Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100124
Wei Wang , Wenquan Huang , Yan Li , Guangcan Xiang , Yuting Zhang , Haichuang Lan , Peng Geng , Shuzhang Xiao
{"title":"One arrow two eagle: Multifunctional Nb5+-doped TiO2 nanoparticles for tumor photothermal-sonodynamic therapy","authors":"Wei Wang , Wenquan Huang , Yan Li , Guangcan Xiang , Yuting Zhang , Haichuang Lan , Peng Geng , Shuzhang Xiao","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100124","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100124","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TiO<sub>2</sub>) have been widely used as biocompatible sonosensitizers, but their wide bandgap (3.0-3.2 eV) and rapid carrier recombination result in poor sonodynamic therapy efficacy. In order to expand the biological applications of nano-TiO<sub>2</sub>, this work prepared Nb-doped TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles (Nb:TiO<sub>2</sub>) via a simple thermal decomposition method. The optical absorption of Nb:TiO<sub>2</sub> extended from the ultraviolet absorption edge (∼380 nm) of pure TiO<sub>2</sub> to near-infrared (NIR) absorption (>1100 nm). Under 1064 nm light irradiation, Nb:TiO<sub>2</sub> nanoparticles efficiently convert NIR light energy into heat, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 39.1 %, demonstrating their potential as excellent nano-photothermal agents. Under ultrasound excitation, the singlet oxygen (<sup>1</sup>O<sub>2</sub>) generation rate of Nb:TiO<sub>2</sub> was 1.51 times higher than that of undoped TiO<sub>2</sub>, making it a more effective inorganic nano-sonosensitizer. Under combined light-ultrasound conditions, the cell survival rate was reduced to just 8.3 % after 8 min, indicating that the synergistic treatment of PTT-SDT effectively kills tumor cells. Therefore, this doping strategy provides new insights for expanding the biological applications of other TiO<sub>2</sub>-based semiconductors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100124"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144263392","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-06-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100126
Md. Sumon Miah , Md. Waziur Rahman Chy , Tanvir Ahmed , Mahjabin Suchi , Md. Awwal Muhtady , Shah Nizam Uddin Ahmad , Mohammad Afzal Hossain
{"title":"Emerging trends in nanotechnologies for vitamin delivery: Innovation and future prospects","authors":"Md. Sumon Miah , Md. Waziur Rahman Chy , Tanvir Ahmed , Mahjabin Suchi , Md. Awwal Muhtady , Shah Nizam Uddin Ahmad , Mohammad Afzal Hossain","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100126","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100126","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanotechnology has emerged as a cutting-edge approach to improving Vitamin Delivery systems, addressing critical challenges such as poor solubility, instability, and limited bioavailability. Conventional Vitamin Formulations are often challenged with rapid degradation and inefficient absorption, reducing their effectiveness. Integrating nanocarriers - including polymeric nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, metal-based systems, liposomes, and nano-emulsions - has demonstrated significant potential in enhancing vitamin stability and controlled release, optimizing nutrient uptake in the body. This review explores the diverse applications of nanotechnology in Vitamin Delivery, emphasizing the advantages of various nanocarrier systems. It discusses how nanoscale delivery platforms improve vitamin protection, solubility, and absorption, potentially leading to more effective supplementation strategies. Additionally, key challenges hindering the large-scale adoption of these technologies are examined, including concerns related to toxicity, regulatory uncertainties, and economic feasibility. The need for standardized safety assessments and well-defined regulatory frameworks remains a major hurdle in translating laboratory research into commercially viable products.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100126"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144239541","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-05-08DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100119
Deepa Mundekkad, Anjali R Mallya
{"title":"Biomimicry at the nanoscale - a review of nanomaterials inspired by nature","authors":"Deepa Mundekkad, Anjali R Mallya","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100119","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100119","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biomimetic nanomaterials and nanosystems leverage nature's designs and mechanisms to develop innovative solutions in various fields, including medicine, environmental science, and energy systems. This review explores the fundamental principles of biomimicry in nanotechnology, highlighting the rich diversity of bioinspired materials, such as nanocomposites and polymers. While examining their applications, ranging from targeted drug delivery and regenerative medicine to efficient environmental remediation and energy conversion., the review also focuses on the characterization methods that enable the understanding of these materials at the nanoscale. It also addresses the current challenges, such as scalability, biological compatibility, and safety. Finally, the review outlines future directions for research, emphasizing the integration of advanced computational techniques and interdisciplinary collaboration to enhance the design and application of biomimetic nanomaterials. By bridging biological intuition with technological innovation, biomimetic nanotechnology holds great promise for addressing complex global challenges.