In this article, we report the structural and optical properties of zirconium oxide (ZrO2) nanoparticles synthesized via chemical co-precipitation method. The effect of calcination temperature on structural and optical properties of ZrO2 nanoparticles is investigated through XRD, FESEM, EDX, FTIR, UV–Vis absorption, fluorescence emission and life time measurements. XRD spectrum reveals the tetragonal phase at calcination temperature 600 °C and crystallinity of samples increases with calcination temperature. At 800 °C the phase transition from tetragonal to tetragonal-monoclinic mixed phase is noticed. The FESEM images show the particles are of irregular shape and highly agglomerated. FTIR spectra also confirm the formation of ZrO2 in crystalline phase. From UV–vis absorption spectra it is found a strong quantization and varying band gap with calcination temperature. The change in emission wavelength and intensity with phase change is observed form fluorescence emission spectra. At higher calcination temperature emission intensity is decreased which may be due to the phase change and the formation of surface defects. The life time measurements also reveal the different trap states and life time with calcination temperature.
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N C Horti et al 2020 Nano Ex. 1 010022
Sonima Mohan et al 2020 Nano Ex. 1 030028
Zinc Oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were synthesized by hydrothermal method under different conditions and studied various properties. FTIR studies proved the presence of ZnO bonding and purity of the samples. Grain size was found to be decreased with the increase of reaction temperature and increased with reaction time. TEM images show formation of nanorods under same reaction temperature, also nanoflowers and nanospheres for different temperatures. Intensity of luminescence peaks is found to be changed with variation in interplanar spacing. UV–vis spectra helped to identify the increased photon absorption in particles of bigger size. Change in bandgap value is also observed due to the difference in size of nanoparticles.
Md Jahidul Haque et al 2020 Nano Ex. 1 010007
In this work, two different methods (sol-gel and biosynthesis) were adopted for the synthesis of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles. The leaf extract of Azadirachta Indica (Neem) was utilized in the biosynthesis scheme. Structural, antibacterial, photocatalytic and optical performances of the two variants were analyzed. Both variants demonstrated a wurtzite hexagonal structure. The biosynthesized variant (25.97 nm) exhibited smaller particles than that of the sol-gel variant (33.20 nm). The morphological analysis revealed that most of the particles of the sol-gel variant remained within the range of 15 nm to 68 nm while for the biosynthesized variant the range was 10–70 nm. The antibacterial assessment was redacted by using the agar well diffusion method in which the bacteria medium was Escherichia coli O157: H7. The zone of inhibition of bacterial growth was higher in the biosynthesized variant (14.5 mm). The photocatalytic performances of the nanoparticles were determined through the degradation of methylene blue dye in which the biosynthesized variant provided better performance. The electron spin resonance (EPR) analysis revealed that the free OH · radicals were the primary active species for this degradation phenomenon. The absorption band of the sol-gel and biosynthesized variants were 363 nm and 356 nm respectively. The optical band gap energy of the biosynthesized variant (3.25 eV) was slightly higher than that of the sol-gel variant (3.23 eV). Nevertheless, the improved antibacterial and photocatalytic responses of the biosynthesized variants were obtained due to the higher rate of stabilization mechanism of the nanoparticles by the organic chemicals (terpenoids) present in the Neem leaf extract.
Rachana Yadwade et al 2021 Nano Ex. 2 022003
The field of nanotechnology is being greatly explored by cosmetic industries in order to improve the efficacy of cosmetic products. The increased use of nanomaterials in the field of cosmetics can have two sides as health-related benefits and detrimental effects. This review mainly seeks the pros and cons of the use of nanomaterials in cosmetics along with some examples of nanomaterials that are widely used in cosmetic industries along with different types of nanotechnology-based cosmetic products. The benefits of nanomaterials in cosmetic formulations are huge. Moreover the study regarding the toxic effects on the health also equally matters. This review gives a brief outline of the advantages as well as disadvantages of nanotechnology in cosmetics.
