillar formation. The use of the single source precursor provides a unique insight into high- and low-energy fragmentation channels being active in the same deposit formation process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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18 pages, 6752 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Sintering, Mechanical and Optical Properties of TiB₂ Composites with and without High-Energy Milling

by Simone Taraborelli, Simone Failla, Elisa Sani and Diletta Sciti

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(19), 2683; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13192683 - 30 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1263

Abstract

TiB₂ is a promising material for several fields including impact-resistant armor, wear-resistant coatings, cutting tools and crucibles given its physical, mechanical and chemical properties, especially due to the combination of high hardness and exceptional wear resistance. It is however very difficult to [...] Read more.

TiB₂ is a promising material for several fields including impact-resistant armor, wear-resistant coatings, cutting tools and crucibles given its physical, mechanical and chemical properties, especially due to the combination of high hardness and exceptional wear resistance. It is however very difficult to sinter below 2000 °C, even under mechanical pressure; moreover, the low fracture toughness limits the applicability of the ceramic material. By using sintering additives, it is possible to improve the sintering process and increase the mechanical properties since the additives react with oxidized layers and form secondary phases. In this study, different preparation methods and various combinations of additives (B₄C, Si₃N₄ and MoSi₂) via hot pressing sintering have been explored. Through the synergy between optimized process and tailored composition, an almost fully dense material was obtained at 1700 °C with hardness of 24.4 ± 0.2 GPa and fracture toughness of 5.4 ± 0.2 MPa m^1/2. However, the highest hardness (24.5 ± 0.2 GPa) and density values were obtained for only the high-energy-milled sample with WC-Co media, featuring a core–shell grain structure. Finally, optical properties for selected samples were measured, identifying the high-energy-milled TiB₂ as the sample with the highest spectral selectivity α/ε and solar absorptance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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19 pages, 6791 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Organized Memristive Ensembles of Nanoparticles Below the Percolation Threshold: Switching Dynamics and Phase Field Description

by Renat T. Sibatov, Andrey I. Savitskiy, Pavel E. L’vov, Yulia O. Vasilevskaya and Evgeny P. Kitsyuk

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(14), 2039; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13142039 - 10 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1375

Abstract

Percolative memristive networks based on self-organized ensembles of silver and gold nanoparticles are synthesized and investigated. Using cyclic voltammetry, pulse and step voltage excitations, we study switching between memristive and capacitive states below the percolation threshold. The resulting systems demonstrate scale-free (self-similar) temporal [...] Read more.

Percolative memristive networks based on self-organized ensembles of silver and gold nanoparticles are synthesized and investigated. Using cyclic voltammetry, pulse and step voltage excitations, we study switching between memristive and capacitive states below the percolation threshold. The resulting systems demonstrate scale-free (self-similar) temporal dynamics, long-term correlations, and synaptic plasticity. The observed plasticity can be manipulated in a controlled manner. The simplified stochastic model of resistance dynamics in memristive networks is testified. A phase field model based on the Cahn–Hilliard and Ginzburg–Landau equations is proposed to describe the dynamics of a self-organized network during the dissolution of filaments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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17 pages, 4345 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Amino-Termination of Silicon Carbide Nanoparticles

by Szabolcs Czene, Nikoletta Jegenyes, Olga Krafcsik, Sándor Lenk, Zsolt Czigány, Gábor Bortel, Katalin Kamarás, János Rohonczy, David Beke and Adam Gali

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(13), 1953; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13131953 - 27 Jun 2023

Viewed by 3606

Abstract

Silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiC NPs) are promising inorganic molecular-sized fluorescent biomarkers. It is imperative to develop methods to functionalize SiC NPs for certain biological applications. One possible route is to form amino groups on the surface, which can be readily used to attach [...] Read more.

