Materials Advances最新文献

{"title":"Beyond traditional photosensitizers in DSSCs: harnessing the optical properties of noble metal nanoclusters","authors":"Antonija Mravak, Margarita Bužančić Milosavljević and Martina Perić Bakulić","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00901D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00901D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In an effort to reduce the carbon footprint, green alternative technologies such as dye sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) are being developed. In this evolving field, the search for efficient photosensitizers that can enhance light harvesting, charge transfer, and interfacial stability remains a central challenge. One promising direction for their development includes nanostructured materials, in particular, atomically precise noble metal bio-nanoclusters (bio–NCs). Because of their unique properties that can bridge the gap between classical bulk and quantum systems, they offer great potential as novel, non-traditional photosensitizers. In this Perspective, a computational chemistry-driven outlook is provided, developed in close collaboration with experimental insights, on recent advances in the study of noble metal bio–NCs. Emphasis is placed on their nonlinear optical (NLO) properties – an aspect crucial for DSSC performance, yet often overlooked. Three proposed photosensitizer systems are addressed: cyanidin–Ag<small>₃</small> hybrid, Ag<small>₃</small>–DNA, and liganded Ag<small>₂₅</small>. Furthermore, heterometal atom doping has been discussed as a strategy to tune the electronic structure of NCs, thereby influencing their stability, catalytic properties, and photoluminescence. Additionally, as interactions with the semiconductor surface play an important role in charge separation, the anchoring modes of these systems on a TiO<small>₂</small> model are proposed. By integrating insights from time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) with emerging experimental perspectives, this work aims to provide a deeper understanding of noble metal bio–NC properties towards revival in solar energy research.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7141-7152"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00901d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284192","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":"Nickel oxide-modified nickel foam current collectors for uniform lithium deposition at the anode","authors":"Hao He, Zhao Yu, Yongsheng Hu, Shenmin Zhu, Yanyu Li, Yanjie Liu, Yue Miao, Yao Li and Di Zhang","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00669D","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00669D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Lithium metal anodes, possessing a high theoretical specific capacity of 3860 mAh g<small>⁻¹</small> and a low potential (−3.04 V <em>vs.</em> the standard hydrogen electrode), represent a promising direction for advanced energy-storage technology. Nevertheless, the uncontrolled dendritic growth of lithium metal, resulting in poor reversibility and substantial volume changes, significantly impedes the practical implementation of lithium metal batteries. This study introduces nickel oxide nanoparticles as lithiophilic sites on the 3D skeleton of nickel foam (NF) as a 3D current collector (NF-NiO) to promote dendrite-free Li deposition. The NiO nanoparticles effectively modulated Li–metal deposition morphology, reducing the formation of multiple interfacial layers that could cause phase separation and high electrochemical polarization. The nickel foam annealed at 450 °C (NF-NiO450) as a current collector achieved an average Li–metal plating/stripping Coulombic efficiency (CE) of 97.7% for 330 cycles, significantly outperforming neat NF (∼96.6%), which lasted only 75 cycles. The LiFePO<small>₄</small>‖NF-NiO450 (prelithitated to a negative-to-positive areal capacity ratio, N/P ratio ≈ 1.51) cell demonstrated superior rate capability and maintained 92.42% capacity retention over 160 cycles. This engineered 3D current collector design advances the development of high-energy, long-life lithium metal batteries.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7609-7617"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00669d?