Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-01-21DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100080
Saisai Hu , Ping Su , Deyin Tao , Luhui Zhu , Aiping Chen , Dawei Gu , Mustafa Eginligil
{"title":"Towards outstanding energy-efficiency in a recyclable triboelectric nanogenerator based on a soft-rough composite material","authors":"Saisai Hu , Ping Su , Deyin Tao , Luhui Zhu , Aiping Chen , Dawei Gu , Mustafa Eginligil","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100080","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100080","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Energy efficiency vs. degradability of materials making up triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) is critical for recyclable energy sources. In this work, we first compared voltage output expectation (V<sub>exp</sub>) of contact-separation TENG consisting of two tribo-layers: paper and common plastics used in packaging (both non-biodegradable and biodegradable). Detailed analysis based on atomic force microscopy and capacitance measurements demonstrated surface roughness of soft-rough biodegradable polymers (SRBPs) is expected to yield larger V<sub>exp</sub>, predictably. A SRBP composite-based TENG was expected to show ∼7.2 times larger V<sub>exp</sub> than a hard-flat nonbiodegradable plastic, demonstrating promising charge transfer efficiency; while the measured voltage (V<sub>mea</sub>) was only 6.5% of V<sub>exp</sub>. This was unlike the other plastics, including a non-composite SRBP, (V<sub>mea</sub>/V<sub>exp</sub> ∼0.36) and the low V<sub>mea</sub>/V<sub>exp</sub> in the SRBP composite-based TENG was attributed to intrinsic material properties. Also, energy conversion efficiency in TENG-based on SRBPs was more than double of hard-flat plastics. This shows the potential of the composite SRBP-based TENG as effective energy harvester.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100080"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An analytical disquisition on the nonlinear optical responses of carbon quantum dots engineered by diverse synthesis methodologies","authors":"Rashi Mahendra Patil, Akshay Raj R, Shyamal Mondal, Tejashree Bhave, Appala Venkata Ramana Murthy","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100081","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100081","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) are highly promising nanomaterials known for their unique optical and electronic properties, which are crucial for applications in photonics, bioimaging, optoelectronics, etc. This study investigates the nonlinear optical (NLO) responses of CQDs synthesized via three different methods, namely, hydrothermal, microwave-assisted, and green synthesis. The three different synthesized CQDs have shown size-dependent optical and photoluminescence properties. The z-scan technique was employed for measuring the corresponding nonlinear absorption coefficient and nonlinear refractive index. Hydrothermal synthesis produced CQDs with strong NLO responses (χ<sup>(3)</sup> = 4.14 × 10<sup>–7</sup> esu) due to high crystallinity and significant surface functionalization, whereas microwave-assisted synthesis resulted (χ<sup>(3)</sup> = 3.97 × 10<sup>–7</sup> esu) in size-dependent NLO variability. Meanwhile, the green synthesis method, utilizing natural resources and organic precursors which replaced by chemical capping agents such as PEG, showed a moderate NLO response (χ<sup>(3)</sup> = 2.72 × 10<sup>–7</sup> esu), influenced by diverse surface functionalities. This comparative analysis emphasizes the crucial role of synthesis methods in tailoring CQDs for specific NLO applications, providing insights to optimize their synthesis for enhanced performance in advanced optical technologies.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100081"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101088","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-01-20DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100077
Thiago F. Santos , Domingos F.S. Souza , Elisama V. Santos , Bruno R. Carvalho , J.H.O. Nascimento
{"title":"Graphene and graphene quantum dots applied to batteries and supercapacitors","authors":"Thiago F. Santos , Domingos F.S. Souza , Elisama V. Santos , Bruno R. Carvalho , J.H.O. Nascimento","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100077","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100077","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The article discusses the main advancements and discoveries regarding the application of graphene (Gr) and graphene quantum dots (GQDs) in batteries and supercapacitors, highlighting how these materials have revolutionized the field of energy storage. The main findings of the work include the confirmation that graphene and GQDs significantly improve the efficiency, storage capacity, and stability of energy devices. The study found that GQDs and supercapacitors made of graphene can achieve high-capacitances, such as 566 F/g, and keep up to 95% of their capacity after 2,000 charge and discharge cycles. In lithium-ion batteries, the incorporation of these nanomaterials has resulted in capacities of up to 2,882 mAh/g, demonstrating a substantial improvement in energy density and battery lifespan. The study also identified the most effective synthesis methods, such as chemical oxidation and hydrothermal processes, and optimized them to produce high-quality graphene and GQDs, thereby directly impacting the devices' performance. The study also revealed that the integration of graphene and GQDs is driving the exponential growth of the supercapacitor and battery market, projected to reach values of up to 18.4 billion dollars and 500.5 billion dollars, respectively, by 2032. The article concludes that these materials play a fundamental role in the evolution of energy storage technologies, with the potential to shape the future of energy sustainability and technological innovation.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100077"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101085","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-01-18DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100074
P.R. Sekhar Reddy
