Inorganic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Nanoscopic Properties

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 July 2021) | Viewed by 27062

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We would like to invite you to submit your work to this Special Issue of Nanomaterials on "Inorganic Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization, and Nanoscopic Properties ". Recently, there has been considerable research interest in the area of nanotechnology using nanoparticles, because of their unique physical properties, which mainly include size dependent optical, magnetic, electronic, and catalytic properties. In the upfront of the material science field, inorganic nanoparticles such as metals, semiconductors, and metal oxides have led to some very important theoretical and practical advances for a wide of variety of applications in the fields of information, energy, environmental, and medical technologies. Inorganic nanoparticles possess high stability, large surface areas, tunable compositions, abundant physicochemical multifunctionality, and specific biological behaviors. However, some issues remain to be elucidated before translating these inorganic nanosystems into the market, such as the mass production costs, biocompatibility, the clinical translation of inorganic nanosystems for drug delivery, environmental- and bio-safety, biodegradation routes and long-term toxicity assessments. The scope of this Special Issue on inorganic nanoparticles is not only to focus on the biomedical applications that usually encompass the majority of research in this field, but also to examine the new advanced applications in all sectors, including electronics, food, agriculture, energy, and the environment. Moreover, a special focus on their characterization and synthesis is also expected to be covered in this Issue. In particular, topics of interest include, but are not limited to the following:

  • Metal and metal–oxide nanoparticles
  • Fullerenes and single- and multiple-walled carbon nanotubes
  • Application of nanoparticles in magnetic storage media
  • Inorganic nanoparticle systems for drug delivery and targeting
  • Electronic and optical properties of nanocrystalline quantum dots
  • Structures including core/shell nanoparticles and multicomponent hierarchical assemblies
  • Use of metal and oxide nanoparticles for sensors
  • Advances in semiconductors for light-emitting, solar energy, and energy storage devices
  • Nanoparticles for catalysis
  • Top-down and bottom-up processe for the synthesis of inorganic nanoparticles and quantum dots
  • New and advanced characterization methodologies for nanoparticles size, morphology, and surface charge

Dr. Andrea Zille
Guest Editor

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Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 2208 KiB  
Article
Features of the Synthesis of the Dispersed TiC Phase with Nickel Nanostructures on the Surface to Create an Aluminum-Based Metal Composite
by Elena G. Zemtsova, Denis V. Yurchuk, Pavel E. Morozov, Petr M. Korusenko, Vladimir K. Kudymov and Vladimir M. Smirnov
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(10), 2499; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11102499 - 25 Sep 2021
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 2117
Abstract
The development of new composites with improved functional properties is the important task of modern materials science. The composites must be structurally organized to provide improved properties. For metal-ceramic composites, there is a need for a uniform distribution of the dispersed ceramic phase [...] Read more.
The development of new composites with improved functional properties is the important task of modern materials science. The composites must be structurally organized to provide improved properties. For metal-ceramic composites, there is a need for a uniform distribution of the dispersed ceramic phase in the bulk metallic matrix The modification of the dispersed ceramic phase surface with a metal coating is one of the more effective ways to accomplish this. Particularly, in this work, the conditions of Ni nanolayer deposition on titanium carbide (TiC) particles were studied. The goal was to create core–shell particles with a thickness of the Ni coating on TiC not exceeding 90 nm. Preliminary work was also carried out to study the effect of the dispersed phase composition on the mechanical properties of the composite with an Al matrix. Full article
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18 pages, 4444 KiB  
Article
Electrical Conductivity of Multiwall Carbon Nanotube Bundles Contacting with Metal Electrodes by Nano Manipulators inside SEM
by Quan Yang, Li Ma, Shungen Xiao, Dongxing Zhang, Aristide Djoulde, Maosheng Ye, Yini Lin, Songchao Geng, Xuan Li, Tao Chen and Lining Sun
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1290; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051290 - 13 May 2021
Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3127
Abstract
Determining the metallicity and semiconductivity of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) bundle plays a particularly vital role in its interconnection with the metal electrode of an integrated circuit. In this paper, an effective method is proposed to determine the electrical transport properties of [...] Read more.