Bharti et al 2021 Nano Ex. 2 022004
Supercapacitors provide remarkable eco-friendly advancement in energy conversion and storage with a huge potential to control the future economy of the entire world. Currently, industries focus on the design and engineering aspects of supercapacitors with high performance (high energy), flexibility (by the use of composite polymer based electrolytes), high voltage (ionic liquid) and low cost. The paper reviews the modelling techniques like Empirical modelling, Dissipation transmission line models, Continuum models, Atomistic models, Quantum models, Simplified analytical models etc. proposed for the theoretical study of Supercapacitors and discusses their limitations in studying all the aspects of Supercapacitors. It also reviews the various software packages available for Supercapacitor (SC) modelling and discusses their advantages and disadvantages. The paper also reviews the Experimental advancements in the field of electric double layer capacitors (EDLCs), pseudo capacitors and hybrid/asymmetric supercapacitors and discusses the commercial progress of supercapacitors as well.
Aman Sharma et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 022002
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of interest for their several applications, including their remarkable potential as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation. This research thoroughly investigates the efficacy of ecologically friendly, green-synthesized AgNPs in the treatment of synthetic dye-contaminated wastewater. The synthesis of AgNPs from various biological substrates is investigated, emphasizing their economic viability, significant conductivity, and considerable biocompatibility. The improper disposal of synthetic dyes in wastewater poses severe environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and persistent chemical features. In response to this challenge, this review paper investigates the capability of AgNPs to serve as effective photocatalysts for degrading a range of organic dyes commonly found in industrial effluents. Specific dyes, including methyl orange, congo red, nitrophenol, methylene blue, and malachite green, are studied in the context of wastewater treatment, providing insights into the efficacy of AgNPs synthesized from diverse biological sources. The review sheds light on the photocatalytic degradation methods used by green-synthesized AgNPs, shedding light on the transition of these synthetic dyes into less hazardous compounds. It also delves into the toxicity aspect of the AgNPs and its possible remediation from the environment. The ecologically friendly synthesis procedures investigated in this work provide an alternative to traditional methods, highlighting the importance of sustainable technologies in solving modern environmental concerns. Furthermore, a comparative examination of various biological substrates for AgNPs synthesis is presented, evaluating their respective dye degradation efficiencies. This not only helps researchers understand the environmental impact of synthetic dyes, but it also directs them in choosing the best substrates for the production of AgNPs with enhanced photocatalytic activities.
Ineesha Piumali Madhushika et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 025018
Perishable food post-harvest loss is a major global concern, and research is currently concentrated on creating active packaging materials. This research is focused in multiple antioxidants intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) that are combined in one matrix, and their overall effect that defines as synergism, which successfully preserves perishable food by releasing antioxidants slowly. For this purpose, a hybrid LDH material of ascorbic-LDH (AA-LDH), salicylic-LDH (SA-LDH), and citric-LDH (CA-LDH) was synthesized, characterized and incorporate into electrospun nanofiber mat to be used as a potential active packaging material. Antioxidants intercalated Mg/Al LDH was synthesized and successfully characterized by PXRD, FTIR, XPS, Raman, SEM, and EDS. The shifts in the LDHs' peaks in PXRD indicated the successful incorporation of antioxidants into LDH. FTIR, Raman, and XPS data clearly indicated the establishment of metal-oxygen bonds by observing the characteristic peaks. Morphological features and the layered structure were clearly observed by SEM images. Antioxidants were slowly released from the LDHs, and it was evaluated for time intervals up to 24 h. The hybrid LDH material exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 132.5 μg ml−1, where 234.1, 354.5, and 402.2 μg ml−1 were reported for ascorbic-LDH, salicylic-LDH, and citric-LDH respectively. The hybrid LDH material incorporated electrospun mats showed the best antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria and clearly evidenced the synergistic activity of the combination of the nanohybrids. It has showed a minimal bacterial growth compared to the other control samples (∼2.41 log CFU/ml). The shelf life of cherry tomatoes was studied at different physiochemical parameters with and without hybrid LDH material incorporated electrospun mats. The fabricated mat showed an extended shelf life of 42 days for cherry tomatoes, whereas the control sample showed a shelf life of 17 days. It is concluded that hybrid LDH material exhibited synergistic performance and the best antioxidant activity when comparing with mono LDH materials.
