Chia-Chun Pan, Munseong Bae, Hongtao Wang, Jaesung Lim, Ranjith Rajasekharan Unnithan, Joel K. W. Yang, Haejun Chung and Sejeong Kim
{"title":"Inverse design of chiral structures for giant helical dichroism†","authors":"Chia-Chun Pan, Munseong Bae, Hongtao Wang, Jaesung Lim, Ranjith Rajasekharan Unnithan, Joel K. W. Yang, Haejun Chung and Sejeong Kim","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00058K","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00058K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Investigating chiral light-matter interactions is essential for advancing applications in sensing, imaging, and pharmaceutical development. However, the chiroptical response in natural chiral molecules and subwavelength chiral structures is inherently weak, with the conventional characterization tools limited to optical methods that utilize circularly polarized light. To overcome this, optical vortex beams, characterized by helical wavefronts, have emerged as a compelling research focus. Helical dichroism (HD) represents the differential absorbance of vortex beams with opposite signs of topological charges. By using inverse design for topology optimization, we design the chiral structure for enhanced HD response under OAM beam incidence, demonstrating a giant HD response of ∼107% with topological charges |±<img>| = 3 at the wavelength of 800 nm. This study reveals distinct helicity-dependent interactions between the chiral structure and OAM beams, highlighting the potential for highly sensitive chiral devices.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 6","pages":" 1077-1083"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143951175","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A comprehensive analysis from the basics to the application of V-cathodes in Zn–V static and flow batteries","authors":"Yufei Li, Jie Chen and Guanjie He","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00125K","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00125K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Electrochemical energy storage devices using zinc anodes and aqueous solutions have the characteristics of low cost, easy manufacture, and intrinsic safety. As an important part of modern aqueous batteries, zinc batteries have attracted extensive attention in the academic community. Among them, vanadium-based materials have been widely gaining attention as cathode materials in static aqueous zinc-ion batteries owing to their multiple valence states and abundant resources. In addition, zinc–vanadium flow batteries using the vanadium electrolyte for energy storage have also been gradually developed, which further expanded the application of vanadium-based materials in aqueous zinc batteries. In this review, an overview of zinc–vanadium batteries (including static batteries and flow batteries) is briefly discussed, including their working mechanism, classification, structure, existing problems, and improvement strategies, for promoting further development of this field.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 7","pages":" 1330-1344"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/nh/d5nh00125k?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143955938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Tejaswini S. Rao, Subi J. George and Giridhar U. Kulkarni
{"title":"Emulating working memory consolidation with a 1D supramolecular nanofibre-based neuromorphic device†","authors":"Tejaswini S. Rao, Subi J. George and Giridhar U. Kulkarni","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00034C","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00034C","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Cognitive activities in the human brain are driven by the processes of learning and forgetting. However, there is yet another process namely consolidation, which stands as an interface for saving important learnt information from forgetting. Consolidation is imperative for the formation of stable, long-term memories and is an integral part of the memory formation process. Despite significant efforts in emulating learning, forgetting, and several synaptic functionalities through various neuromorphic devices, the efforts to understand the consolidation process are insignificant. Among the two forms of consolidation, namely long-term and working memory consolidations, the present study explores the latter that stabilizes transient sensory input and enhances retention by counteracting decay-based forgetting. Herein, a two-terminal optically active resistive neuromorphic device based on 1D supramolecular nanofibres is utilized to emulate and quantify consolidation, basically, in working memory. The phenomenon aligns with mathematical models using two-time constants, drawing parallels with biological mechanisms. Given the excellent optical and humidity response of the nanofibres, the emulation was achieved by employing optical input as stimuli and enabling the modulation of the photoresponse by exposure to different humidities. By defining consolidation as a function of humidity, the study underscores its role as an active control, reinforcing the connection between environmental factors and memory stability. The variation in consolidation was studied during the learning–relearning, change in environment (hydrated and dehydrated state), fatigue, and habituation processes. Notably, a consolidation parameter is defined to quantify the process of consolidation that is an inseparable process of cognition.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 6","pages":" 1192-1202"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143951627","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Thi Uyen Tran, Ngoc Thanh Duong, Dae Young Park, Jaeuk Bahng, Hai Phuong Duong, Van Dam Do, Mun Seok Jeong and Seong Chu Lim