Silicon carbide nanoparticles (SiC NPs) are promising inorganic molecular-sized fluorescent biomarkers. It is imperative to develop methods to functionalize SiC NPs for certain biological applications. One possible route is to form amino groups on the surface, which can be readily used to attach target biomolecules. Here, we report direct amino-termination of aqueous SiC NPs. We demonstrate the applicability of the amino-terminated SiC NPs by attaching bovine serum albumin as a model for functionalization. We monitor the optical properties of the SiC NPs in this process and find that the fluorescence intensity is very sensitive to surface termination. Our finding may have implications for a few nanometers sized SiC NPs containing paramagnetic color centers with optically read electron spins. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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20 pages, 5134 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Silica Particle Size on the Mechanical Enhancement of Polymer Nanocomposites

by Evagelia Kontou, Angelos Christopoulos, Panagiota Koralli and Dionysios E. Mouzakis

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 1095; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13061095 - 18 Mar 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3130

Abstract

In the present work, SiO₂micro/nanocomposites based on poly-lactic acid (PLA) and an epoxy resin were prepared and experimentally studied. The silica particles were of varying sizes from the nano to micro scale at the same loading. The mechanical and thermomechanical performance, [...] Read more.

In the present work, SiO₂micro/nanocomposites based on poly-lactic acid (PLA) and an epoxy resin were prepared and experimentally studied. The silica particles were of varying sizes from the nano to micro scale at the same loading. The mechanical and thermomechanical performance, in terms of dynamic mechanical analysis, of the composites prepared was studied in combination with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finite element analysis (FEA) has been performed to analyze the Young’s modulus of the composites. A comparison with the results of a well-known analytical model, taking into account the filler’s size and the presence of interphase, was also performed. The general trend is that the reinforcement is higher for the nanosized particles, but it is important to conduct supplementary studies on the combined effect of the matrix type, the size of the nanoparticles, and the dispersion quality. A significant mechanical enhancement was obtained, particularly in the Resin/based nanocomposites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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12 pages, 2517 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Asymmetrical Plasmon Distribution in Hybrid AuAg Hollow/Solid Coded Nanotubes

by Aziz Genç, Javier Patarroyo, Jordi Sancho-Parramon, Raul Arenal, Neus G. Bastús, Victor Puntes and Jordi Arbiol

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(6), 992; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13060992 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1948

Abstract

Morphological control at the nanoscale paves the way to fabricate nanostructures with desired plasmonic properties. In this study, we discuss the nanoengineering of plasmon resonances in 1D hollow nanostructures of two different AuAg nanotubes, including completely hollow nanotubes and hybrid nanotubes with solid [...] Read more.

Morphological control at the nanoscale paves the way to fabricate nanostructures with desired plasmonic properties. In this study, we discuss the nanoengineering of plasmon resonances in 1D hollow nanostructures of two different AuAg nanotubes, including completely hollow nanotubes and hybrid nanotubes with solid Ag and hollow AuAg segments. Spatially resolved plasmon mapping by electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) revealed the presence of high order resonator-like modes and localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) modes in both nanotubes. The experimental findings accurately correlated with the boundary element method (BEM) simulations. Both experiments and simulations revealed that the plasmon resonances are intensely present inside the nanotubes due to plasmon hybridization. Based on the experimental and simulated results, we show that the novel hybrid AuAg nanotubes possess two significant coexisting features: (i) LSPRs are distinctively generated from the hollow and solid parts of the hybrid AuAg nanotube, which creates a way to control a broad range of plasmon resonances with one single nanostructure, and (ii) the periodicity of the high-order modes are disrupted due to the plasmon hybridization by the interaction of solid and hollow parts, resulting in an asymmetrical plasmon distribution in 1D nanostructures. The asymmetry could be modulated/engineered to control the coded plasmonic nanotubes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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11 pages, 3472 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Room Temperature Polymorphism in WO₃ Produced by Resistive Heating of W Wires

by Beatriz Rodríguez, Jaime Dolado, Jesus López-Sánchez, Pedro Hidalgo and Bianchi Méndez

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(5), 884; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13050884 - 26 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1982

Abstract

Polymorphous WO₃ micro- and nanostructures have been synthesized by the controlled Joule heating of tungsten wires under ambient conditions in a few seconds. The growth on the wire surface is assisted by the electromigration process and it is further enhanced by the [...] Read more.

