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Nanomaterials
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Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures
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Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures

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 May 2023) | Viewed by 49737

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Jose L. Arias

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Guest Editor
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Campus Universitario de Cartuja s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
Interests: active drug targeting; biomedical applications of colloids and nanoparticles; biopharmacy; drug absorption; drug delivery; drug release; formulation and evaluation of pharmaceutical dosage forms; hyperthermia-based anticancer treatment; in vivo fate of nanoplatforms; ligand-receptor interactions and nanoparticle endocytosis; long-circulating nanoparticles; magnetic colloids; nanoteranosis; passive drug targeting; PEGylated nanoparticles; pharmaceutical technology; pharmacokinetics; stimuli sensitive nanostructures; surface chemistry and interface science; surface functionalization of nanoparticles
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Prof. Dr. Ullrich Scherf

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Guest Editor
Macromolecular Chemistry Group, Bergische Universitat Wuppertal, 42119 Wuppertal, Germany
Interests: experimental research in material science and chemistry of functional polymers: syntheses development; semiconducting polymers; microporous polymer networks; block copolymers; conjugated polyelectrolytes
Dr. Mazen M. El-Hammadi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor Assistant
Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, 41012 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: pharmaceutical nanotechnology; polymeric drug and gene delivery systems; pharmaceutical formulation
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the last few decades, nanostructured materials have attracted great interest due to their unique properties in comparison to their bulk counterparts. Depending on their size, shape, and composition, the characteristics of nanoscale materials, such as physicochemical, electrical, thermal, optical, and magnetic properties, can be tuned to match the intended use. Thus, designing nanomaterials represents an active area of research with a wide range of novel applications in the fields of engineering, chemistry, physics, biotechnology, and biomedicine. An examination of the recent trends in the literature reveals that there is a need for in-depth reviews that highlight the current knowledge on nanomaterials’ design and provide a better understanding of already realized and potential applications or their limitations.

This Special Issue of Nanomaterials invites colleagues to submit up-to-date reviews on recent trends in nanostructured materials. Reviews presented will cover various topics, including but not limited to synthesis methods, characterization techniques, and key applications.

Prof. Dr. Jose L. Arias
Prof. Dr. Ullrich Scherf
Guest Editors

Dr. Mazen M. El-Hammadi
Guest Editor Assistant

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

  • carbon-based nanomaterials
  • inorganic nanomaterials
  • organic and polymer nanomaterials
  • hybrid and composite/blend nanomaterials
  • nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanowires/nanofibers
  • nanoscaled and nanostructured thin layers
  • environmental issues in relation to nanomaterials

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Published Papers (10 papers)

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Review

21 pages, 3789 KiB  
Review
Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes Surface by Aryl Groups: A Review
by Pavel Oskin, Iraida Demkina, Elena Dmitrieva and Sergey Alferov
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(10), 1630; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13101630 - 13 May 2023
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4413
Abstract
The review is devoted to the methods of introducing aryl functional groups to the CNT surface. Arylated nanotubes are characterized by extended solubility, and are widely used in photoelectronics, semiconductor technology, and bioelectrocatalysis. The main emphasis is on arylation methods according to the [...] Read more.
The review is devoted to the methods of introducing aryl functional groups to the CNT surface. Arylated nanotubes are characterized by extended solubility, and are widely used in photoelectronics, semiconductor technology, and bioelectrocatalysis. The main emphasis is on arylation methods according to the radical mechanism, such as the Gomberg–Bachmann and Billups reactions, and the decomposition of peroxides. At the same time, less common approaches are also considered. For each of the described reactions, a mechanism is presented in the context of the effect on the properties of functionalized nanotubes and their application. As a result, this will allow us to choose the optimal modification method for specific practical tasks. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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35 pages, 13026 KiB  
Review
Research Progress and Application of Polyimide-Based Nanocomposites
by Jinming Ma, Xiangfu Liu, Rongwen Wang, Chengxu Lu, Xueqin Wen and Guoli Tu
Nanomaterials 2023, 13(4), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano13040656 - 8 Feb 2023
Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5899
Abstract
Polyimide (PI) is one of the most dominant engineering plastics with excellent thermal, mechanical, chemical stability and dielectric performance. Further improving the versatility of PIs is of great significance, broadening their application prospects. Thus, integrating functional nanofillers can finely tune the individual characteristic [...] Read more.
Polyimide (PI) is one of the most dominant engineering plastics with excellent thermal, mechanical, chemical stability and dielectric performance. Further improving the versatility of PIs is of great significance, broadening their application prospects. Thus, integrating functional nanofillers can finely tune the individual characteristic to a certain extent as required by the function. Integrating the two complementary benefits, PI-based composites strongly expand applications, such as aerospace, microelectronic devices, separation membranes, catalysis, and sensors. Here, from the perspective of system science, the recent studies of PI-based composites for molecular design, manufacturing process, combination methods, and the relevant applications are reviewed, more relevantly on the mechanism underlying the phenomena. Additionally, a systematic summary of the current challenges and further directions for PI nanocomposites is presented. Hence, the review will pave the way for future studies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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Graphical abstract