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284155","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":"Nanoflower-like ZnO–carbon quantum dot heterostructures for solar-driven degradation of methylene blue: a high-performance and recyclable photocatalyst for sustainable wastewater treatment","authors":"Hitesh Bansal, Palkaran Sethi and Soumen Basu","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00804B","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00804B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Developing robust, high-performance photocatalysts for environmental remediation remains a critical scientific pursuit. This work successfully synthesized novel ZnO–carbon quantum dot (CQD) heterostructured nanocomposites with distinct nanoflower-like morphology by incorporating 5%, 10%, and 15% CQDs onto ZnO surfaces. The strategic integration of CQDs not only enhanced solar light harvesting and facilitated superior charge carrier separation, but also improved the recyclability and stability of the composites, surpassing the limitations of conventional photocatalytic systems. Comprehensive characterization using XRD, FTIR, XPS, BET, PL, UV-Vis-DRS, FE-SEM, EDS, and HR-TEM analyses confirmed the synthesized composites' high crystallinity, enlarged surface area, morphology, and light response. Photocatalytic studies conducted under natural sunlight irradiation demonstrated an impressive 97.7% degradation of methylene blue (MB) in merely 60 minutes, following pseudo-first-order kinetics and achieving a rate constant of about 0.047 min<small>⁻¹</small>, which is 5.7 times greater than that of the benchmark TiO<small>₂</small>–P25 catalyst. Systematic investigations of solution pH, photocatalyst dosage, light sources, and radical scavenging further validated the robustness and versatility of the composite. Impressively, the ZnO/CQD nanocomposite retained 85% of its photocatalytic efficiency after six consecutive cycles, demonstrating exceptional reusability and operational stability. The photocatalytic degradation pathway was determined using LC-MS analysis, showing notable decreases of 65% in TOC (total organic carbon) and 58% in COD (chemical oxygen demand), which confirmed effective mineralization. Given the persistence, toxicity, and carcinogenic potential of MB in aquatic ecosystems, this study introduces a sustainable, scalable, and highly effective solar-driven photocatalyst. These outstanding results position the ZnO/CQD nanocomposite as a leading candidate for next-generation wastewater remediation technologies and offer a compelling advancement warranting publication in high-impact scientific forums.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7585-7598"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00804b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284153","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":"Correction: Substitution-induced changes in the structure, vibrational, and magnetic properties of BiFeO3","authors":"I. Kallel, Z. Abdelkafi, N. Abdelmoula, H. Khemakhem, N. Randrianantoandro and E. K. Hlil","doi":"10.1039/D5MA90064F","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA90064F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Correction for ‘Substitution-induced changes in the structure, vibrational, and magnetic properties of BiFeO<small>₃</small>’ by I. Kallel <em>et al.</em>, <em>Mater. Adv.</em>, 2025, <strong>6</strong>, 4893–4904, https://doi.org/10.1039/D4MA00805G.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7618-7618"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma90064f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284156","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":"Exploring bioMOF-on-MOF hybrid nanostructure for controlled drug release: characterization, kinetic modeling, and in vitro evaluation","authors":"Luan Minh Nguyen, Giao Thuy Quynh Vu, Manh Hoang Tran, Thi My Huyen Nguyen, Tan Phat Nguyen, Qui Thanh Hoai Ta, Dieu Linh Tran and Dai Hai Nguyen","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00645G","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00645G","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In recent years, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted significant attention as versatile materials for drug delivery systems due to their customizable structural properties. Building on this trend, we report the successful development of a bioMOF-on-MOF hybrid nanostructure, denoted as CuGA/CUR@ZIF-8 (CGCZ), as a promising controlled drug delivery platform synthesized <em>via</em> a straightforward sonochemical synthesis approach. Based on advanced physicochemical analyses, CGCZ exhibited a hydrodynamic diameter of approximately 160 nm and a polydispersity index below 0.2, indicating its suitability for drug delivery applications. Notably, CGCZ demonstrated pH-responsive drug release with superior control compared to its precursor materials, following the Higuchi model at pH 7.4 and 6.8, and the Korsmeyer–Peppas model at pH 5.5<em>. In vitro</em> cytotoxicity assays revealed that CGCZ exhibited enhanced selective cytotoxicity toward MCF-7 cancer cells while maintaining high biocompatibility with L929 normal cells. These results suggest that CGCZ is a promising candidate for controlled drug delivery in cancer therapy, highlighting the potential of bioMOF-on-MOF hybrid systems for biomedical applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7574-7584"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00645g?