Nanomaterials

Editorial

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4 pages, 179 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials

by Daniela Meroni and Silvia Ardizzone

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(11), 891; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8110891 - 1 Nov 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 3074

Abstract

The growing demand of new materials with tailored physicochemical properties has propelled hybrid materials to a position of prominence in materials science by virtue of their remarkable new properties and multifunctional nature. [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

Research

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10 pages, 1359 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Insights into Metal Oxide and Zero-Valent Metal Nanocrystal Formation on Multiwalled Carbon Nanotube Surfaces during Sol-Gel Process

by Dipesh Das, Indu V. Sabaraya, Tara Sabo-Attwood and Navid B. Saleh

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(6), 403; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8060403 - 5 Jun 2018

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3866

Abstract

Carbon nanotubes are hybridized with metal crystals to impart multifunctionality into the nanohybrids (NHs). Simple but effective synthesis techniques are desired to form both zero-valent and oxides of different metal species on carbon nanotube surfaces. Sol-gel technique brings in significant advantages and is [...] Read more.

Carbon nanotubes are hybridized with metal crystals to impart multifunctionality into the nanohybrids (NHs). Simple but effective synthesis techniques are desired to form both zero-valent and oxides of different metal species on carbon nanotube surfaces. Sol-gel technique brings in significant advantages and is a viable technique for such synthesis. This study probes the efficacy of sol-gel process and aims to identify underlying mechanisms of crystal formation. Standard electron potential (SEP) is used as a guiding parameter to choose the metal species; i.e., highly negative SEP (e.g., Zn) with oxide crystal tendency, highly positive SEP (e.g., Ag) with zero-valent crystal-tendency, and intermediate range SEP (e.g., Cu) to probe the oxidation tendency in crystal formation are chosen. Transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction are used to evaluate the synthesized NHs. Results indicate that SEP can be a reliable guide for the resulting crystalline phase of a certain metal species, particularly when the magnitude of this parameter is relatively high. However, for intermediate range SEP-metals, mix phase crystals can be expected. For example, Cu will form Cu₂O and zero-valent Cu crystals, unless the synthesis is performed in a reducing environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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16 pages, 6976 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Functionalization Effect on Polymer Nanocomposite Coatings Based on TiO₂–SiO₂ Nanoparticles with Superhydrophilic Properties

by Arturo Román Vázquez-Velázquez, Miguel Angel Velasco-Soto, Sergio Alfonso Pérez-García and Liliana Licea-Jiménez

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(6), 369; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8060369 - 25 May 2018

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 7305

Abstract

In this study, a novel binary nanocomposite system based on TiO₂-SiO₂ was functionalized with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and characterized by XPS and XRD. Results revealed that TiO₂-SiO₂ nanoparticles were covalently functionalized. Functionalized nanoparticles at low concentrations (0.1 [...] Read more.

In this study, a novel binary nanocomposite system based on TiO₂-SiO₂ was functionalized with trimethylolpropane triacrylate (TMPTA) and characterized by XPS and XRD. Results revealed that TiO₂-SiO₂ nanoparticles were covalently functionalized. Functionalized nanoparticles at low concentrations (0.1 wt % and 0.5 wt %) were dispersed in acrylic acid acting as a polymer matrix. Nanocomposite coatings analysis demonstrate to achieve superhydrophilic properties as well as very good optical characteristics. Water contact angle characterization showed the functionalization effect by achieving a superhydrophilic behavior with a contact angle less than 5°. UV-Vis measurements demonstrated high optical transmittance above 95% for the coatings. Based on the obtained results a mechanism describing the chemical interactions of the constituents responsible for the synergy in the nanocomposite as well as the morphological play role in the behavior are presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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7 pages, 1786 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Ambient-Stable and Durable Conductive Ag-Nanowire-Network 2-D Films Decorated with a Ti Layer

by Yoon-Mi Kim, Bu-Yeon Hwang, Ki-Wook Lee and Jin-Yeol Kim

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(5), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8050321 - 11 May 2018

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3930

Abstract

Highly stable and durable conductive silver nanowire (Ag NW) network electrode films were prepared through decoration with a 5-nm-thick Ti layer. The Ag NW network 2-D films showed sheet resistance values as low as 32 ohm/sq at 88% transparency when decorated with Ti. [...] Read more.