Determining the metallicity and semiconductivity of a multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) bundle plays a particularly vital role in its interconnection with the metal electrode of an integrated circuit. In this paper, an effective method is proposed to determine the electrical transport properties of an MWCNT bundle using a current–voltage characteristic curve during its electrical breakdown. We established the reliable electrical nanoscale contact between the MWCNT bundle and metal electrode using a robotic manipulation system under scanning electron microscope (SEM) vacuum conditions. The experimental results show that the current–voltage curve appears as saw-tooth-like current changes including up and down steps, which signify the conductance and breakdown of carbon shells in the MWCNT bundle, respectively. Additionally, the power law nonlinear behavior of the current–voltage curve indicates that the MWCNT bundle is semiconducting. The molecular dynamics simulation explains that the electron transport between the inner carbon shells, between the outermost carbon shells and gold metal electrode and between the outermost carbons shells of two adjacent individual three-walled carbon nanotubes (TWCNTs) is through their radial deformation. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations elucidate the electron transport mechanism between the gold surface and double-wall carbon nanotube (DWCNT) and between the inner and outermost carbon shells of DWCNT using the charge density difference, electrostatic potential and partial density of states. Full article
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14 pages, 4149 KiB  
Article
Electronics of Anion Hot Injection-Synthesized Te-Functionalized Kesterite Nanomaterial
by Kelechi C. Nwambaekwe, Milua Masikini, Penny Mathumba, Morongwa E. Ramoroka, Samantha Duoman, Vivian Suru John-Denk and Emmanuel I. Iwuoha
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(3), 794; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11030794 - 19 Mar 2021
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2897
Abstract
Metal chalcogenides such as copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) have been intensively studied as potential photovoltaic cell materials, but their viability have been marred by crystal defects and low open circuit potential (Voc) deficit, which affected their energy conversion efficiency. [...] Read more.
Metal chalcogenides such as copper zinc tin sulfide (CZTS) have been intensively studied as potential photovoltaic cell materials, but their viability have been marred by crystal defects and low open circuit potential (Voc) deficit, which affected their energy conversion efficiency. Strategies to improve on the properties of this material such as alloying with other elements have been explored and have yielded promising results. Here, we report the synthesis of CZTS and the partial substitution of S with Te via anion hot injection synthesis method to form a solid solution of a novel kesterite nanomaterial, namely, copper zinc tin sulfide telluride (CZTSTe). Particle-size analyzed via small angle X-ray scattering spectroscopy (SAXS) confirmed that CZTS and CZTSTe materials are nanostructured. Crystal planes values of 112, 200, 220 and 312 corresponding to the kesterite phase with tetragonal modification were revealed by the X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopic analysis of CZTS and CZTSTe. The Raman spectroscopy confirmed the shifts at 281 cm−1 and 347 cm−1 for CZTS, and 124 cm−1, 149 cm−1 and 318 cm−1 for CZTSTe. High degradation rate and the production of hot electrons are very detrimental to the lifespan of photovoltaic cell (PVC) devices, and thus it is important to have PVC absorber layer materials that are thermally stable. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) analysis indicated a 10% improvement in the thermal stability of CZTSTe compared to CZTS at 650 °C. With improved electrical conductivity, low charge transfer resistance (Rct) and absorption in the visible region with a low bandgap energy (Eg) of 1.54 eV, the novel CZTSTe nanomaterials displayed favorable properties for photovoltaics application. Full article
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10 pages, 2658 KiB  
Article
Simple New Method for the Preparation of La(IO3)3 Nanoparticles
by Zoulikha Hebboul, Amira Ghozlane, Robin Turnbull, Ali Benghia, Sara Allaoui, Akun Liang, Daniel Errandonea, Amina Touhami, Abdellah Rahmani and Ibn Khaldoun Lefkaier
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(12), 2400; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10122400 - 30 Nov 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2094
Abstract
We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO3)3 nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route, which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method, which takes days. Nanoparticles [...] Read more.