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100119"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144068143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A comprehensive review on biochar, with a particular focus on nano properties and applications","authors":"Irene Curcio , Riccardo Gigli , Francesca Mormile , Cristina Mormile","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100117","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100117","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Biochar is a carbon-based material obtained from the thermal decomposition of a wide range of organic biomass. Its earliest uses date back to ancient agricultural practices across the world, where it was used to enrich the soil. However, it has recently become an area of interest due to its potential in environmental remediation and industrial applications. This article provides a description of the main production techniques and their advantages. It offers an overview of the physical and chemical properties, including surface area, porosity, and elemental composition, as well as the factors that influence them. It also reviews different activation methods used to enhance biochar's properties, depending on its intended use. It discusses the applications that are now in use, such as its role in environmental remediation, energy production, and as a catalyst, analysing the possible future applications as well. All of this is realized with a careful examination of nanobiochar, investigating how certain properties, such as surface area and porosity, differ at nanoscale. Materials with a size of less than one hundred nanometers are classified as \"nano\" and tend to behave differently due to the significant increase in surface-to-volume ratio, which leads to the observation of quantum confinement effects.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100117"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143942777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-05-05DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100118
Vidhiben Dave , Bhavana Bhatt , Sooraj Sreenath , Devendra Y. Nikumbe , Harshal Kulkarni , Govind Sethia , Rajaram K. Nagarale
{"title":"An electro-osmotic flow device featuring electroactive pyrene encapsulated different types of carbon matrices","authors":"Vidhiben Dave , Bhavana Bhatt , Sooraj Sreenath , Devendra Y. Nikumbe , Harshal Kulkarni , Govind Sethia , Rajaram K. Nagarale","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100118","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100118","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Host-guest chemistry has gained significant attention in recent years due to its various applications in electrochemical devices. Carbon materials serve as excellent hosts for organic guest molecules. In this study, pyrene molecules were incorporated into five different carbon matrices using a low-temperature thermal encapsulation technique, and the resulting materials were evaluated as effective electrodes for electro-osmotic pump (EOP) application. Since pristine pyrene is electrochemically inactive, it was electrochemically oxidized prior to its use in the EOP. The five carbon materials used in this study, super carbon (SC), multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), Ketjen black carbon (KC), activated carbon (AC) and hard carbon (HC) underwent thorough physicochemical characterization. The encapsulation of pyrene within these carbon matrices, followed by the electrochemical oxidation of the guest pyrene molecules to obtain eSCO, eCNTO, eKCO, eACO, and eHCO, was confirmed through spectroscopic and electrochemical studies. An EOP consists of a silica frit sandwiched between two flow-through electrodes. Five EOPs were assembled with eSCO, eCNTO, eKCO, eACO, and eHCO as the active electrode materials. The water pumping performance of all the EOPs was found to be linearly dependent on the applied voltage. The electro-osmotic flux of the EOPs with eSCO, eCNTO, eKCO, eACO, and eHCO was measured at 33.81, 31.48, 31.18, 20.68, and 7.95 mL min⁻¹ V⁻¹ cm⁻², respectively. The high efficacy of the fabricated EOPs suggests that electroactive pyrene and carbon matrices form a unique host-guest composite material suitable for electrochemical device applications.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100118"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937535","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-05-05DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100116
Fabricio N. Molinari , Maria A. Mancuso , Emanuel Bilbao , Gustavo Giménez , Leandro N. Monsalve
{"title":"A resistive electron irradiation microsensor made from conductive electrospun polycaprolactone fibers loaded with carbon nanotubes and fullerene C60","authors":"Fabricio N. Molinari , Maria A. Mancuso , Emanuel Bilbao , Gustavo Giménez , Leandro N. Monsalve","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100116","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100116","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In this work electron radiation microdevices were fabricated and characterized. The microdevices consisted of aligned conductive electrospun fibers made of polycaprolactone loaded with multiwalled carbon nanotubes and C60 deposited onto gold interdigitated microelectrodes. They were capable of permanently increasing their conductivity upon exposure to electron beam irradiation from 0.02 pC μm<sup>-2</sup> accelerated at 10 and 20 keV. This phenomenon could be explained due to the ability of C60 to trap and stabilize negative charges and thus contribute to the conductivity of the polymer composite. The microdevices achieved their maximum conductivity after an irradiation between 0.22 and 0.27 pC μm<sup>-2</sup> and this maximum was dependent of the electron acceleration. Montecarlo simulations were performed to explain dependence as function of electron penetration in the polymer composite. Moreover, the microdevices irradiated at 20 keV maintained their final conductivity and the microdevices irradiated at 10 keV increased their final conductivity after 6 days from irradiation. C60 proved to act as highly efficient electron scavengers within the polymer composite and contribute to its conductivity, and the microdevices have potential application as beta radiation sensors.