55 pages, 10200 KiB  
Review
Impact of Interfaces, and Nanostructure on the Performance of Conjugated Polymer Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Production from Water
by Ewan McQueen, Yang Bai and Reiner Sebastian Sprick
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4299; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234299 - 3 Dec 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3445
Abstract
The direct conversion of sunlight into hydrogen through water splitting, and by converting carbon dioxide into useful chemical building blocks and fuels, has been an active area of research since early reports in the 1970s. Most of the semiconductors that drive these photocatalytic [...] Read more.
The direct conversion of sunlight into hydrogen through water splitting, and by converting carbon dioxide into useful chemical building blocks and fuels, has been an active area of research since early reports in the 1970s. Most of the semiconductors that drive these photocatalytic processes have been inorganic semiconductors, but since the first report of carbon nitride organic semiconductors have also been considered. Conjugated materials have been relatively extensively studied as photocatalysts for solar fuels generation over the last 5 years due to the synthetic control over composition and properties. The understanding of materials’ properties, its impact on performance and underlying factors is still in its infancy. Here, we focus on the impact of interfaces, and nanostructure on fundamental processes which significantly contribute to performance in these organic photocatalysts. In particular, we focus on presenting explicit examples in understanding the interface of polymer photocatalysts with water and how it affects performance. Wetting has been shown to be a clear factor and we present strategies for increased wettability in conjugated polymer photocatalysts through modifications of the material. Furthermore, the limited exciton diffusion length in organic polymers has also been identified to affect the performance of these materials. Addressing this, we also discuss how increased internal and external surface areas increase the activity of organic polymer photocatalysts for hydrogen production from water. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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34 pages, 8417 KiB  
Review
Humidity Sensors Based on Metal–Organic Frameworks
by Ke Wu, Teng Fei and Tong Zhang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(23), 4208; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12234208 - 26 Nov 2022
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 3185
Abstract
Humidity sensors are important in industrial fields and human activities. Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives are a class of promising humidity−sensing materials with the characteristics of a large specific surface area, high porosity, modifiable frameworks, and high stability. The drawbacks of MOFs, [...] Read more.
Humidity sensors are important in industrial fields and human activities. Metal−organic frameworks (MOFs) and their derivatives are a class of promising humidity−sensing materials with the characteristics of a large specific surface area, high porosity, modifiable frameworks, and high stability. The drawbacks of MOFs, such as poor film formation, low electrical conductivity, and limited hydrophilicity, have been gradually overcome with the development of material science. Currently, it is moving towards a critical development stage of MOF−based humidity sensors from usability to ease of use, of which great challenges remain unsolved. In order to better understand the related challenges and point out the direction for the future development of MOF−based humidity sensors, we reviewed the development of such sensors based on related published work, focusing on six primary types (impedance, capacitive, resistive, fluorescent, quartz crystal microbalance (QCM), and others) and analyzed the sensing mechanism, material design, and sensing performance involved, and presented our thoughts on the possible future research directions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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17 pages, 2452 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in the Seed-Directed Synthesis of Zeolites without Addition of Organic Templates
by Shujie Dai, Yichang Yang, Jinghuai Yang, Shichang Chen and Longfeng Zhu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(16), 2873; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12162873 - 21 Aug 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2798
Abstract
Zeolites have been widely employed in fields of petroleum refining, fine chemicals and environmental protection, but their syntheses are always performed in the presence of organic templates, which have many drawbacks such as high cost and polluted wastes. In recent years, the seed-directed [...] Read more.
Zeolites have been widely employed in fields of petroleum refining, fine chemicals and environmental protection, but their syntheses are always performed in the presence of organic templates, which have many drawbacks such as high cost and polluted wastes. In recent years, the seed-directed synthesis of zeolites has been paid much attention due to its low-cost and environmentally friendly features. In this review, the seed-directed synthesis of Al-rich zeolites with homonuclear and heteronuclear features, the seed-directed synthesis of Si-rich zeolites assisted with ethanol and the utility of seed-directed synthesis have been summarized. This review could help zeolite researchers understand the recent progress of seed-directed synthesis. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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35 pages, 12546 KiB  