We present a cost- and time-efficient method for the controlled preparation of single phase La(IO3)3 nanoparticles via a simple soft-chemical route, which takes a matter of hours, thereby providing an alternative to the common hydrothermal method, which takes days. Nanoparticles of pure α-La(IO3)3 and pure δ-La(IO3)3 were synthesised via the new method depending on the source of iodate ions, thereby demonstrating the versatility of the synthesis route. The crystal structure, nanoparticle size-dispersal, and chemical composition were characterised via angle- and energy-dispersive powder X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Full article
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15 pages, 3008 KiB  
Article
Novel Benchtop Magnetic Particle Spectrometer for Process Monitoring of Magnetic Nanoparticle Synthesis
by Norbert Löwa, Dirk Gutkelch, Ernst-Albrecht Welge, Roland Welz, Florian Meier, Abdulkader Baki, Regina Bleul, Thorsten Klein and Frank Wiekhorst
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(11), 2277; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10112277 - 17 Nov 2020
Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3204
Abstract
Magnetic nanoparticles combine unique magnetic properties that can be used in a variety of biomedical applications for therapy and diagnostics. These applications place high demands on the magnetic properties of nanoparticles. Thus, research, development, and quality assurance of magnetic nanoparticles requires powerful analytical [...] Read more.
Magnetic nanoparticles combine unique magnetic properties that can be used in a variety of biomedical applications for therapy and diagnostics. These applications place high demands on the magnetic properties of nanoparticles. Thus, research, development, and quality assurance of magnetic nanoparticles requires powerful analytical methods that are capable of detecting relevant structural and, above all, magnetic parameters. By directly coupling nanoparticle synthesis with magnetic detectors, relevant nanoparticle properties can be obtained and evaluated, and adjustments can be made to the manufacturing process in real time. This work presents a sensitive and fast magnetic detector for online characterization of magnetic nanoparticles during their continuous micromixer synthesis. The detector is based on the measurement of the nonlinear dynamic magnetic response of magnetic nanoparticles exposed to an oscillating excitation at a frequency of 25 kHz, a technique also known as magnetic particle spectroscopy. Our results underline the excellent suitability of the developed magnetic online detection for coupling with magnetic nanoparticle synthesis based on the micromixer approach. The proven practicability and reliability of the detector for process monitoring forms the basis for further application fields, e.g., as a monitoring tool for chromatographic separation processes. Full article
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25 pages, 9885 KiB  
Article
Micromixer Synthesis Platform for a Tuneable Production of Magnetic Single-Core Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
by Abdulkader Baki, Norbert Löwa, Amani Remmo, Frank Wiekhorst and Regina Bleul
Nanomaterials 2020, 10(9), 1845; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano10091845 - 15 Sep 2020
Cited by 14 | Viewed by 3706
Abstract
Micromixer technology is a novel approach to manufacture magnetic single-core iron oxide nanoparticles that offer huge potential for biomedical applications. This platform allows a continuous, scalable, and highly controllable synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles with biocompatible educts via aqueous synthesis route. Since each biomedical [...] Read more.