Highly stable and durable conductive silver nanowire (Ag NW) network electrode films were prepared through decoration with a 5-nm-thick Ti layer. The Ag NW network 2-D films showed sheet resistance values as low as 32 ohm/sq at 88% transparency when decorated with Ti. These 2-D films exhibited a 30% increase in electrical conductivity while maintaining good stability of the films through enhanced resistance to moisture and oxygen penetration as a result of the protective effect of the Ti layer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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12 pages, 2524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Carbon-Based Fe₃O₄ Nanocomposites Derived from Waste Pomelo Peels for Magnetic Solid-Phase Extraction of 11 Triazole Fungicides in Fruit Samples

by Keyu Ren, Wenlin Zhang, Shurui Cao, Guomin Wang and Zhiqin Zhou

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(5), 302; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8050302 - 6 May 2018

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 4904

Abstract

Carbon-based Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites (C/Fe₃O₄ NCs) were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method using waste pomelo peels as the carbon precursors. The characterization results showed that they had good structures and physicochemical properties. The prepared C/Fe₃ [...] Read more.

Carbon-based Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites (C/Fe₃O₄ NCs) were synthesized by a simple one-step hydrothermal method using waste pomelo peels as the carbon precursors. The characterization results showed that they had good structures and physicochemical properties. The prepared C/Fe₃O₄ NCs could be applied as excellent and recyclable adsorbents for magnetic solid phase extraction (MSPE) of 11 triazole fungicides in fruit samples. In the MSPE procedure, several parameters including the amount of adsorbents, extraction time, the type and volume of desorption solvent, and desorption time were optimized in detail. Under the optimized conditions, the good linearity (R² > 0.9916), the limits of detection (LOD), and quantification (LOQ) were obtained in the range of 1–100, 0.12–0.55, and 0.39–1.85 μg/kg for 11 pesticides, respectively. Lastly, the proposed MSPE method was successfully applied to analyze triazole fungicides in real apple, pear, orange, peach, and banana samples with recoveries in the range of 82.1% to 109.9% and relative standard deviations (RSDs) below 8.4%. Therefore, the C/Fe₃O₄ NCs based MSPE method has a great potential for isolating and pre-concentrating trace levels of triazole fungicides in fruits. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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19 pages, 3443 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Antimicrobial Activity of New Materials Based on Lavender and Basil Essential Oils and Hydroxyapatite

by Daniela Predoi, Simona Liliana Iconaru, Nicolas Buton, Monica Luminita Badea and Luminita Marutescu

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(5), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8050291 - 30 Apr 2018

Cited by 74 | Viewed by 9254

Abstract

This study presents, for the first-time, the results of a study on the hydrodynamic diameter of essential oils (EOs) of basil and lavender in water, and solutions of EOs of basil (B) and lavender (L) and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The possible influence of basil [...] Read more.

This study presents, for the first-time, the results of a study on the hydrodynamic diameter of essential oils (EOs) of basil and lavender in water, and solutions of EOs of basil (B) and lavender (L) and hydroxyapatite (HAp). The possible influence of basil and lavender EOs on the size of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles was analyzed by Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). We also investigated the in vitro antimicrobial activity of plant EOs and plant EOs hydroxyapatite respectively, against Gram-positive bacteria (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus1144 (MRSA 1144) and S. aureus 1426) and Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Escherichia coli ESBL 4493). From the autocorrelation function, obtained by Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) measurements it was observed that basil yielded one peak at an average hydrodynamic diameter of 354.16 nm, while lavender yielded one peak at an average hydrodynamic diameter of 259.76 nm. In the case of HAp nanoparticles coated with basil (HApB) and lavender (HApL) essential oil, the aggregation was minimal. We found that the lavender EO exhibited a very good inhibitory growth activity (MIC values ranging from <0.1% for E. coli reference strain to 0.78% for S. aureus strains). The biological studies indicated that HapL material displayed an enhanced antimicrobial activity, indicating the potential use of HAp as vehicle for low concentrations of lavender EO with antibacterial properties. Flow cytometry analysis (FCM) allowed us to determine some of the potential mechanisms of the antimicrobial activities of EOs, suggesting that lavender EO was active against E. coli by interfering with membrane potential, the membrane depolarization effect being increased by incorporation of the EOs into the microporous structure of HAp. These findings could contribute to the development of new antimicrobial agents that are urgently needed for combating the antibiotic resistance phenomena. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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10 pages, 1778 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnesium and Nitrogen Co-Doped Mesoporous Carbon with Enhanced Microporosity for CO₂ Adsorption

by Jingting Lu, Chengli Jiao, Zeeshan Majeed and Heqing Jiang

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(5), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8050275 - 25 Apr 2018