{"title":"Spatially resolved optoelectronic puddles of WTe2–2D Te heterostructure†","authors":"Thi Uyen Tran, Ngoc Thanh Duong, Dae Young Park, Jaeuk Bahng, Hai Phuong Duong, Van Dam Do, Mun Seok Jeong and Seong Chu Lim","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00027K","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00027K","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have attracted significant scientific interest because of their optical properties. Their applications in optoelectronic devices can be further expanded by combining them to form heterostructures. We characterized a WTe<small><sub>2</sub></small>–2D Te heterostructure through local probing of the photocurrent with respect to the magnitude, phase, and position. Photocurrent generation within the device is divided into distinct regions: photo-thermoelectric effects occur solely at the 2D Te–Au junction area, PV-dominant effects at the 2D–WTe<small><sub>2</sub></small> interface, and thermoelectric-to-photovoltaic crossover effects at the WTe<small><sub>2</sub></small>–2D Te overlap area. These different photocurrents cannot be fused into a single domain because each area is governed by different generation mechanisms, which depend on the location of the device. The power dependence of each photocurrent type also varies within the device. Our results indicate that careful material selection and device structure design, based on the electronic, optical, and thermal properties of the channel materials, are essential to avoid forming different optoelectronic puddles that could counteract each other within a single device.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 6","pages":" 1215-1223"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143951454","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Houjuan Zhu, Chui Yu Chan, Jerry Zhi Xiong Heng, Karen Yuanting Tang, Casandra Hui Teng Chai, Hui Ling Tan, Xian Jun Loh, Enyi Ye and Zibiao Li
{"title":"Bioactive metal sulfide nanomaterials as photo-enhanced chemodynamic nanoreactors for tumor therapy","authors":"Houjuan Zhu, Chui Yu Chan, Jerry Zhi Xiong Heng, Karen Yuanting Tang, Casandra Hui Teng Chai, Hui Ling Tan, Xian Jun Loh, Enyi Ye and Zibiao Li","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00122F","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00122F","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Metal sulfide nanomaterials (MeSNs) are highly promising for biomedical applications due to their low toxicity, good dispersibility, high stability, adjustable particle sizes, and good biocompatibility. Their unique chemical and light-conversion properties also enable them to function as photothermal or photodynamic agents, enhancing chemodynamic therapy (CDT) of tumors. This makes MeSNs valuable as photo-enhanced CDT nanoagents, advancing precision and multi-modal tumor treatment. This review examines recent advancements in MeSNs for photo-enhanced chemodynamic tumor ablation, comparing their effectiveness in CDT. It highlights the roles of photothermal, photodynamic, and photocatalytic effects in enhancing treatment efficacy. MeSN-based nanoreactors are categorized by composition into iron sulfide, copper sulfide, other unary, and multi-MeSNs for their applications in tumor therapy. Additionally, this review discusses challenges, limitations, and future biomedical applications of MeSNs, offering insights into their potential for next-generation cancer treatments.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 7","pages":" 1307-1329"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/nh/d5nh00122f?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957226","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"An ultrathin all-dielectric terahertz metamaterial with quasi-BIC induced angular dispersion","authors":"Daoye Zheng and Yu-Sheng Lin","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00011D","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00011D","url":null,"abstract":"<p >One typical characteristic of conventional all-dielectric terahertz metamaterials is their thickness, which is designed to be dozens of, or even one hundred microns, to reduce the leakage of the resonant field to the substrate. In the frequency range of 2 THz to 3 THz, we propose a substrate-free ultra-thin all-dielectric terahertz metamaterial (UATM) composed of a silicon (Si) dual-ellipse array and silicon dioxide (SiO<small><sub>2</sub></small>) supporting layer with thicknesses of 5 μm and 2 μm, respectively. The UATM exhibits quasi-bound state in the continuum (quasi-BIC) modes related to the tilt angle and period parameters. Moreover, due to the strong electromagnetic field near the interfaces and large interaction area, the UATM exhibits a high refractive index sensitivity exceeding 1.00 THz per RIU. Furthermore, at oblique incident angles ranging from 0° to 25°, the resonant quality factor (Q-factor) of the UATM remains higher than 100, and the sensitivities to the incident angle are 22.53 and 26.17 GHz per degree with a linear range of 0.498 THz and 0.438 THz, respectively. These properties indicate the potential applications of the UATM in high sensitivity biochemical sensing and multifunctional narrowband filtering fields.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 6","pages":" 1173-1183"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143810335","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Weiying Zheng, Zhiquan Liu, Guoqiang Xi, Tengzhang Liu, Dingguan Wang, Lin Wang and Wugang Liao
