Nanomaterials

20 pages, 4732 KB

Open AccessArticle

Constructing (101)-Oriented Anatase TiO₂ Seed Layers on Amorphous Microchannel Plate Glass: Surface Energetics and Template-Assisted Oriented Growth

by Xiang Li, Hua Cai, Wei Wang, Xuan Zhao, Xin-Yue Guo, Meng-Nan Ma, Yue-Yang Zhu, Kai-Ming Li and Hui Liu

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040281 - 23 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 689

Abstract

Integrating functional perovskites on an amorphous microchannel plate (MCP) glass faces challenges regarding the lack of ordered nucleation sites and stringent thermal budgets. Herein, we propose a surface energetics-based atomic layer deposition (ALD) strategy to achieve template-assisted oriented BaTiO₃ growth via a [...] Read more.

Integrating functional perovskites on an amorphous microchannel plate (MCP) glass faces challenges regarding the lack of ordered nucleation sites and stringent thermal budgets. Herein, we propose a surface energetics-based atomic layer deposition (ALD) strategy to achieve template-assisted oriented BaTiO₃ growth via a (101)-oriented anatase TiO₂ seed layer. Systematic investigation of the TiCl₄/O₃ process reveals a kinetic-to-thermodynamic transition at 300 °C, triggering a singular (101) preferred orientation. Combined DFT calculations and Wulff construction elucidate that this texture evolution is governed by a thermally activated surface energy minimization mechanism, driven by the intrinsic stability of the (101) facet. Crucially, the optimized seed layer acts as a multifunctional template: it not only transforms BaTiO₃ growth from random polycrystalline morphology to a singular (100) orientation with suppressed bulk carbonate impurities but also ensures excellent conformality and uniformity throughout the high aspect ratio microchannels. This study clarifies the thermodynamic mechanism of oriented growth on amorphous substrates, providing a versatile surface engineering pathway for constructing high-performance MCP-based heterojunction devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic New Research on Thin Films and Nanostructures)

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9 pages, 1214 KB

Open AccessArticle

Plasmonic Tilted Nanocavity Modulation of Quantum Dot Luminescence

by Shaozuo Huang, Bowen Kang, Xin Xie and Xiangtai Xi

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 280; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040280 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 530

Abstract

Quantum dots combine advantages such as strong processability via solution methods, wide color gamut coverage, and precise emission color coordinates, making them highly promising for applications in optoelectronic devices. However, they face limitations such as insufficient fluorescence intensity and low far-field extraction efficiency. [...] Read more.

Quantum dots combine advantages such as strong processability via solution methods, wide color gamut coverage, and precise emission color coordinates, making them highly promising for applications in optoelectronic devices. However, they face limitations such as insufficient fluorescence intensity and low far-field extraction efficiency. Plasmonic nanocavities based on metallic nanostructures offer an efficient platform for regulating light–matter interactions. In this study, we constructed a tilted plasmonic nanocavity structure composed of a silver nanocube, CdSe/CdS nanorods, and a single-crystal silver microplate. An Al₂O₃ isolation layer prepared via atomic layer deposition was used to control the nanocavity gap, precisely matching the plasmonic resonance mode with the 620 nm fluorescence emission of the quantum dots. This coupling system significantly enhances the radiative rate in the emission band and the electric field strength in the excitation band, achieving a 187-fold luminescence enhancement of the quantum dot. Additionally, leveraging the nano-antenna effect, the fluorescence exhibits upward directional emission. Experimental and simulation results confirm the high-efficiency enhancement and directional control of quantum dot fluorescence by the tilted nanocavity, providing new insights for the integrated application of quantum dots in displays, quantum communication, and other fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Hybrid Nanostructures for Photocatalysis and Enhanced Luminescence)

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13 pages, 1902 KB

Open AccessArticle

Finite Element Implementation of Delta-P1 Model for Simulation of Photothermal Cancer Therapy in Heterogeneous Tissues

by Roberto C. Gómez-Araque, Carlos A. Bustamante-Chaverra, Raúl A. Valencia-Cardona and Whady F. Flórez-Escobar

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 279; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040279 - 23 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 700

Abstract

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging non-invasive treatment for cancer, offering targeted, localized therapy with minimal side effects. Its growing significance lies in its ability to precisely heat and destroy tumor cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This study aimed to validate the [...] Read more.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging non-invasive treatment for cancer, offering targeted, localized therapy with minimal side effects. Its growing significance lies in its ability to precisely heat and destroy tumor cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. This study aimed to validate the

δ P 1

approximation for simulating light propagation and thermal effects in biological tissues, particularly for photothermal therapy (PTT) applications. The model is applied to various scenarios, including homogeneous and heterogeneous tissue geometries with different optical properties and nanoparticle concentrations. The results are compared with analytical solutions, Monte Carlo results and experimental data to assess model accuracy. The