Ayan Roy et al 2023 Nano Ex. 4 022002
The swiftly growing global economies remain the root cause of the soaring demand for oil and gas to satisfy their excessive energy demands, thus making the oil and gas sector one of the most important industrial sectors. Though renewable energy technologies are the more sustainable option, technological advances are required to make them more accessible to the common people. Therefore, due to the limitation of renewable energy technologies, oil and gas continue to be a more viable alternative. Extensive research is being conducted on the applications of nanotechnology to make the upstream, midstream, and downstream processes efficient in the oil and gas sector. Nanomaterials make the activities in processing and transportation more economical, efficient, and environment-friendly than their conventional counterparts. In this review, we have highlighted the need for nanomaterials in oil and gas, for example, in crude oil exploration, including drilling and EOR, separation techniques, refining, transportation, and other related activities. Further, this review summarizes novel nanomaterials developed and used in the activities mentioned above, and at the end, we have briefly described the synthesis mechanism of these nanomaterials. Finally, we emphasize the current challenges and future work prospects in this area of study.
Yamir Islam et al 2020 Nano Ex. 1 012002
With estimated worldwide cost over $1 trillion just for dementia, diseases of the central nervous system pose a major problem to health and healthcare systems, with significant socio-economic implications for sufferers and society at large. In the last two decades, numerous strategies and technologies have been developed and adapted to achieve drug penetration into the brain, evolving alongside our understanding of the physiological barriers between the brain and surrounding tissues. The blood brain barrier (BBB) has been known as the major barrier for drug delivery to the brain. Both invasive and minimally-invasive approaches have been investigated extensively, with the minimally-invasive approaches to drug delivery being more suitable. Peptide based brain targeting has been explored extensively in the last two decades. In this review paper, we focused on self-assembled peptides, shuttle peptides and nanoparticles drug delivery systems decorated/conjugated with peptides for brain penetration.
Ahmed Haroun et al 2021 Nano Ex. 2 022005
Self-sustainable sensing systems composed of micro/nano sensors and nano-energy harvesters contribute significantly to developing the internet of things (IoT) systems. As one of the most promising IoT applications, smart home relies on implementing wireless sensor networks with miniaturized and multi-functional sensors, and distributed, reliable, and sustainable power sources, namely energy harvesters with a variety of conversion mechanisms. To extend the capabilities of IoT in the smart home, a technology fusion of IoT and artificial intelligence (AI), called the artificial intelligence of things (AIoT), enables the detection, analysis, and decision-making functions with the aids of machine learning assisted algorithms to form a smart home based intelligent system. In this review, we introduce the conventional rigid microelectromechanical system (MEMS) based micro/nano sensors and energy harvesters, followed by presenting the advances in the wearable counterparts for better human interactions. We then discuss the viable integration approaches for micro/nano sensors and energy harvesters to form self-sustainable IoT systems. Whereafter, we emphasize the recent development of AIoT based systems and the corresponding applications enabled by the machine learning algorithms. Smart home based healthcare technology enabled by the integrated multi-functional sensing platform and bioelectronic medicine is also presented as an important future direction, as well as wearable photonics sensing system as a complement to the wearable electronics sensing system.
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Harshit Sharma et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 025021
A photodetector (PD) featuring dual-band detection capability and self-powering attributes is crucial for various applications in sensing, communication, and imaging. Here, we present a self-powered PD based on a solution-processed CuInS2/SnO2 heterojunction capable of detecting ultraviolet (UV) and visible light spectra. The CuInS2 layer was composed of ∼2 nm-sized quantum dots (QDs) synthesized using the hot injection method, while the SnO2 layer was fabricated using a straightforward sol-gel technique. This self-powered PD displayed a significant spectral response across both UV (355 nm) and visible light (532 nm) ranges, all accomplished without the need for external bias. The PD demonstrates rapid detection, with rise and decay times of 125 ms and 156ms for visible light and 85 ms and 200 ms for UV light, respectively, at a power level of 15 mW. The PD achieved responsivity values of 10.66 μA/W and 34.56 μA/W for visible and UV light, respectively. The impressive capability for dual-band detection in both ultraviolet (UV) and visible light showcases the practical feasibility and utility of this device for self-powered photodetection and deciphering UV-encrypted visible light communication. Moreover, its straightforward solution-based processing attribute renders it valuable for the mass production of devices and technology.