Cited by 17 | Viewed by 5843

Abstract

Mesoporous carbons (MC) have attracted a tremendous amount of interest due to their efficient molecular transport properties. However, the limited number of active sites and low microporosity generally impede their use for practical applications. Herein, we have fabricated Mg and N co-doped mesoporous [...] Read more.

Mesoporous carbons (MC) have attracted a tremendous amount of interest due to their efficient molecular transport properties. However, the limited number of active sites and low microporosity generally impede their use for practical applications. Herein, we have fabricated Mg and N co-doped mesoporous carbon (Mg-NMC) with high microporosity via one-pot synthetic route followed by further steam activation. In comparison with the parent N-doped mesoporous carbon, Mg-NMC shows partially ordered mesostructure and improved CO₂ adsorption capacity attributed to the introduction of basic site after Mg doping. Upon further steam activation, the microporosity is enhanced to 37.3%, while the CO₂ adsorption capacity is also increased by 70.4% at 273 K and 1.0 bar. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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12 pages, 29774 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Johnson Truong, Matthew Hansen, Brian Szychowski, Tian Xie, Marie-Christine Daniel and Jong-in Hahm

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(4), 222; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8040222 - 7 Apr 2018

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4866

Abstract

We demonstrate a straightforward and effective method to synthesize vertically oriented, Cu-doped ZnO nanorods (NRs) using a novel multipurpose platform of copper silicide nanoblocks (Cu₃Si NBs) preformed laterally in well-defined directions on Si. The use of the surface-organized Cu₃Si [...] Read more.

We demonstrate a straightforward and effective method to synthesize vertically oriented, Cu-doped ZnO nanorods (NRs) using a novel multipurpose platform of copper silicide nanoblocks (Cu₃Si NBs) preformed laterally in well-defined directions on Si. The use of the surface-organized Cu₃Si NBs for ZnO NR growth successfully results in densely assembled Cu-doped ZnO NRs on each NB platform, whose overall structures resemble thick bristles on a brush head. We show that Cu₃Si NBs can uniquely serve as a catalyst for ZnO NRs, a local dopant source of Cu, and a prepatterned guide to aid the local assembly of the NRs on the growth substrate. We also ascertain the crystalline structures, optical properties, and spectroscopic signatures of the Cu-doped ZnO NRs produced on the NBs, both at each module of NRs/NB and at their ensemble level. Subsequently, we determine their augmented properties relative to the pristine form of undoped ZnO NRs and the source material of Cu₃Si NBs. We provide spatially correlated structural and optical data for individual modules of Cu-doped ZnO NRs assembled on a Cu₃Si NB by resolving them along the different positions on the NB. Ensemble-averaged versus individual behaviors of Cu-doped ZnO NRs on Cu₃Si NBs are then compared. We further discuss the potential impact of such ZnO-derived NRs on their relatively unexplored biological and biomedical applications. Our efforts will be particularly useful when exploiting each integrated module of self-aligned, Cu-doped ZnO NRs on a NB as a discretely addressable, active element in solid-state sensors and miniaturized luminescent bioprobes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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14 pages, 7522 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Comparison of Branched and Linear Perfluoropolyether Chains Functionalization on Hydrophobic, Morphological and Conductive Properties of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

by Maurizio Sansotera, Sadaf Talaeemashhadi, Cristian Gambarotti, Carlo Pirola, Mariangela Longhi, Marco A. Ortenzi, Walter Navarrini and Claudia L. Bianchi

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(3), 176; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8030176 - 19 Mar 2018

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4899

Abstract

The functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) was obtained by generating reactive perfluoropolyether (PFPE) radicals that can covalently bond to MW-CNTs’ surface. Branched and linear PFPE peroxides with equivalent molecular weights of 1275 and 1200 amu, respectively, have been thermally decomposed for the [...] Read more.