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284152","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":"Dysprosium(iii) complexes as potential near-white light emitters: a comprehensive study on the influence of coordination environment","authors":"Sofia Malik, Komal Jakhar, Devender Singh, Swati Dalal, Vandana Aggarwal, Sumit Kumar, Parvin Kumar and Jayant Sindhu","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00632E","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00632E","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The coordination of both beta-diketonate and neutral ligands to Dy(<small>III</small>) ions, using a one-pot room temperature synthesis, yielded a series of UV-sensitized luminescent complexes. Specifically, [Dy(BBA)<small>₃</small>(bpy)], [Dy(BBA)<small>₃</small>(phen)], [Dy(BBA)<small>₃</small>(brphen)] and [Dy(BBA)<small>₃</small>(neo)] were obtained, demonstrating efficient UV to Visible conversion. The strategic assembly of 1-(4-bromophenyl)butane-1,3-dione (BBA) and various neutral ligands around the Dy(<small>III</small>) ions resulted in the formation of a protective coordination environment. This environment significantly enhances the luminescence properties, leading to high luminescence intensity and extended emission lifetimes with white emission. A comprehensive analysis of the composition, thermal stability and photophysical properties of these Dy(<small>III</small>) complexes was conducted using FT-IR, NMR, UV-vis, PL and thermal techniques. The structure of the ancillary moieties played an important role in determining the emission characteristics of these Dy(<small>III</small>) coordination complexes, which were found to be thermally stable. The branching ratio, which is a critical parameter for laser design, was also calculated. Additionally, the semiconducting properties, CIE color coordinates and correlated color temperature values were also evaluated.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7505-7516"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00632e?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284147","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":"Nanostructured MnS-based thin films deposited from propylamine solutions of elemental sulfur and manganese","authors":"Jiri Jancalek, Michal Kurka, Jhonatan Rodriguez-Pereira, Stanislav Slang and Milos Krbal","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00519A","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00519A","url":null,"abstract":"<p >The exploration of novel methods for depositing MnS thin films is crucial due to their huge potential for optoelectronic, energy storage, and other advanced technological applications. This study proposes a novel solution-processing approach for the Mn–S-based nanostructured thin film fabrication using dissolved elemental Mn and S in propylamine-based solvents. The Mn/S ratio in the solution dictates the resulting film morphology, chemical composition, and molecular structure. Utilizing a 1/1 Mn/S ratio in propylamine and propylamine–methanol mixture solutions yielded nanoporous network structures formed mainly from Mn<small>²⁺</small> sulfides and hydroxides. Conversely, using 1/5 Mn/S ratio solutions under the same solvent conditions resulted in ∼85 nm spherical nanoparticle films made from Mn<small>²⁺</small>/Mn<small>⁴⁺</small> sulfides and hydroxides, polysulfides, and organic residues. Utilizing a propylamine–acetonitrile mixture, regardless of the Mn/S ratio, led to films formed from spherical/oval nanoparticles (∼126–136 nm). All nanoparticle-based films annealed at 300 °C exhibited photocatalytic activity, as evidenced by the methylene blue degradation under UV light illumination. Sulfur-rich films demonstrated the highest photocatalytic efficiency, indicating a promising route for tailored Mn–S photocatalysts.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7599-7608"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00519a?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284154","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":"Facile synthesis of CoFe2O4 powders for aqueous charge storage","authors":"M. R. Manei and S. M. Masoudpanah","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00583C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00583C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >In this work, the electrochemical performance of CoFe<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small> powders was improved by selecting a proper organic fuel (glycine, urea, and citric acid) for the solution combustion synthesis method. Burning the glycine fuel led to the higher crystallinity, larger particle size, and spongy microstructure of the CoFe<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small> powders, caused by its high combustion temperature and combustion rate. In contrast, using urea and citric acid fuels resulted in higher specific surface areas of 57 and 47 m<small>²</small> g<small>⁻¹</small>, respectively, than that (23 m<small>²</small> g<small>⁻¹</small>) obtained using the glycine fuel due to the lower combustion temperature. The glycine-assisted CoFe<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small> powders exhibited high electrochemical performance, including high specific capacitances of 718 and 446 F g<small>⁻¹</small> at current densities of 1 and 20 A g<small>⁻¹</small>, respectively. Furthermore, the asymmetric aqueous capacitor of CoFe<small>₂</small>O<small>₄</small>//activated carbon electrochemically stored an energy density of 42 Wh kg<small>⁻¹</small> for the potential window of 0–1.5 V.