Ángel Díaz Carral et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 025020
Electronic and ionic current signals detected concurrently by 2D molybdenum disulfide nanopores are analysed in view of detecting (bio)molecules electrophoretically driven through these nanopores. The passage of the molecules, giving rise to translocation events in the nanopores, can be assigned to specific drops in the current signals, the blockades. Such blockades are observed in both the electronic and the ionic signals. In this work, we analyze both signals separately and together by choosing specific features and applying both unsupervised and supervised learning. Two blockade features, the height and the mean, are found to strongly influence the clustering and the classification of the nanopore data, respectively. At the same time, the concurrent learning of both the electronic and ionic signatures enhance the predictability of the learning models, i.e. the nanopore read-out efficiency. The interpretation of these findings provides an intuitive understanding in optimizing the read-out schemes for enhancing the accuracy of nanopore sequencers in view of an error-free biomolecular sensing.
Aman Sharma et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 022002
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of interest for their several applications, including their remarkable potential as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation. This research thoroughly investigates the efficacy of ecologically friendly, green-synthesized AgNPs in the treatment of synthetic dye-contaminated wastewater. The synthesis of AgNPs from various biological substrates is investigated, emphasizing their economic viability, significant conductivity, and considerable biocompatibility. The improper disposal of synthetic dyes in wastewater poses severe environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and persistent chemical features. In response to this challenge, this review paper investigates the capability of AgNPs to serve as effective photocatalysts for degrading a range of organic dyes commonly found in industrial effluents. Specific dyes, including methyl orange, congo red, nitrophenol, methylene blue, and malachite green, are studied in the context of wastewater treatment, providing insights into the efficacy of AgNPs synthesized from diverse biological sources. The review sheds light on the photocatalytic degradation methods used by green-synthesized AgNPs, shedding light on the transition of these synthetic dyes into less hazardous compounds. It also delves into the toxicity aspect of the AgNPs and its possible remediation from the environment. The ecologically friendly synthesis procedures investigated in this work provide an alternative to traditional methods, highlighting the importance of sustainable technologies in solving modern environmental concerns. Furthermore, a comparative examination of various biological substrates for AgNPs synthesis is presented, evaluating their respective dye degradation efficiencies. This not only helps researchers understand the environmental impact of synthetic dyes, but it also directs them in choosing the best substrates for the production of AgNPs with enhanced photocatalytic activities.
Takumu Hirose et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 025019
Sensing layers with an increased affinity for water molecules are essential for the development of highly sensitive humidity sensors. Graphene possesses superior electrical properties that make it suitable for the fabrication of low-noise miniaturized sensors. However, the enhancement of water affinity by introducing surface defects such as covalently attached hydrophilic groups reduces the electrical conductivity of graphene. In this study, we exploit the wetting transparency of graphene to increase its water affinity without introducing defects. Kinetic measurements using a Kelvin probe with a large-diameter tip showed that the rate constant of water adsorption was higher for graphene deposited on a hydrophilic substrate. These findings suggest that the wetting transparency of graphene can be exploited to reduce defect introduction into the graphene sensing layer, and has potential applications in sensor technologies.
Ineesha Piumali Madhushika et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 025018
Perishable food post-harvest loss is a major global concern, and research is currently concentrated on creating active packaging materials. This research is focused in multiple antioxidants intercalated Layered Double Hydroxides (LDH) that are combined in one matrix, and their overall effect that defines as synergism, which successfully preserves perishable food by releasing antioxidants slowly. For this purpose, a hybrid LDH material of ascorbic-LDH (AA-LDH), salicylic-LDH (SA-LDH), and citric-LDH (CA-LDH) was synthesized, characterized and incorporate into electrospun nanofiber mat to be used as a potential active packaging material. Antioxidants intercalated Mg/Al LDH was synthesized and successfully characterized by PXRD, FTIR, XPS, Raman, SEM, and EDS. The shifts in the LDHs' peaks in PXRD indicated the successful incorporation of antioxidants into LDH. FTIR, Raman, and XPS data clearly indicated the establishment of metal-oxygen bonds by observing the characteristic peaks. Morphological features and the layered structure were clearly observed by SEM images. Antioxidants were slowly released from the LDHs, and it was evaluated for time intervals up to 24 h. The hybrid LDH material exhibited the highest antioxidant activity with an IC50 value of 132.5 μg ml−1, where 234.1, 354.5, and 402.2 μg ml−1 were reported for ascorbic-LDH, salicylic-LDH, and citric-LDH respectively. The hybrid LDH material incorporated electrospun mats showed the best antibacterial activity against the tested bacteria and clearly evidenced the synergistic activity of the combination of the nanohybrids. It has showed a minimal bacterial growth compared to the other control samples (∼2.41 log CFU/ml). The shelf life of cherry tomatoes was studied at different physiochemical parameters with and without hybrid LDH material incorporated electrospun mats. The fabricated mat showed an extended shelf life of 42 days for cherry tomatoes, whereas the control sample showed a shelf life of 17 days. It is concluded that hybrid LDH material exhibited synergistic performance and the best antioxidant activity when comparing with mono LDH materials.