Polymorphous WO₃ micro- and nanostructures have been synthesized by the controlled Joule heating of tungsten wires under ambient conditions in a few seconds. The growth on the wire surface is assisted by the electromigration process and it is further enhanced by the application of an external electric field through a pair of biased parallel copper plates. In this case, a high amount of WO₃ material is also deposited on the copper electrodes, consisting of a few cm

^{2}

area. The temperature measurements of the W wire agrees with the values calculated by a finite element model, which has allowed us to establish the threshold density current to trigger the WO₃ growth. The structural characterization of the produced microstructures accounts for the

γ

-WO₃ (monoclinic I), which is the common stable phase at room temperature, along with low temperature phases, known as

δ

-WO₃ (triclinic) on structures formed on the wire surface and

ϵ

-WO₃ (monoclinic II) on material deposited on external electrodes. These phases allow for a high oxygen vacancies concentration, which is interesting in photocatalysis and sensing applications. The results could help to design experiments to produce oxide nanomaterials from other metal wires by this resistive heating method with scaling-up potential. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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17 pages, 8432 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Solid-State Synthesis of Cobalt/NCS Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction in Dual Chamber Microbial Fuel Cells

by Shaik Ashmath, Hyuk-Jun Kwon, Shaik Gouse Peera and Tae Gwan Lee

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(24), 4369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12244369 - 7 Dec 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2060

Abstract

Due to the high cost of presently utilized Pt/C catalysts, a quick and sustainable synthesis of electrocatalysts made of cost-effective and earth-abundant metals is urgently needed. In this work, we demonstrated a mechanochemically synthesized cobalt nanoparticles supported on N and S doped carbons [...] Read more.

Due to the high cost of presently utilized Pt/C catalysts, a quick and sustainable synthesis of electrocatalysts made of cost-effective and earth-abundant metals is urgently needed. In this work, we demonstrated a mechanochemically synthesized cobalt nanoparticles supported on N and S doped carbons derived from a solid-state-reaction between zinc acetate and 2-amino thiazole as metal, organic ligand in presence of cobalt (Co) metal ions Zn_xCo_x(C₃H₄N₂S). Pyrolysis of the Zn_xCo_x(C₃H₄N₂S) produced, Co/NSC catalyst in which Co nanoparticles are evenly distributed on the nitrogen and sulfur doped carbon support. The Co/NSC catalyst have been characterized with various physical and electrochemical characterization techniques. The Co content in the Zn_xCo_x(C₃H₄N₂S) is carefully adjusted by varying the Co content and the optimized Co/NSC-3 catalyst is subjected to the oxygen reduction reaction in 0.1 M HClO₄ electrolyte. The optimized Co/NSC-3 catalyst reveals acceptable ORR activity with the half-wave potential of ~0.63 V vs. RHE in acidic electrolytes. In addition, the Co/NSC-3 catalyst showed excellent stability with no loss in the ORR activity after 10,000 potential cycles. When applied as cathode catalysts in dual chamber microbial fuel cells, the Co/NCS catalyst delivered satisfactory volumetric power density in comparison with Pt/C. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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13 pages, 1875 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Alpha-Germanium Nanolayers for High-Performance Li-ion Batteries

by Laura Sierra, Carlos Gibaja, Iñigo Torres, Elena Salagre, Juan Ramón Avilés Moreno, Enrique G. Michel, Pilar Ocón and Félix Zamora

Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3760; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12213760 - 26 Oct 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1945

Abstract

The exfoliation of tridimensional crystal structures has recently been considered a new source of bidimensional materials. The new approach offers the possibility of dramatically enlarging the library of bidimensional materials, but the number of nanolayers produced so far is still limited. Here, we [...] Read more.