Micromixer technology is a novel approach to manufacture magnetic single-core iron oxide nanoparticles that offer huge potential for biomedical applications. This platform allows a continuous, scalable, and highly controllable synthesis of magnetic nanoparticles with biocompatible educts via aqueous synthesis route. Since each biomedical application requires specific physical and chemical properties, a comprehensive understanding of the synthesis mechanisms is not only mandatory to control the size and shape of desired nanoparticle systems but, above all, to obtain the envisaged magnetic particle characteristics. The accurate process control of the micromixer technology can be maintained by adjusting two parameters: the synthesis temperature and the residence time. To this end, we performed a systematic variation of these two control parameters synthesizing magnetic nanoparticle systems, which were analyzed afterward by structural (transmission electron microscopy and differential sedimentation centrifugation) and, especially, magnetic characterization methods (magnetic particle spectroscopy and AC susceptibility). Furthermore, we investigated the reproducibility of the microtechnological nanoparticle manufacturing process compared to batch preparation. Our characterization demonstrated the high magnetic quality of single-core iron oxide nanoparticles with core diameters in the range of 20 nm to 40 nm synthesized by micromixer technology. Moreover, we demonstrated the high capability of a newly developed benchtop magnetic particle spectroscopy device that directly monitored the magnetic properties of the magnetic nanoparticles with the highest sensitivity and millisecond temporal resolution during continuous micromixer synthesis. Full article
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Review

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19 pages, 11993 KiB  
Review
Progress in Preparation of ZrB2 Nanopowders Based on Traditional Solid-State Synthesis
by Liuyang Bai, Yuge Ouyang and Fangli Yuan
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(9), 2345; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11092345 - 9 Sep 2021
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2784
Abstract
ZrB2 is of particular interest among ultra-high temperature ceramics because it exhibits excellent thermal resistance at high temperature, as well as chemical stability, high hardness, low cost, and good electrical and thermal conductivity, which meet the requirements of high-temperature components of hyper-sonic [...] Read more.
ZrB2 is of particular interest among ultra-high temperature ceramics because it exhibits excellent thermal resistance at high temperature, as well as chemical stability, high hardness, low cost, and good electrical and thermal conductivity, which meet the requirements of high-temperature components of hyper-sonic aircraft in extreme environments. As raw materials and basic units of ultra-high temperature ceramics and their composites, ZrB2 powders provide an important way for researchers to improve material properties and explore new properties by way of synthesis design and innovation. In recent years, the development of ZrB2 powders’ synthesis method has broken through the classification of traditional solid-phase method, liquid-phase method, and gas-phase method, and there is a trend of integration of them. The present review covers the most important methods used in ZrB2 nanopowder synthesis, focusing on the solid-phase synthesis and its improved process, including modified self-propagating high-temperature synthesis, solution-derived precursor method, and plasma-enhanced exothermic reaction. Specific examples and strategies in synthesis of ZrB2 nano powders are introduced, followed by challenges and the perspectives on future directions. The integration of various synthesis methods, the combination of different material components, and the connection between synthesis and its subsequent application process is the trend of development in the future. Full article
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37 pages, 2397 KiB  
Review
Gold Nanoparticles Synthesis and Antimicrobial Effect on Fibrous Materials
by Behnaz Mehravani, Ana Isabel Ribeiro and Andrea Zille
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(5), 1067; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11051067 - 21 Apr 2021
Cited by 50 | Viewed by 5569
Abstract
Depositing nanoparticles in textiles have been a promising strategy to achieve multifunctional materials. Particularly, antimicrobial properties are highly valuable due to the emergence of new pathogens and the spread of existing ones. Several methods have been used to functionalize textile materials with gold [...] Read more.
Depositing nanoparticles in textiles have been a promising strategy to achieve multifunctional materials. Particularly, antimicrobial properties are highly valuable due to the emergence of new pathogens and the spread of existing ones. Several methods have been used to functionalize textile materials with gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). Therefore, this review highlighted the most used methods for AuNPs preparation and the current studies on the topic in order to obtain AuNPs with suitable properties for antimicrobial applications and minimize the environmental concerns in their production. Reporting the detailed information on the functionalization of fabrics, yarns, and fibers with AuNPs by different methods to improve the antimicrobial properties was the central objective. The studies combining AuNPs and textile materials have opened valuable opportunities to develop antimicrobial materials for health and hygiene products, as infection control and barrier material, with improved properties. Future studies are needed to amplify the antimicrobial effect of AuNPs onto textiles and minimize the concerns related to the synthesis. Full article
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