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Aman Sharma et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 022002
Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have received a lot of interest for their several applications, including their remarkable potential as photocatalysts for organic dye degradation. This research thoroughly investigates the efficacy of ecologically friendly, green-synthesized AgNPs in the treatment of synthetic dye-contaminated wastewater. The synthesis of AgNPs from various biological substrates is investigated, emphasizing their economic viability, significant conductivity, and considerable biocompatibility. The improper disposal of synthetic dyes in wastewater poses severe environmental and health risks due to their non-biodegradable nature and persistent chemical features. In response to this challenge, this review paper investigates the capability of AgNPs to serve as effective photocatalysts for degrading a range of organic dyes commonly found in industrial effluents. Specific dyes, including methyl orange, congo red, nitrophenol, methylene blue, and malachite green, are studied in the context of wastewater treatment, providing insights into the efficacy of AgNPs synthesized from diverse biological sources. The review sheds light on the photocatalytic degradation methods used by green-synthesized AgNPs, shedding light on the transition of these synthetic dyes into less hazardous compounds. It also delves into the toxicity aspect of the AgNPs and its possible remediation from the environment. The ecologically friendly synthesis procedures investigated in this work provide an alternative to traditional methods, highlighting the importance of sustainable technologies in solving modern environmental concerns. Furthermore, a comparative examination of various biological substrates for AgNPs synthesis is presented, evaluating their respective dye degradation efficiencies. This not only helps researchers understand the environmental impact of synthetic dyes, but it also directs them in choosing the best substrates for the production of AgNPs with enhanced photocatalytic activities.
Aditi Manna and Nirat Ray 2024 Nano Ex. 5 012005
Colloidal quantum dots (QDs) have emerged as transformative materials with diverse properties, holding tremendous promise for reshaping the landscape of photovoltaics and thermoelectrics. Emphasizing the pivotal role of surface ligands, ranging from extended hydrocarbon chains to intricate metal chalcogenide complexes, halides, and hybrid ligands, we underscore their influence on the electronic behavior of the assembly. The ability to tailor interdot coupling can have profound effects on charge transport, making colloidal QDs a focal point for research aimed at enhancing the efficiency and performance of energy conversion devices. This perspective provides insights into the multifaceted realm of QD solids, starting from fundamentals of charge transport through the coupled assemblies. We delve into recent breakthroughs, spotlighting champion devices across various architectures and elucidating the sequential advancements that have significantly elevated efficiency levels.
Makoto Sakurai 2024 Nano Ex. 5 012004
Emergent functionalities created by applying mechanical stress to flexible devices using SnO2 microrods and Ga2O3/SnO2-core/shell microribbons are reviewed. Dynamic lattice defect engineering through application of mechanical stress and a voltage to the SnO2 microrod device leads to a reversible semiconductor-insulator transition through lattice defect creation and healing, providing an effective and simple solution to the persistent photoconductivity (PPC) problem that has long plagued UV semiconductor photosensors. Here, lattice defects are created near slip planes in a rutile-structured microrod by applying mechanical stress and are healed by Joule heating by applying a voltage to the microrod. Nanoscale amorphous structuring makes the Ga2O3/SnO2-core/shell microribbon with a large SnO2 surface area more sensitive to changes in temperature, while mechanical bending of the wet device improves its sensitivity to adsorbed water molecules. These results illustrate the potential for developing flexible devices with new functionalities by enhancing the intrinsic properties of materials through miniaturization, mechanical stress, and hybridization.