{"title":"Polymorphic phases in 2D In2Se3: fundamental properties, phase transition modulation methodologies and advanced applications","authors":"Weiying Zheng, Zhiquan Liu, Guoqiang Xi, Tengzhang Liu, Dingguan Wang, Lin Wang and Wugang Liao","doi":"10.1039/D4NH00650J","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D4NH00650J","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Two-dimensional (2D) In<small><sub>2</sub></small>Se<small><sub>3</sub></small>, which is a multifunctional semiconductor, exhibits multiple crystallographic phases, each of which possesses distinct electronic, optical, and thermal properties. This inherent phase variability makes it a promising candidate for a wide range of applications, including memory devices, photovoltaics, and photodetectors. This review comprehensively explores the latest progress of various polymorphic phases of 2D In<small><sub>2</sub></small>Se<small><sub>3</sub></small>, emphasizing their unique properties, characterization methods, phase modulation strategies, and practical applications. Commencing with a rigorous examination of the structural attributes inherent in its various phases, we introduce sophisticated techniques for its characterization. Subsequently, modulation strategies, encompassing variations in temperature, application of electric fields, induced stress, and alterations in pressure, are explored, each exerting an influence on the phase transitions in 2D In<small><sub>2</sub></small>Se<small><sub>3</sub></small>. Finally, we highlight recent advancements and applications resulting from these phase transitions, including homoepitaxial heterophase structures, optical modulators, and phase change memory (PCM). By synthesizing insights into phase properties, modulation strategies, and potential applications, this review endeavours to provide a comprehensive understanding of the significance and prospects of In<small><sub>2</sub></small>Se<small><sub>3</sub></small> in the semiconductor field.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 6","pages":" 1054-1076"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143957288","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Zacharias G. Fthenakis and Nektarios N. Lathiotakis
{"title":"Porous carbon nitride fullerenes: a novel family of porous cage molecules†","authors":"Zacharias G. Fthenakis and Nektarios N. Lathiotakis","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00091B","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00091B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >A novel family of cage molecules, porous carbon nitride fullerenes (PCNFs), is designed, proposed and studied theoretically. PCNFs can be considered the zero-dimensional counterparts of two-dimensional porous graphitic carbon nitrides, in analogy with icosahedral fullerenes, being the zero-dimensional counterparts of graphene. The study is focused on two representative members of the PCNF family: icosahedral C<small><sub>60</sub></small>N<small><sub>60</sub></small> and C<small><sub>120</sub></small>N<small><sub>60</sub></small>, which are the first members of the two main sub-families of these structures. Given the advanced potential of two-dimensional graphitic carbon nitrides for several interesting applications, it is reasonable to expect that this potential extends to their zero-dimensional counterparts. The present study demonstrates the electronic, vibrational, and thermal stability of the two representative PCNFs utilizing density functional theory and molecular dynamics simulations with ReaxFF potentials. In addition, their structural, vibrational, and electronic properties are revealed.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 6","pages":" 1184-1191"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlepdf/2025/nh/d5nh00091b?page=search","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143954938","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mohammad Ali Saghafizadeh, Akbar Mohammadi Zardkhoshoui and Saied Saeed Hosseiny Davarani
{"title":"Reinforced supercapacitor electrode via reduced graphene oxide encapsulated NiTe2–FeTe2 hollow nanorods†","authors":"Mohammad Ali Saghafizadeh, Akbar Mohammadi Zardkhoshoui and Saied Saeed Hosseiny Davarani","doi":"10.1039/D5NH00107B","DOIUrl":"10.1039/D5NH00107B","url":null,"abstract":"<p >Metal telluride-based nanomaterials have garnered considerable interest as positive electrode materials for supercapacitors due to their plentiful redox-active sites, robust chemical stability, and excellent electrical conductivity. In this work, these advantageous properties are further enhanced by hybridizing NiTe<small><sub>2</sub></small>–FeTe<small><sub>2</sub></small> (NFT) hollow nanorods with reduced graphene oxide (RGO), resulting in an NFT@RGO composite suitable for supercapacitor applications. The hollow rod-like structure promotes efficient ion diffusion and maximizes the exposure of electroactive sites, while the RGO network boosts conductivity and mitigates nanomaterial agglomeration, thus preserving structural integrity and prolonging material durability. The NFT@RGO-based electrode exhibits a notable capacity of 1388.5 C g<small><sup>−1</sup></small> at 1 A g<small><sup>−1</sup></small>, with 93.82% capacity retention after 10 000 cycles. This remarkable performance arises from the synergistic contributions of the Ni and Fe metals, the electrically conductive Te element, the RGO framework, and the unique hollow morphology of the nanorods. Furthermore, a hybrid device employing activated carbon (AC) as the negative electrode (NFT@RGO//AC) achieves an energy density of 61.11 W h kg<small><sup>−1</sup></small> and retains 89.85% of its capacity over 10 000 cycles, underscoring the promise of NFT@RGO for next-generation supercapacitors. These findings position the designed nanomaterial as an excellent candidate for high-performance energy storage systems.</p>","PeriodicalId":93,"journal":{"name":"Nanoscale Horizons","volume":" 6","pages":" 1159-1172"},"PeriodicalIF":8.0,"publicationDate":"2025-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143801947","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"材料科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}