The functionalization of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MW-CNTs) was obtained by generating reactive perfluoropolyether (PFPE) radicals that can covalently bond to MW-CNTs’ surface. Branched and linear PFPE peroxides with equivalent molecular weights of 1275 and 1200 amu, respectively, have been thermally decomposed for the production of PFPE radicals. The functionalization with PFPE chains has changed the wettability of MW-CNTs, which switched their behavior from hydrophilic to super-hydrophobic. The low surface energy properties of PFPEs have been transferred to MW-CNTs surface and branched units with trifluoromethyl groups, CF₃, have conferred higher hydrophobicity than linear units. Porosimetry discriminated the effects of PFPE functionalization on meso-porosity and macro-porosity. It has been observed that reactive sites located in MW-CNTs mesopores have been intensively functionalized by branched PFPE peroxide due to its low average molecular weight. Conductivity measurements at different applied pressures have showed that the covalent linkage of PFPE chains, branched as well as linear, weakly modified the electrical conductivity of MW-CNTs. The decomposed portions of PFPE residues, the PFPE chains bonded on carbon nanotubes, and the PFPE fluids obtained by homo-coupling side-reactions were evaluated by mass balances. PFPE-modified MW-CNTs have been characterized by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), static contact angle (SCA), surface area, and porosity measurements. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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9 pages, 4706 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperCommunication

Preparation of a Sepia Melanin and Poly(ethylene-alt-maleic Anhydride) Hybrid Material as an Adsorbent for Water Purification

by Guido Panzarasa, Alina Osypova, Giovanni Consolati, Fiorenza Quasso, Guido Soliveri, Javier Ribera and Francis W. M. R. Schwarze

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(2), 54; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8020054 - 23 Jan 2018

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 5311

Abstract

Meeting the increasing demand of clean water requires the development of novel efficient adsorbent materials for the removal of organic pollutants. In this context the use of natural, renewable sources is of special relevance and sepia melanin, thanks to its ability to bind [...] Read more.

Meeting the increasing demand of clean water requires the development of novel efficient adsorbent materials for the removal of organic pollutants. In this context the use of natural, renewable sources is of special relevance and sepia melanin, thanks to its ability to bind a variety of organic and inorganic species, has already attracted interest for water purification. Here we describe the synthesis of a material obtained by the combination of sepia melanin and poly(ethylene-alt-maleic anhydride) (P(E-alt-MA)). Compared to sepia melanin, the resulting hybrid displays a high and fast adsorption efficiency towards methylene blue (a common industrial dye) for a wide pH range (from pH 2 to 12) and under high ionic strength conditions. It is easily recovered after use and can be reused up to three times. Given the wide availability of sepia melanin and P(E-alt-MA), the synthesis of our hybrid is simple and affordable, making it suitable for industrial water purification purposes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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9 pages, 1290 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

TiO₂ Films Modified with Au Nanoclusters as Self-Cleaning Surfaces under Visible Light

by Ting-Wei Liao, Sammy W. Verbruggen, Nathalie Claes, Anupam Yadav, Didier Grandjean, Sara Bals and Peter Lievens

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(1), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8010030 - 8 Jan 2018

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 6319

Abstract

In this study, we applied cluster beam deposition (CBD) as a new approach for fabricating efficient plasmon-based photocatalytic materials. Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) produced in the gas phase were deposited on TiO₂ P25-coated silicon wafers with coverage ranging from 2 to 8 atomic [...] Read more.

In this study, we applied cluster beam deposition (CBD) as a new approach for fabricating efficient plasmon-based photocatalytic materials. Au nanoclusters (AuNCs) produced in the gas phase were deposited on TiO₂ P25-coated silicon wafers with coverage ranging from 2 to 8 atomic monolayer (ML) equivalents. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) images of the AuNCs modified TiO₂ P25 films show that the surface is uniformly covered by the AuNCs that remain isolated at low coverage (2 ML, 4 ML) and aggregate at higher coverage (8 ML). A clear relationship between AuNCs coverage and photocatalytic activity towards stearic acid photo-oxidation was measured, both under ultraviolet and green light illumination. TiO₂ P25 covered with 4 ML AuNCs showed the best stearic acid photo-oxidation performance under green light illumination (Formal Quantum Efficiency 1.6 × 10⁻⁶ over a period of 93 h). These results demonstrate the large potential of gas-phase AuNCs beam deposition technology for the fabrication of visible light active plasmonic photocatalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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5679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Magnetically Separable MoS₂/Fe₃O₄/nZVI Nanocomposites for the Treatment of Wastewater Containing Cr(VI) and 4-Chlorophenol

by Haijiao Lu, Jingkang Wang, Hongxun Hao and Ting Wang

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 303; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100303 - 30 Sep 2017