{"title":"Advancements in artificial synapses: The role of fluorite–structured ferroelectrics","authors":"P.R. Sekhar Reddy","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100074","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100074","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>In today's world, the rise of big data demands a new computing paradigm beyond the von Neumann architecture to handle massive datasets effectively. Neuromorphic computing, inspired by the synaptic plasticity of biological synapses, has emerged as a solution. Artificial synapses (ASs) in neuromorphic systems replicate synaptic functions like potentiation/depression, short-/long-term plasticity, and spike-time-dependent plasticity. Initial research on fluorite-structured ferroelectrics focused on understanding ferroelectricity and improving device performance. Since the discovery of ferroelectricity in hafnium-zirconium oxide in 2011, these materials have gained attention for their scalability and compatibility with CMOS technologies. This review explores advances in fluorite-structured ferroelectric ASs, including two-terminal switchable diodes, ferroelectric-tunnel junctions, three-terminal field-effect transistors, and thin-film transistors. Additionally, we examine future challenges and prospects for developing ferroelectric-based ASs for neuromorphic computing.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100074"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101086","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-01-15DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100076
Gerardo L. Morales-Torres, Ian González-Afanador, Luis A. Colón-Santiago, Nelson Sepúlveda
{"title":"Assessment of head dynamics using a flexible self-powered sensor and machine learning, capable of predicting probability of brain injury","authors":"Gerardo L. Morales-Torres, Ian González-Afanador, Luis A. Colón-Santiago, Nelson Sepúlveda","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100076","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100076","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>This work presents the application of a flexible, self-powered sensor designed to predict angular velocity and acceleration during head kinematics associated with concussions. This paper-thin, flexible device, which exhibits piezoelectric-like properties, is strategically placed on the back of a human head substitute to capture stress and strain in this region during whiplash events. The mechanical energy generated by varying magnitudes of whiplash is converted into electrical pulses, which are then integrated with multiple machine learning models. These models were tested and compared, demonstrating their ability to accurately predict angular velocity and acceleration of the head. This predictive capability can be utilized to assess the probability of brain injury. The findings demonstrate that this system not only enhances the understanding of head impact dynamics, but also opens avenues for developing more effective injury risk assessment tools. By combining innovative sensor technology with advanced machine learning techniques, this study contributes to improved safety monitoring in high-risk environments, such as high-contact and automotive sports.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100076"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143101084","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-01-09DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100075
U Sandhya Shenoy , Bhava Amin , D Krishna Bhat
{"title":"Exploring the impact of modulation of electronic structure via doping in the realm of environmental applications","authors":"U Sandhya Shenoy , Bhava Amin , D Krishna Bhat","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100075","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100075","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Engineering the electronic structure of a material is quite a fascinating field of study as it not only helps in improving the performance of the material but also helps us understand why a particular combination of elements exhibits the properties it does. Substitutional doping has been receiving increasing interest in the field of photocatalysis for boosting the performance of the material by tuning its crystal structure and electronic structure. In this study, we report the effect of site occupancy of silver in Ag doped BaTiO<sub>3</sub>. First principles density functional theory calculations highlight that the Ti site which is the preferred site in BaTiO<sub>3</sub> for most of the dopants is not so preferred in the case of Ag doping for enhancing the photocatalytic activity. It also reveals the exceptional behavior of Ag where in it prevents the formation of mid gap recombination centers in the case of mixed occupancy. Doped samples synthesized through solvothermal approach with directed doping shows activity of 99.2 % and 99 % degradation of rose bengal and malachite green dyes in 40 and 50 min, respectively.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100075"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097184","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100073
Zainab Ali Abed Alhasani , Fouad N. Ajeel
{"title":"DFT investigations of structural and electronic properties of two-dimensional Y2C and Y2CF2 monolayers","authors":"Zainab Ali Abed Alhasani , Fouad N. Ajeel","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100073","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100073","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>We designed Y<sub>2</sub>CF<sub>2</sub> monolayers by adding fluorine atoms in place of the anionic electrons in Y<sub>2</sub>C monolayers. The density functional theory (DFT) is used to investigate the structural and electronic properties of two-dimensional Y<sub>2</sub>C and Y<sub>2</sub>CF<sub>2</sub> monolayers. According to the results of calculations, these monolayers are dynamically and thermodynamically stable. The structural and electronic properties of the Y<sub>2</sub>CF<sub>2</sub> monolayer exhibit a semimetallic behavior. To study the potential applications of these new two-dimensional electride material, the adsorption and diffusion properties to atoms <span><math><mtext>Li</mtext></math></span>, <span><math><mtext>Na</mtext></math></span>, and <span><math><mtext>Mg</mtext></math></span> are investigated. Our results indicate that the diffusion barriers of Li, Na, and Mg atoms on the Y₂CF₂ surface are 15.9 eV, 6.8 eV, and 28.6 eV, respectively. Because of their high adsorption energies and low diffusion barriers of metal atoms, Y<sub>2</sub>C and Y<sub>2</sub>CF<sub>2</sub> monolayers are attractive electride materials for applications of metal-ion batteries. All of the findings contribute to the modification, stabilization, and understanding of two-dimensional electrides, as well as the practical use of their characteristics.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100073"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097191","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2025-01-03DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100072