Cuixiu Wu et al 2024 Nano Ex. 5 012003
Zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 nanoparticles (ZIF-8 NPs) are emerging metal–organic framework nanomaterials composed of 2-methylimidazole and zinc ions, which are widely used in biomedical fields due to their distinctive features such as high porosity, bioresponsive degradation, and superior biocompatibility. Especially, the advanced research of ZIF-8 NPs in smart drug delivery systems is providing unique insights into the rational design of versatile nanomedicines for the treatment and diagnosis of serious diseases. This article provides a comprehensive review and outlook on ZIF-8 NPs-based smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs) including the synthesis methods, drug loading strategies, surface modification, and stimuli-responsive release. In particular, we focus on the advantages of ZIF-8 NPs-based drug loading strategies between the metal coordination-based active loading and the physical packaging-based passive loading. Finally, the opportunities and challenges of ZIF-8 NPs as smart drug delivery carriers are discussed.
Shanmuga Priya S and Suseem S R 2024 Nano Ex. 5 012002
Carbon dots are small carbon-based particles with unique properties that make them useful in various applications. Some advantages include low toxicity, bio-compatibility, excellent photo luminescence, high stability, and ease of synthesis. These features make them promising for biomedical imaging, drug delivery, and optoelectronic devices. Carbon dots derived from plants have several advantages, including their low toxicity, biocompatibility, and renewable sources. They also have excellent water solubility and high stability and can be easily synthesized using simple and low-cost methods. These properties make them promising candidates for various biomedicine, sensing, and imaging applications. Plant-based carbon dots have shown great potential in metal sensing and bio-imaging applications. They can act as efficient sensors for detecting heavy metals due to their strong chelation and fluorescence properties. This article showcases plant-based carbon dots, emphasizing their low toxicity, biocompatibility, renewability, and potential in metal sensing and bio-imaging. It aims to illustrate their versatile applications and ongoing research for broader use. The current investigation explores their full potential and develops new synthesis and application methods.
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Jha et al
Rapidly increasing population, the demand for food has increased substantially. To overcome food deficits, an increase in agricultural production is needed, and for sustainability, the qualities of crops as well as maintaining the fertility of the soil are challenging situations. Soil contains limited amount of macro, micronutrients and innumerable amounts of soil microflora, which helps in crop production. Since the mid-19th century, a plethora of chemical fertilizers have been extensively used to improve crop production, but over time, they have shown disastrous effects on the soil composition and profile. In the current alarming scenario, a new technology are arising, namely nanotechnology, in the field of agriculture. Nano-chemicals can play a paramount role in sustainable agriculture. This review summarizes a variety of nanomaterials as pesticide, fertilizers and control of attack of fungus and bacterial diseases. Here discussed a range of nanomaterialsincludingAg, Fe, Cu, Si, Se, Al, Zn, ZnO, TiO2 and carbon nanotubes non-propitious effectsof biomagnification.This review alsodiscussesthe several mechanisms which show how nanomaterials does work as nanofertilizer, nano pesticides, and control bacterial and fungal diseases along with the advantages and disadvantages in the sustainable approach of agriculture. Furthermore, it discusses the synergistic effect of nanomaterials and conventional approach involved in agriculture practices. Nano-fertilizers and nano-biofertilizers are new tools that have evolved for the sustainable agricultural and food security.
Fang et al
Microplastic contamination is a concern in our daily lives, such as being released from self-sealing ziplock (sliderless zipper) plastic bags commonly used for food storage. That is because during the closure and opening process, due to friction and deformation, the male rim inserting into or separating from the female rim can release debris as micro- and nanoplastics (MNP). Herein, we initially observed the released debris using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Subsequently, Raman imaging was employed to directly visualise the debris scratched on the rim surface and the fallen debris from molecular spectrum perspective. Raman imaging analyses MNP from hundreds to thousands of spectra rather than from a single spectrum or peak, enhancing the signal-to-noise ratio statistically and providing morphological information for quantification. The confocal Raman-based 3D structure mapping of MNP may be susceptible to false images, which can be improved through terrain mapping. Additionally, the weak signal of nanoplastics can be enhanced by reducing scanning pixel size and deconvoluting with surface-fitting algorithm. Consequently, we estimate that approximately 5(±3) MNP per millimetre along the ziplock length may be released during each closure/opening process. Given the use of these plastic bags for food storage, this level of contamination is concerning, warranting careful risk assessment alongside other potential sources of plastic items used in our kitchens. Overall, Raman imaging can be effectively analyse MNP and more broadly nanomaterials, with help of algorithms and SEM.