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 7003

Abstract

With a large specific surface area, high reactivity, and excellent adsorption properties, nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) can degrade a wide variety of contaminants in wastewater. However, aggregation, oxidation, and separation issues greatly impede its wide application. In this study, MoS₂/Fe₃ [...] Read more.

With a large specific surface area, high reactivity, and excellent adsorption properties, nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) can degrade a wide variety of contaminants in wastewater. However, aggregation, oxidation, and separation issues greatly impede its wide application. In this study, MoS₂/Fe₃O₄/nZVI nanocomposites were successfully synthesized by a facile step-by-step approach to overcome these problems. MoS₂ nanosheets (MNs) acted as an efficient support for nZVI and enriched the organic pollutants nearby, leading to an enhanced removal efficiency. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) could not only suppress the agglomeration and restacking of MNs, but also facilitate easy separation and recovery of the nanocomposites. The synergistic effect between MNs and Fe₃O₄ NPs effectively enhanced the reactivity and efficiency of nZVI. In the system, Cr(VI) was reduced to Cr(III) by nZVI in the nanocomposites, and Fe²⁺ produced in the process was combined with H₂O₂ to further remove 4-Chlorophenol (4-CP) through a Fenton reaction. Furthermore, the nanocomposites could be easily separated from wastewater by a magnet and be reused for at least five consecutive runs, revealing good reusability. The results demonstrate that the novel nanocomposites are highly efficient and promising for the simultaneous removal of Cr(VI) and 4-CP in wastewater. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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3613 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis and Enhanced Ethanol Gas Sensing Properties of the g-C₃N₄ Nanosheets-Decorated Tin Oxide Flower-Like Nanorods Composite

by Yan Wang, Jianliang Cao, Cong Qin, Bo Zhang, Guang Sun and Zhanying Zhang

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 285; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100285 - 22 Sep 2017

Cited by 24 | Viewed by 5618

Abstract

Flower-like SnO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method by using SnCl₄·5H₂O and urea as the precursor. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized samples were characterized by using the X-ray powder diffraction [...] Read more.

Flower-like SnO₂/g-C₃N₄ nanocomposites were synthesized via a facile hydrothermal method by using SnCl₄·5H₂O and urea as the precursor. The structure and morphology of the as-synthesized samples were characterized by using the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), electron microscopy (FESEM and TEM), and Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR) techniques. SnO₂ displays the unique 3D flower-like microstructure assembled with many uniform nanorods with the lengths and diameters of about 400–600 nm and 50–100 nm, respectively. For the SnO₂/g-C₃N₄ composites, SnO₂ flower-like nanorods were coupled by a lamellar structure 2D g-C₃N₄. Gas sensing performance test results indicated that the response of the sensor based on 7 wt. % 2D g-C₃N₄-decorated SnO₂ composite to 500 ppm ethanol vapor was 150 at 340 °C, which was 3.5 times higher than that of the pure flower-like SnO₂ nanorods-based sensor. The gas sensing mechanism of the g-C₃N₄nanosheets-decorated SnO₂ flower-like nanorods was discussed in relation to the heterojunction structure between g-C₃N₄ and SnO₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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8197 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Non-Noble Metal Oxide Catalysts for Methane Catalytic Combustion: Sonochemical Synthesis and Characterisation

by Przemysław J. Jodłowski, Roman J. Jędrzejczyk, Damian K. Chlebda, Anna Dziedzicka, Łukasz Kuterasiński, Anna Gancarczyk and Maciej Sitarz

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(7), 174; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7070174 - 7 Jul 2017