Joseph N. Lutera , MN Raja Shekar , B Shankar Goud
{"title":"Scrutinization of chemical reactions, permeability, and magnetic field of a dissipative flow effects of Silver (Ag) nanoparticles – Water over a moving vertical porous medium","authors":"Joseph N. Lutera , MN Raja Shekar , B Shankar Goud","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100072","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2025.100072","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Incompressible nanofluid flow applications have recently drawn significant attention among scientists and engineers. The dimensionless leading comparisons of this study are analytically executed using the Laplace transformation technique and graphically analyzed through the MATLAB software tool. The silver nanoparticles-water thermophysical properties framed this exploration setting. This study finds that magnetic activity slows down the speed of the nanofluid flow. The solutes are consumed during the chemical reaction process, declining the concentration of species. The augmentation in solid volume fraction sinks the velocity and upsurges the nanofluid's flow temperature. The permeability and thermal radiation constraints enhance the skin friction coefficient. These results provide valuable insights into designing and controlling mass and heat transmission in nanofluid-based schemes, such as creating heat exchangers, cooling schemes, electrochemical systems, and filtration processes in industries. It is also applicable in the health sector, for instance, by using a magnetic field to control the targeted area for drug injection in the human body.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100072"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2025-01-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097185","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nano TrendsPub Date : 2024-12-30DOI: 10.1016/j.nwnano.2024.100071
D. Krishna Bhat , S. Pavan Kumar , U. Sandhya Shenoy
{"title":"Enhancing the thermal conductivity and stability of cuprous oxide nanofluids: Ribose-mediated single step chemical synthesis for solar energy applications","authors":"D. Krishna Bhat , S. Pavan Kumar , U. Sandhya Shenoy","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2024.100071","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2024.100071","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>The efficiency of photovoltaic (PV) panels can be compromised by rising temperatures, prompting extensive research into thermal management strategies aimed at maximizing power output. Recently, there has been growing interest in using nanofluids to enhance the cooling efficiency of photovoltaic thermoelectric generator (PV-TEG) systems compared to conventional water cooling. This underscores the potential of investigating innovative synthetic methods to improve the thermal conductivity and stability of nanofluids. We employed a simple straightforward method to synthesize cuprous oxide nanofluid. This solution-based technique constrains formation of cuprous oxide particles to the nanoscale dimensions using cetylammonium bromide as capping agent. Our investigation delved into the impact of various parameters on the formation and dispersion of nanoparticles within a base fluid comprised of a 1:1 mixture of water and ethylene glycol. The resulting nanofluid exhibited Newtonian behaviour and demonstrated remarkable stability of 9 months, accompanied by a notable increase in thermal conductivity upto 3.59 W m<sup>-1</sup> K<sup>-1</sup>. This meticulous approach has proven to be not only straightforward and dependable but also efficient for the rapid synthesis of highly stable Newtonian nanofluids overcoming the complexities associated with traditional two-step processes and could be extended to other metal oxide nanofluids. Beyond its economic appeal, the nanofluid's improved thermal properties and stability position it for diverse applications requiring efficient heat transfer.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100071"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097190","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Nanoformulations of bioactive compounds derived from essential oils with antimicrobial activity","authors":"Valentina Nieto Marín , Danieli Fernanda Buccini , Viviane Gomes da Silva , Ian Alejandro Fernandez Soliz , Octávio Luiz Franco","doi":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2024.100070","DOIUrl":"10.1016/j.nwnano.2024.100070","url":null,"abstract":"<div><div>Nanomaterial-based platforms for the formulation of bioactive compounds derived from essential oils (dEOs) have attracted considerable attention due to their potential to enhance the stability, controlled release, and antimicrobial efficacy of these natural compounds. This review analyzes the various nanomaterial platforms used for dEOs, including polymeric nanoparticles, liposomes, cyclodextrin and chitosan complexes, and inorganic nanosystems. The synthesis methods, physicochemical properties, and characterization techniques associated with these nanomaterial platforms are reviewed to elucidate their impact on the formulation and stability of dEOs. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of dEO formulations against a wide range of pathogenic microorganisms is described, highlighting the potential applications of these platforms in the treatment of infections and food preservation. The review also discusses the current challenges and prospects in the field, aiming to provide valuable insights for researchers and industry professionals involved in the development of nanomaterial-based dEO delivery systems.</div></div>","PeriodicalId":100942,"journal":{"name":"Nano Trends","volume":"9 ","pages":"Article 100070"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2024-12-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143097187","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}