Goswami et al
Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals (NCs) or quantum dots (QDs) have shown great potential for solution-processable photodetector due to their exceptional optical and electronic properties. However, broadband and sensitive photodetection from single QDs- based devices is quite challenging. Nano-heterojunction with proper band alignment based on two different materials offers significant advantages for developing broadband photodetector. Herein, we report ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) to near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive photodetector based on solution-processed nano-heterojunction of visible light absorber CsPbBr3 perovskite NCs and wide absorption range, environment-friendly Bi2S3 QDs. Our results demonstrate that the CsPbBr3–Bi2S3 nano-heterojunction-based photodetector has higher responsivity (380 μA/W at a wavelength of 532 nm) and higher specific detectivity (1.02×105 Jones), as compared to the individual CsPbBr3 or Bi2S3 QDs based devices. Interestingly, the detection wavelength range of our heterojunction device is further extended to the near-infrared region (1064 nm) due to the broadband absorption range of Bi2S3 QDs, which is not observed in the visible light absorber CsPbBr3 devices. Remarkably, the responsivity of the heterojunction device is 90 μA/W. The enhanced specific detectivity and the broadband response of hybrid devices are attributed to the improved charge carrier generation, efficient charge separation and transfer at the interface between CsPbBr3 and Bi2S3 QDs.
Ayed et al
The escalating issue of antibiotic resistance in bacteria necessitates innovative detection methods to identify resistance mechanisms promptly. In this study, we present a novel approach for detecting resistance in \textit{Pseudomonas aeruginosa}, a bacterium known for its metallo-beta-lactamase production during the development of antibiotic resistance. We have designed an aptasensor employing Förster resonance energy transfer utilising two distinct methodologies. Initially, indium phosphide quantum dots with a zinc sulphide shell, and gold nanoparticles were utilised as the Förster resonance energy transfer donor-acceptor pair. Although this system demonstrated a response, the efficiency was low. Subsequently, optimisation involved relocating the donor and acceptor in close proximity and incorporating two quantum dots with varying emission wavelengths as the acceptor and donor. This optimisation significantly enhanced the Förster resonance efficiency, resulting in a novel method for detecting metallo-$\beta$-lactamase. Förster resonance energy transfer efficiency was increased from 31% to 63% by optimising the distance and donor using a quantum dot-quantum dot pair. Our findings showcase a cheap, rapid and versatile aptasensor with potential applications beyond antibiotic resistance, highlighting its adaptability for diverse scenarios.
Abdullahi et al
In this work, the terbium oxide (Tb4O7) passivation layers were sputtered using radio frequency (RF) sputtering and then post-annealed in oxygen (O2), nitrogen (N2), argon (Ar), and nitrogen-oxygen-nitrogen (NON) environments. Different characterization techniques were utilized to investigate the detailed influence of these different annealing environments. Grazing incidence X-ray diffraction (GIXRD) patterns indicate a cubic crystal structure in all samples investigated. The sample annealed in Ar ambient reached the highest crystallinity close to 48 nm. The morphological analysis showed a distinct surface structure for all the investigated samples when viewed with field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM). Atomic force microscopy (AFM) was utilized to study the surface roughness, and it was found that the Tb4O7 passivation layer annealed in an Ar ambient achieved a higher surface roughness at (1.150 nm). The UV-Vis analysis was performed, and absorbance was determined from reflectance data. The direct bandgap (Eg) was estimated by applying the Kubelka-Munk (KM) approach and found to be 3.28, 3.17, 2.37, and 2.27 eV for O2, N2, Ar, and NON ambients, respectively. These findings highlight the importance of post-deposition annealing treatments using different annealing gases and provide insight into the development of optimal Tb4O7 passivation layers.