Cited by 22 | Viewed by 7537

Abstract

The aim of this study was to obtain nanocrystalline mixed metal-oxide–ZrO₂ catalysts via a sonochemically-induced preparation method. The effect of a stabiliser’s addition on the catalyst parameters was investigated by several characterisation methods including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to obtain nanocrystalline mixed metal-oxide–ZrO₂ catalysts via a sonochemically-induced preparation method. The effect of a stabiliser’s addition on the catalyst parameters was investigated by several characterisation methods including X-ray Diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and µRaman. The sonochemical preparation method allowed us to manufacture the catalysts with uniformly dispersed metal-oxide nanoparticles at the support surface. The catalytic activity was tested in a methane combustion reaction. The activity of the catalysts prepared by the sonochemical method was higher than that of the reference catalysts prepared by the incipient wetness method without ultrasonic irradiation. The cobalt and chromium mixed zirconia catalysts revealed their high activities, which are comparable with those presented in the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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Review

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27 pages, 2406 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Impact of Hybrid Compositional Film/Structure on Organic–Inorganic Perovskite Solar Cells

by Yinghui Wu, Wei Chen, Guo Chen, Liyu Liu, Zhubing He and Ruchuan Liu

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(6), 356; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8060356 - 23 May 2018

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 9680

Abstract

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been intensively investigated over the last several years. Unprecedented progress has been made in improving their power conversion efficiency; however, the stability of perovskite materials and devices remains a major obstacle for the future commercialization of PSCs. In [...] Read more.

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been intensively investigated over the last several years. Unprecedented progress has been made in improving their power conversion efficiency; however, the stability of perovskite materials and devices remains a major obstacle for the future commercialization of PSCs. In this review, recent progress in PSCs is summarized in terms of the hybridization of compositions and device architectures for PSCs, with special attention paid to device stability. A brief history of the development of PSCs is given, and their chemical structures, optoelectronic properties, and the different types of device architectures are discussed. Then, perovskite composition engineering is reviewed in detail, with particular emphasis on the cationic components and their impact on film morphology, the optoelectronic properties, device performance, and stability. In addition, the impact of two-dimensional and/or one-dimensional and nanostructured perovskites on structural and device stability is surveyed. Finally, a future outlook is proposed for potential resolutions to overcome the current issues. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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16 pages, 8858 KiB

Open AccessReview

Periodontal Tissues, Maxillary Jaw Bone, and Tooth Regeneration Approaches: From Animal Models Analyses to Clinical Applications

by Fareeha Batool, Marion Strub, Catherine Petit, Isaac Maximiliano Bugueno, Fabien Bornert, François Clauss, Olivier Huck, Sabine Kuchler-Bopp and Nadia Benkirane-Jessel

Nanomaterials 2018, 8(5), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano8050337 - 16 May 2018

Cited by 41 | Viewed by 6152

Abstract

This review encompasses different pre-clinical bioengineering approaches for periodontal tissues, maxillary jaw bone, and the entire tooth. Moreover, it sheds light on their potential clinical therapeutic applications in the field of regenerative medicine. Herein, the electrospinning method for the synthesis of polycaprolactone (PCL) [...] Read more.

This review encompasses different pre-clinical bioengineering approaches for periodontal tissues, maxillary jaw bone, and the entire tooth. Moreover, it sheds light on their potential clinical therapeutic applications in the field of regenerative medicine. Herein, the electrospinning method for the synthesis of polycaprolactone (PCL) membranes, that are capable of mimicking the extracellular matrix (ECM), has been described. Furthermore, their functionalization with cyclosporine A (CsA), bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), or anti-inflammatory drugs’ nanoreservoirs has been demonstrated to induce a localized and targeted action of these molecules after implantation in the maxillary jaw bone. Firstly, periodontal wound healing has been studied in an induced periodontal lesion in mice using an ibuprofen-functionalized PCL membrane. Thereafter, the kinetics of maxillary bone regeneration in a pre-clinical mouse model of surgical bone lesion treated with BMP-2 or BMP-2/Ibuprofen functionalized PCL membranes have been analyzed by histology, immunology, and micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Furthermore, the achievement of innervation in bioengineered teeth has also been demonstrated after the co-implantation of cultured dental cell reassociations with a trigeminal ganglia (TG) and the cyclosporine A (CsA)-loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) scaffold in the jaw bone. The prospective clinical applications of these different tissue engineering approaches could be instrumental in the treatment of various periodontal diseases, congenital dental or cranio-facial bone anomalies, and post-surgical complications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation and Application of Hybrid Nanomaterials)

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