The exfoliation of tridimensional crystal structures has recently been considered a new source of bidimensional materials. The new approach offers the possibility of dramatically enlarging the library of bidimensional materials, but the number of nanolayers produced so far is still limited. Here, we report for the first time the use of a new type of material, α-germanium nanolayers (2D α-Ge). The 2D α-Ge is obtained by exfoliating crystals of α-germanium in a simple one-step procedure assisted by wet ball-milling (gram-scale fabrication). The α-germanium nanolayers have been tested as anode material for high-performance LIBs. The results show excellent performance in semi-cell configuration with a high specific capacity of 1630 mAh g⁻¹ for mass loading of 1 mg cm⁻² at 0.1 C. The semi-cell was characterized by a constant current rate of 0.5 C during 400 cycles and different scan rates (0.1 C, 0.5 C, and 1 C). Interestingly, the structural characterization, including Raman spectroscopy, XRPD, and XPS, concludes that 2D α-Ge largely retains its crystallinity after continuous cycling. These results can be used to potentially apply these novel 2D germanium nanolayers to high-performance Li-ion batteries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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Review

Jump to: Research

17 pages, 1648 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Review of Analytical Techniques for the Determination and Separation of Silver Ions and Its Nanoparticles

by Miroslav Rievaj, Eva Culková, Damiána Šandorová, Jaroslav Durdiak, Renáta Bellová and Peter Tomčík

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1262; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071262 - 3 Apr 2023

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2814

Abstract

Many articles have already been published dealing with silver ions and its nanoparticles, but mostly from the environmental and toxicological point of view. This article is a review focused on the various analytical techniques and detection platforms used in the separation and determination [...] Read more.

Many articles have already been published dealing with silver ions and its nanoparticles, but mostly from the environmental and toxicological point of view. This article is a review focused on the various analytical techniques and detection platforms used in the separation and determination of mentioned above species, especially on the trace concentration level. Commonly used are optical methods because of their high sensitivity and easy automation. The separation methods are mainly used for the separation and preconcentration of silver particles. Their combination with other analytical techniques, mainly inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) leads to very low detection limits of analysis. The electrochemical methods are also powerful and perspective mainly because of the fabrication of new sensors designed for silver determination. All methods may be combined with each other to achieve a synergistic improvement of analytical parameters with an impact on sensitivity, selectivity and reliability. The paper comprises a review of all three types of analytical methods on the determination of trace quantities of silver ions and its nanoparticles. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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17 pages, 1378 KiB

Open AccessReview

Role of Honey as a Bifunctional Reducing and Capping/Stabilizing Agent: Application for Silver and Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles

by Norfarina Bahari, Norhashila Hashim, Khalina Abdan, Abdah Md Akim, Bernard Maringgal and Laith Al-Shdifat

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(7), 1244; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13071244 - 31 Mar 2023

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 3272

Abstract

The use of natural reducing and capping agents has gained importance as a way to synthesize nanoparticles (NPs) in an environmentally sustainable manner. Increasing numbers of studies have been published on the green synthesis of NPs using natural sources such as bacteria, fungi, [...] Read more.

The use of natural reducing and capping agents has gained importance as a way to synthesize nanoparticles (NPs) in an environmentally sustainable manner. Increasing numbers of studies have been published on the green synthesis of NPs using natural sources such as bacteria, fungi, and plants. In recent years, the use of honey in the synthesis of metal and metal oxide NPs has become a new and promising area of research. Honey acts as both a stabilizing and reducing agent in the NP synthesis process and serves as a precursor. This review focuses on the use of honey in the synthesis of silver NPs (Ag-NPs) and zinc oxide NPs (ZnO-NPs), emphasizing its role as a reducing and capping agent. Additionally, a comprehensive examination of the bio-based reducing and capping/stabilizing agents used in the honey-mediated biosynthesis mechanism is provided. Finally, the review looks forward to environmentally friendly methods for NP synthesis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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22 pages, 11689 KiB