δ P 1

approximation demonstrates superior performance compared to Beer–Lambert and Standard diffusion models, accurately predicting temperature distributions and capturing the influence of heterogeneous geometries. These findings highlight the potential of the

δ P 1

model to significantly advance the field of PTT by providing reliable predictions for treatment planning and optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomedical Applications of Metal Nanomaterials)

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18 pages, 5073 KB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Substrate Bias on the Microstructure and Properties of CrAlSiN Composite Coatings

by Huijin Song, Fan Zhao, Qiang Yan, Xin Zhao, Fan Lei and Ruijun Dong

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 278; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040278 - 23 Feb 2026

Viewed by 501

Abstract

CrAlSiN nanocomposite coatings with different structures were prepared by arc ion plating. The influence of substrate bias on the composition, microstructure and properties of the coating was investigated. The nanocomposite CrAlSiN coatings all had a fcc-(Cr, Al)N phase, where Al atoms and some [...] Read more.

CrAlSiN nanocomposite coatings with different structures were prepared by arc ion plating. The influence of substrate bias on the composition, microstructure and properties of the coating was investigated. The nanocomposite CrAlSiN coatings all had a fcc-(Cr, Al)N phase, where Al atoms and some Si atoms were solid-dissolved in CrN phase and some Si existed in the form of amorphous phase in the coating. The coatings were preferentially grown along the (200) crystal plane. With the increase in substrate bias, the roughness of the coating gradually decreased. When the substrate bias gradually increased to 100 V, the small particles aggregated into large particles, producing more holes, so that the surface roughness of the coating increased. At the same time, with the increase in substrate bias, the hardness and adhesion of the coating first increased and then decreased. When the substrate bias voltage was 80 V, the coating had the largest hard H (31.30 GPa), elastic modulus E* (432.15 GPa), H/E* (0.0724), H³/E*² (0.1642) and binding force of 109.26 N. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Materials for Electric Applications)

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16 pages, 2580 KB

Open AccessArticle

Upconversion Luminescence of NaYF₄:Ln³⁺ Nanoparticles on Gold Nanorod Array with Dual-Wavelength Excitation

by Haoyang Chen, Xu Liu, Xiangtai Xi, Huan Chen, Lei Yan, Zhengkun Fu, Jinping Li and Zhenglong Zhang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 277; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040277 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 505

Abstract

Plasmonic nanostructures have been widely employed to improve upconversion luminescence performance; however, their impact on excitation pathways under multi-wavelength excitation is not yet fully understood. In this work, we constructed hybrid systems composed of gold nanorod arrays and NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Ln [...] Read more.

Plasmonic nanostructures have been widely employed to improve upconversion luminescence performance; however, their impact on excitation pathways under multi-wavelength excitation is not yet fully understood. In this work, we constructed hybrid systems composed of gold nanorod arrays and NaYF₄:Yb³⁺/Ln³⁺ (Ln = Er³⁺, Tm³⁺) upconversion nanoparticles to systematically investigate upconversion behavior under dual-wavelength excitation at 808 and 976 nm. Contrary to the expected synergistic enhancement, our experimental results demonstrate that dual-wavelength excitation in the plasmonic hybrid structures produces different responses of upconversion emission. Measurements dependent on excitation power, along with the analysis of emission intensity ratio, indicate that plasmonic coupling under dual-wavelength excitation significantly enhances dissipative pathways that compete with upconversion processes. Notably, these effects strongly depend on the intrinsic energy-level structure of the lanthanide ions. In the Er³⁺-doped system, excitation at 808 nm facilitates population of higher-lying excited states, but the overall upconversion gain remains limited. In contrast, in the Tm³⁺-doped system, plasmonic coupling markedly amplifies stimulated emission and cross-relaxation processes, causing rapid depletion of high-energy state populations and substantial suppression of luminescence. These findings elucidate the competition between upconversion and dissipation processes governing plasmon-assisted upconversion under dual-wavelength excitation and provide a physical foundation for manipulating upconversion luminescence using multiple wavelengths. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Plasmonic Hybrid Nanostructures for Photocatalysis and Enhanced Luminescence)

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19 pages, 719 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optical Absorption and Raman Scattering in ZnO/Mg_xZn_1−xO Quantum Wells Under Non-Resonant Laser Effect

by S. Uran-Parra, J. A. Gil-Corrales, J. A. Vinasco, A. L. Morales and C. A. Duque

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 276; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040276 - 21 Feb 2026

Viewed by 725

Abstract

The influence of a non-resonant intense laser field on the optical absorption and Raman scattering processes in ZnO/Mg_0.2Zn_0.8O quantum wells is theoretically investigated. It is shown that the dressing field significantly modifies the confinement potential and reshapes the electronic [...] Read more.