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100116"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932048","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-05-02DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100111
Prabhu , Rohit M , Divya R. Basavannavar , Praveen B M , Naveen Kumar J․ R․ , Dhananjay K. P , Rajana G S , Manoj Dhondiram Patil
{"title":"Green synsthesis of copper molybedate and its various application in sensing, supercapacitors and photocatalytic activity","authors":"Prabhu , Rohit M , Divya R. Basavannavar , Praveen B M , Naveen Kumar J․ R․ , Dhananjay K. P , Rajana G S , Manoj Dhondiram Patil","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100111","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100111","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In the current word of high water pollution and lack of materials for elctrochemical applications Cu<sub>3</sub>Mo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>9</sub> can be a promising nanomaterial for both the problems Cu<sub>3</sub>Mo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>9</sub>nanoparticles (CMO) were synthesized using a green solution combustion method, incorporating Salvia hispanica seed powder, copper nitrate, and ammonium moybedium at 500 °C for 15 min later the material was calcined at 600 °C for 3hours to obtain Cu<sub>3</sub>Mo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>9</sub> (CMO) nanoparticles (NPs). The synthesized NPs were characterized by using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) techniques. The XRD image verified that crystalline size of Cu<sub>3</sub>Mo<sub>2</sub>O<sub>9</sub> NPs. Porous, aggregated formations were visible in the SEM pictures. A further modification to the glassy carbon electrode (GCE) was made using the NPs and electrochemical studies like Impedance, cyclic voltammetry (CV), linear sweep voltammetry (LSV). The CV was used to detect the urea and with increasing scan rate the detection was confirmed. The LSV detected the various range of urea concentration. The nickel foam was coated with NPs. Chrarge-discharge was done by the green synthesized nanoparticles. The NPs was effective in sensing and dye degradation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100111"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143937534","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-05-01DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100115
A. Kempaiah , B.S. Palakshamurthy , Shivalingaswamy T
{"title":"Effect of charge compensators (Na+, Mg2+, Bi3+) on the photoluminescence properties of ZnAl2O4:Sm3+orange-red light emitting nanophosphor","authors":"A. Kempaiah , B.S. Palakshamurthy , Shivalingaswamy T","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100115","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100115","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research work presents the synthesis of ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4,</sub> samarium doped ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>: x%Sm<sup>3+</sup> (<em>x</em> = 1–11mol%) and co-doped ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>: x%Sm<sup>3+</sup>, A<sup>n+</sup> (<em>x</em> = 5mol%, A<sup>n+</sup> = Na<sup>+</sup>, Mg<sup>2+</sup>, Bi<sup>3+</sup>) nano phosphors. All prepared samples are calcinated at an optimized temperature of 900<sup>⁰</sup>C. Powder XRD studies reveal that all synthesized samples are crystallized in cubic phase, with <em>Fd-3</em> m space group, matches with JCPDS # 05–0669. The ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>: Sm<sup>3+</sup> exhibits major excitation peaks at 274, 306, 346, 377, 404, 418, 442 and 466 nm. Inquiringly, we perform photoluminescence studies under the excitation of 274 nm and 404 nm. With 404 nm excitation, the emission peak intensity of ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>: x% Sm<sup>3+</sup> (<em>x</em> = 1–11 mol%) achieves its maximum when the doping concentration is 5 mol%. Charge compensators effect of different valance cation co-dopants (A<sup>n+</sup> = Na<sup>+</sup>, Mg<sup>2+</sup>, Bi<sup>3+</sup>) on the PL emission intensity is further optimized at the concentration of 2 mol% for 274 nm excitation. CIE1931 color coordinates for ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>:5mol% Sm<sup>3+</sup>:2mol%Mg<sup>2+</sup> phosphor, (0.656, 0.343), closely approximate those of an ideal orange-red light emitting phosphor (0.670, 0.333). Measurements reveal that the average decay time for ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>:5mol% Sm<sup>3+</sup> and ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub>:5mol% Sm<sup>3+</sup>: Mg<sup>2+</sup>2mol% is 0.98 ms and 0.057 ms, respectively. This paper also summarizes the typical behavior of ZnAl<sub>2</sub>O<sub>4</sub> and its Cr<sup>3+</sup> association when excited by 404 nm light, for researchers interested in zinc aluminates.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100115"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143923624","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-04-25DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100114