Open AccessReview

MXene-Carbon Nanotube Composites: Properties and Applications

by Fatemeh Mohajer, Ghodsi Mohammadi Ziarani, Alireza Badiei, Siavash Iravani and Rajender S. Varma

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(2), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13020345 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 7503

Abstract

Today, MXenes and their composites have shown attractive capabilities in numerous fields of electronics, co-catalysis/photocatalysis, sensing/imaging, batteries/supercapacitors, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, tissue engineering/regenerative medicine, drug delivery, cancer theranostics, and soft robotics. In this aspect, MXene-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites have been widely constructed with [...] Read more.

Today, MXenes and their composites have shown attractive capabilities in numerous fields of electronics, co-catalysis/photocatalysis, sensing/imaging, batteries/supercapacitors, electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding, tissue engineering/regenerative medicine, drug delivery, cancer theranostics, and soft robotics. In this aspect, MXene-carbon nanotube (CNT) composites have been widely constructed with improved environmental stability, excellent electrical conductivity, and robust mechanical properties, providing great opportunities for designing modern and intelligent systems with diagnostic/therapeutic, electronic, and environmental applications. MXenes with unique architectures, large specific surface areas, ease of functionalization, and high electrical conductivity have been employed for hybridization with CNTs with superb heat conductivity, electrical conductivity, and fascinating mechanical features. However, most of the studies have centered around their electronic, EMI shielding, catalytic, and sensing applications; thus, the need for research on biomedical and diagnostic/therapeutic applications of these materials ought to be given more attention. The photothermal conversion efficiency, selectivity/sensitivity, environmental stability/recyclability, biocompatibility/toxicity, long-term biosafety, stimuli-responsiveness features, and clinical translation studies are among the most crucial research aspects that still need to be comprehensively investigated. Although limited explorations have focused on MXene-CNT composites, future studies should be planned on the optimization of reaction/synthesis conditions, surface functionalization, and toxicological evaluations. Herein, most recent advancements pertaining to the applications of MXene-CNT composites in sensing, catalysis, supercapacitors/batteries, EMI shielding, water treatment/pollutants removal are highlighted, focusing on current trends, challenges, and future outlooks. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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12 pages, 1025 KiB

Open AccessReview

A Brief Review of Recent Results in Arsenic Adsorption Process from Aquatic Environments by Metal-Organic Frameworks: Classification Based on Kinetics, Isotherms and Thermodynamics Behaviors

by Mohsen Samimi, Mozhgan Zakeri, Falah Alobaid and Babak Aghel

Nanomaterials 2023, 13(1), 60; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13010060 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 2918

Abstract

In nature, arsenic, a metalloid found in soil, is one of the most dangerous elements that can be combined with heavy metals. Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals is considered one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants, especially for microorganisms and human health. An [...] Read more.

In nature, arsenic, a metalloid found in soil, is one of the most dangerous elements that can be combined with heavy metals. Industrial wastewater containing heavy metals is considered one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants, especially for microorganisms and human health. An overabundance of heavy metals primarily leads to disturbances in the fundamental reactions and synthesis of essential macromolecules in living organisms. Among these contaminants, the presence of arsenic in the aquatic environment has always been a global concern. As (V) and As (III) are the two most common oxidation states of inorganic arsenic ions. This research concentrates on the kinetics, isotherms, and thermodynamics of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), which have been applied for arsenic ions uptake from aqueous solutions. This review provides an overview of the current capabilities and properties of MOFs used for arsenic removal, focusing on its kinetics and isotherms of adsorption, as well as its thermodynamic behavior in water and wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Editorial Board Members’ Collection Series: New Trends in Inorganic Nanoparticles and Composites from Preparation to Applications)

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