Review
A Decade of Progress on MAO-Treated Tantalum Surfaces: Advances and Contributions for Biomedical Applications
by Luísa Fialho, Cristiana F. Almeida Alves and Sandra Carvalho
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2319; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12142319 - 6 Jul 2022
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2406
Abstract
Micro-structured coatings with functional properties have been investigated due to a wide range of applications. It is known that micro-structures can play an important role in surface interactions determining the materials’ performance. Amongst the other materials, there has been an increasing interest in [...] Read more.
Micro-structured coatings with functional properties have been investigated due to a wide range of applications. It is known that micro-structures can play an important role in surface interactions determining the materials’ performance. Amongst the other materials, there has been an increasing interest in tantalum oxide (Ta2O5). This attention is mainly due to its variety of properties: biocompatibility and bioactivity; high dielectric constant; good thermal and chemical stability; excellent corrosion and mechanical resistance. Moreover, there is a wide range of applications in which the properties can be fitted. Furthermore, according to the final application, these properties can be enhanced or tailored through surface micro-structures manipulation. Due to this purpose, over the past decade, Ta surface modification by micro-arc oxidation (MAO) has been investigated mostly for biomedical applications. Therefore, this review focuses on Ta surface functionalization using the MAO technique. A clear understanding of the micro-discharge phenomena and the formation mechanism of a Ta2O5 anodic coating by MAO is supplied. The Ta2O5 coating morphology, topography, chemistry, and structure are explored, establishing their correlation with the MAO parameters. Additionally, an understanding of Ta2O5’s biological, mechanical, and electrochemical properties is provided and reviewed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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29 pages, 9385 KiB  
Review
Superconducting Materials and Devices Grown by Focused Ion and Electron Beam Induced Deposition
by Pablo Orús, Fabian Sigloch, Soraya Sangiao and José María De Teresa
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(8), 1367; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12081367 - 15 Apr 2022
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 4943
Abstract
Since its discovery in 1911, superconductivity has represented an equally inciting and fascinating field of study in several areas of physics and materials science, ranging from its most fundamental theoretical understanding, to its practical application in different areas of engineering. The fabrication of [...] Read more.
Since its discovery in 1911, superconductivity has represented an equally inciting and fascinating field of study in several areas of physics and materials science, ranging from its most fundamental theoretical understanding, to its practical application in different areas of engineering. The fabrication of superconducting materials can be downsized to the nanoscale by means of Focused Ion/Electron Beam Induced Deposition: nanopatterning techniques that make use of a focused beam of ions or electrons to decompose a gaseous precursor in a single step. Overcoming the need to use a resist, these approaches allow for targeted, highly-flexible nanopatterning of nanostructures with lateral resolution in the range of 10 nm to 30 nm. In this review, the fundamentals of these nanofabrication techniques are presented, followed by a literature revision on the published work that makes use of them to grow superconducting materials, the most remarkable of which are based on tungsten, niobium, molybdenum, carbon, and lead. Several examples of the application of these materials to functional devices are presented, related to the superconducting proximity effect, vortex dynamics, electric-field effect, and to the nanofabrication of Josephson junctions and nanoSQUIDs. Owing to the patterning flexibility they offer, both of these techniques represent a powerful and convenient approach towards both fundamental and applied research in superconductivity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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33 pages, 4281 KiB  
Review
Electrospun Nanofiber Membranes for Air Filtration: A Review
by Yangjian Zhou, Yanan Liu, Mingxin Zhang, Zhangbin Feng, Deng-Guang Yu and Ke Wang
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(7), 1077; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano12071077 - 25 Mar 2022
Cited by 125 | Viewed by 11310
Abstract
Nanomaterials for air filtration have been studied by researchers for decades. Owing to the advantages of high porosity, small pore size, and good connectivity, nanofiber membranes prepared by electrospinning technology have been considered as an outstanding air-filter candidate. To satisfy the requirements of [...] Read more.