Shekhar Yadav, Pooja Srivastava, C.M.S. Negi
{"title":"HfO2/SiO2 spacer oxide width optimization for enhanced terahertz performance and short-channel integrity in sub-nm silicon based junctionless dual metal gate-all-around FET architectures: A TCAD approach","authors":"Shekhar Yadav, Pooja Srivastava, C.M.S. Negi","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100114","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100114","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This research evaluates the suitability of silicon-based Gate-All-Around Metal Oxide Semiconductor Field Effect Transistor (GAA MOSFET) architectures with HfO<sub>2</sub>/SiO<sub>2</sub> oxide stack spacers for high-frequency applications. Comprehensive analyses of all essential parameters, including transconductance (g<sub>m</sub>), unity gain cut-off frequency (f<sub>T</sub>), drain conductance (g<sub>d</sub>), intrinsic gain (g<sub>m</sub>/g<sub>d</sub>), transconductance efficiency (g<sub>m</sub>/I<sub>D</sub>), Ion to Ioff ratio (I<sub>on</sub>/I<sub>off</sub>), gate capacitance (C<sub>gg</sub>), and transfer characteristics, were conducted through rigorous TCAD simulations. To ensure the structure's scalability and demonstrate short-channel immunity, Drain Induced Barrier Lowering (DIBL) analysis was performed. Additionally, subthreshold swing (SS) analysis was conducted to prove the power efficiency of the device. The analyses conducted are crucial for evaluating the characteristics of devices when scaled to the nanoscale dimensions. A spacer oxide, composed of a stack of conventional material silicon dioxide (SiO<sub>2</sub>) and the high-k material hafnium oxide (HfO<sub>2</sub>), was incorporated to enhance device performance by improving gate control. It was established that increasing the length of the spacer oxide enhances the effectiveness of the devices in high-frequency ranges. The assessed structures are employed with the Junctionless MOSFET architectures to demonstrate the feasibility of simpler fabrication and improved performance. The results show that the best width for the spacer oxide has a big impact on how well sub-100 nm GAA MOSFETs work at high frequencies, resist short-channel effects, and can be made smaller, making them a good choice for current and future high-frequency electronic devices. These findings provide valuable insights into the development and design of GAA MOSFETs for delivering improved high-speed and low-power devices.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100114"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143895242","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Flexible piezoelectric energy harvester made of vertically-aligned ZnO nanowires hydrothermally-grown by template-assisted synthesis in poled PVDF","authors":"Marie Clémence Sigallon , Adrien Baillard , Vincent Consonni , Florian Aubrit , Natalia Potrzebowska , Romain Grasset , Mohamed Tabellout , Noelle Gogneau , Eliott Sarrey , Jean-Eric Wegrowe , Marie-Claude Clochard","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100112","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100112","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The beneficial effect of the hydrothermal method on the morphology and piezoelectric performance of zinc oxide/polyvinylidene fluoride (ZnO/PVDF) composite thin membranes (10 μm-thick) is demonstrated. In this work, high aspect ratio vertically aligned ZnO nanowires were successfully grown on an Au seed layer to create a Schottky-like contact by template-assisted synthesis inside the cylindrical nanopores of a poled β-PVDF. Swift heavy ions irradiation was firstly used to create tracks of damages in this poled β-PVDF thin films. A subsequent chemical etching in alkaline medium revealed these ion-tracks to form dense and statistical arrays of cylindrical nanopores (10<sup>9</sup> pores cm<sup>−2</sup>) along its thickness. Resulting ZnO/PVDF composites were characterized by infrared spectroscopy, grazing incidence X-ray diffraction, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, reflectance spectroscopy, dielectric measurements and piezoelectric analysis. Vertically aligned ZnO nanowires grown in low-supersaturation conditions exhibited an ideal microstructure for enhancing the piezoelectric performance of β-PVDF, <em>i.e.</em> hexagonal wurtzite structure. From piezoelectric analysis in bending mode, the output power of ZnO/PVDF composites was plotted against 8 resistances ranging from 10<sup>5</sup> to 10<sup>6</sup> Ω and fitted up to 10<sup>8</sup> Ω. A maximum power density of 1.90 μW cm<sup>−2</sup> (<em>i.e.</em> 380 µW cm<sup>−3</sup> <em>N</em><sup>−1</sup>) at 2.10<sup>6</sup> Ω was found to be 60 ± 10 % higher than of pristine poled β-PVDF. The performance of these ZnO/PVDF composites may be due to the combined effects of Surface Fermi Level Pinning phenomenon, Schottky-like contact and dipole alignment. It thus reveals a very promising transducer in the renewable energy application of electromechanical energy conversion.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"10 ","pages":"Article 100112"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143891946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}