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7517-7525"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00583c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284148","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":"Spectroscopic matching in semitransparent solar cells with I–Br mixed halide perovskite and DMD electrode","authors":"Olfa Selmi, Antonella Lorusso, Marco Mazzeo, Jaume-Adrià Alberola-Borràs, Rosario Vidal, Eva M. Barea, Rafael S. Sánchez, Iván Mora-Seró and Sofia Masi","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00972C","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00972C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Balancing light transmittance and power conversion efficiency (PCE) remains a major challenge for semi-transparent perovskite solar cells (ST-PSCs), particularly for applications in building integration and agrivoltaics. In this work, dielectric–metal–dielectric (DMD) electrodes based on WO<small>₃</small>/Ag/WO<small>₃</small> as a high-performance alternative to conventional semi-transparent gold (Au) contacts were integrated into bromide-rich formamidinium lead halide perovskites, with a systematic study across halide compositions from pure bromide to pure iodide. The DMD electrodes consistently enhanced photovoltaic performance and optical quality, achieving an average visible transmittance (AVT) of 43.63%, light utilization efficiency (LUE) of 3.05%, and a PCE of 7% for FAPbBr<small>₃</small>-based cells. An optimal composition with 47% bromide yielded a balanced performance with 24% of average visible transmittance (AVT), 2.12% LUE and ∼9% PCE. Rather than simply increasing bromide content to widen the bandgap and enhance transparency, this study shows that there is an optimal spectral alignment that maximizes transmittance, photocurrent extraction and color. In addition, replacing Au with WO<small>₃</small>/Ag/WO<small>₃</small> significantly reduces the environmental footprint, as confirmed by life cycle assessment. This study highlights a photonic design approach to advancing efficient, sustainable, and visually appealing ST-PSCs for next-generation energy applications.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7231-7242"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00972c?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284121","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":"Formation of the (Ti,V)(C,N) solid solutions by HPHT sintering of mechanically alloyed TiC–VN powder mixtures","authors":"N. M. Belyavina, V. V. Kuryliuk, A. M. Kuryliuk, D. A. Stratiichuk, S. P. Starik and O. I. Nakonechna","doi":"10.1039/D5MA00805K","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1039/D5MA00805K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Nanocrystalline solid solutions of Ti<small>_{1−<em>x</em>}</small>V<small>_<em>x</em></small>C<small>_0.5</small>N<small>_0.5</small> (<em>x</em> = 0.4–0.6) were synthesized by HPHT sintering (7.7 GPa, 2150 °C) of TiC–VN powder mixtures (molar ratios 2 : 1, 1 : 1, and 1 : 2), which had undergone preliminary 9-hour mechanochemical processing in a high-energy planetary ball mill until the formation of (Ti,V)C and (V,Ti)N solid solutions. The resulting compacts possess homogeneous microstructure, which was confirmed by XRD, SEM and EDS studies. Composition of the sintered solid solutions corresponds to the original TiC–VN blends, while their lattice parameters fit well into the linear dependence of Vegard's law. The Ti<small>_{1−<em>x</em>}</small>V<small>_<em>x</em></small>C<small>_0.5</small>N<small>_0.5</small> solid solutions remain stable after annealing for 2 hours at 800 °C. The Vickers microhardness measurements were carried out, with the hardness values monotonically varying between those typical for TiC and VN phases. The proposed two-step method (mechanochemical activation followed by high-pressure sintering) enables the synthesis of composites containing nanocrystalline solid solutions of a predetermined composition.</p>","PeriodicalId":18242,"journal":{"name":"Materials Advances","volume":" 20","pages":" 7443-7449"},"PeriodicalIF":4.7,"publicationDate":"2025-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/ma/d5ma00805k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145284110","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}