Nanomaterials for air filtration have been studied by researchers for decades. Owing to the advantages of high porosity, small pore size, and good connectivity, nanofiber membranes prepared by electrospinning technology have been considered as an outstanding air-filter candidate. To satisfy the requirements of material functionalization, electrospinning can provide a simple and efficient one-step process to fabricate the complex structures of functional nanofibers such as core–sheath structures, Janus structures, and other multilayered structures. Additionally, as a nanoparticle carrier, electrospun nanofibers can easily achieve antibacterial properties, flame-retardant properties, and the adsorption properties of volatile gases, etc. These simple and effective approaches have benefited from the significate development of electrospun nanofibers for air-filtration applications. In this review, the research progress on electrospun nanofibers as air filters in recent years is summarized. The fabrication methods, filtration performances, advantages, and disadvantages of single-polymer nanofibers, multipolymer composite nanofibers, and nanoparticle-doped hybrid nanofibers are investigated. Finally, the basic principles of air filtration are concluded upon and prospects for the application of complex-structured nanofibers in the field of air filtration are proposed. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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38 pages, 8844 KiB  
Review
On-Demand Drug Delivery Systems Using Nanofibers
by Baljinder Singh, Kibeom Kim and Myoung-Hwan Park
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(12), 3411; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11123411 - 16 Dec 2021
Cited by 47 | Viewed by 5574
Abstract
On-demand drug-delivery systems using nanofibers are extensively applicable for customized drug release based on target location and timing to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. A nanofiber formulation is typically created for a certain medication and changing the drug may have a significant impact [...] Read more.
On-demand drug-delivery systems using nanofibers are extensively applicable for customized drug release based on target location and timing to achieve the desired therapeutic effects. A nanofiber formulation is typically created for a certain medication and changing the drug may have a significant impact on the release kinetics from the same delivery system. Nanofibers have several distinguishing features and properties, including the ease with which they may be manufactured, the variety of materials appropriate for processing into fibers, a large surface area, and a complex pore structure. Nanofibers with effective drug-loading capabilities, controllable release, and high stability have gained the interest of researchers owing to their potential applications in on-demand drug delivery systems. Based on their composition and drug-release characteristics, we review the numerous types of nanofibers from the most recent accessible studies. Nanofibers are classified based on their mechanism of drug release, as well as their structure and content. To achieve controlled drug release, a suitable polymer, large surface-to-volume ratio, and high porosity of the nanofiber mesh are necessary. The properties of nanofibers for modified drug release are categorized here as protracted, stimulus-activated, and biphasic. Swellable or degradable polymers are commonly utilized to alter drug release. In addition to the polymer used, the process and ambient conditions can have considerable impacts on the release characteristics of the nanofibers. The formulation of nanofibers is highly complicated and depends on many variables; nevertheless, numerous options are available to accomplish the desired nanofiber drug-release characteristics. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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14 pages, 2413 KiB  
Review
Development of Synthetic DNA Circuit and Networks for Molecular Information Processing
by Yongpeng Zhang, Yuhua Feng, Yuan Liang, Jing Yang and Cheng Zhang
Nanomaterials 2021, 11(11), 2955; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano11112955 - 4 Nov 2021
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3985
Abstract
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a genetic material, encodes all living information and living characteristics, e.g., in cell, DNA signaling circuits control the transcription activities of specific genes. In recent years, various DNA circuits have been developed to implement a wide range of signaling and [...] Read more.
Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), a genetic material, encodes all living information and living characteristics, e.g., in cell, DNA signaling circuits control the transcription activities of specific genes. In recent years, various DNA circuits have been developed to implement a wide range of signaling and for regulating gene network functions. In particular, a synthetic DNA circuit, with a programmable design and easy construction, has become a crucial method through which to simulate and regulate DNA signaling networks. Importantly, the construction of a hierarchical DNA circuit provides a useful tool for regulating gene networks and for processing molecular information. Moreover, via their robust and modular properties, DNA circuits can amplify weak signals and establish programmable cascade systems, which are particularly suitable for the applications of biosensing and detecting. Furthermore, a biological enzyme can also be used to provide diverse circuit regulation elements. Currently, studies regarding the mechanisms and applications of synthetic DNA circuit are important for the establishment of more advanced artificial gene regulation systems and intelligent molecular sensing tools. We therefore summarize recent relevant research progress, contributing to the development of nanotechnology-based synthetic DNA circuits. By summarizing the current highlights and the development of synthetic DNA circuits, this paper provides additional insights for future DNA circuit development and provides a foundation for the construction of more advanced DNA circuits. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Current Review in Synthesis, Interfaces, and Nanostructures)
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