The influence of a non-resonant intense laser field on the optical absorption and Raman scattering processes in ZnO/Mg_0.2Zn_0.8O quantum wells is theoretically investigated. It is shown that the dressing field significantly modifies the confinement potential and reshapes the electronic wave functions, leading to tunable shifts in intersubband transition energies and changes in the dipole matrix elements. These laser-induced effects produce notable variations in the absorption spectrum and strongly modulate the Raman differential cross section and Raman gain. Under the application of a non-resonant laser field, the Raman gain is enhanced by almost a factor of four, whereas off-resonant pumping results in much weaker, yet still field-dependent, responses. The results demonstrate that intense laser fields provide an effective tool to dynamically control the optical and Raman properties of ZnO-based quantum well structures. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanophotonics Materials and Devices)

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19 pages, 2740 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biosynthesis and Characterization of Staphylococcus sp. YRA-Derived Silver Nanoparticles with Antibacterial, Antibiofilm and Low Phytotoxic Effects

by Yaleyvis Buelvas-Montes, Alfredo Montes-Robledo and Rosa Baldiris-Avila

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 275; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040275 - 20 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 836

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using the culture supernatant of Staphylococcus sp. YRA, a strain isolated from Colombian mining sediments. Synthesis was optimized at 1 mM AgNO₃, pH 7, 40 °C and 7 μg/mL extract, producing spherical, protein-capped AgNPs with primary sizes [...] Read more.

Silver nanoparticles were biosynthesized using the culture supernatant of Staphylococcus sp. YRA, a strain isolated from Colombian mining sediments. Synthesis was optimized at 1 mM AgNO₃, pH 7, 40 °C and 7 μg/mL extract, producing spherical, protein-capped AgNPs with primary sizes in the tens-of-nanometers range (~35–90 nm by SEM), while DLS indicated larger hydrodynamic diameters (~250–320 nm) consistent with aggregation in suspension (ζ-potential −16.6 mV). These nanoparticles remained stable over 6 months. Characterization by UV–Vis, SEM, AFM, EDS and FTIR confirmed extracellular protein-mediated reduction and capping. The AgNPs showed antibacterial activity against multidrug-resistant clinical isolates (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella bongori, Enterococcus spp.), with inhibition zones of 8–16 mm at 400–1000 μg/mL. Biofilm formation was reduced by >50% at 700 μg/mL in both Gram-positive and Gram-negative strains. In Phaseolus vulgaris (P. vulgaris), low concentrations (5–100 μg/mL) increased growth and chlorophyll content, while 500 μg/mL caused moderate inhibition. FTIR analysis identified amide and thiol groups from bacterial enzymes as capping agents. These results suggest Staphylococcus sp. YRA as a bacterial platform for AgNPs production with antibiofilm activity against MDR pathogens and acceptable phytotoxicity profile for potential applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Biology and Medicines)

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23 pages, 4139 KB

Open AccessReview

High-Performance Interfacial Solar Evaporation for Zero Liquid Discharge Treatment of Coal Chemical Concentrated Brine: Principles, Challenges, and Recent Advances

by Qing Wen, Haoyang Xiong, Chunhui Zhang, Yang Yin, Haocheng Ye and Peidong Su

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 274; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040274 - 20 Feb 2026

Viewed by 688

Abstract

The rapid expansion of the coal chemical industry has led to a growing demand for effective treatment of high salinity wastewater, particularly the concentrated brine streams targeted for zero liquid discharge (ZLD) management. Conventional treatment technologies face significant challenges under such extreme conditions, [...] Read more.

The rapid expansion of the coal chemical industry has led to a growing demand for effective treatment of high salinity wastewater, particularly the concentrated brine streams targeted for zero liquid discharge (ZLD) management. Conventional treatment technologies face significant challenges under such extreme conditions, underscoring the urgency of developing innovative and energy-efficient alternatives. Interfacial solar steam generation (ISSG) has emerged as a promising approach for concentrated brine treatment owing to its rapid evaporation rates, low carbon footprint, and high solar thermal energy utilization. Nevertheless, the long-term stability of solar evaporators remains limited by photothermal material degradation, excessive heat loss, and salt accumulation—all of which constitute major bottlenecks preventing large-scale implementation of ISSG in ZLD systems. This review first outlines the fundamental principles, advantages, and practical constraints of interfacial solar evaporation. It then highlights recent advances in high-performance solar evaporators featuring broadband light absorption, efficient solar thermal conversion, suppressed heat dissipation, robust anti-salt fouling behavior, and sustained operational durability. These emerging designs substantially improve the feasibility of ISSG and provide promising pathways for the clean, efficient, and sustainable treatment of concentrated brine in the coal chemical industry. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Environmental Nanoscience and Nanotechnology)

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23 pages, 4647 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

An AOP-Based Integrated In Vitro and In Vivo Assessment of the Non-Genotoxic Carcinogenic Potential of Multi-Walled Carbon Nanotubes

by Minju Kim, Heesung Hwang, Sulhwa Song, Keun-Soo Kim, JuHee Lee and Seung Min Oh

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 273; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040273 - 20 Feb 2026

Viewed by 610

Abstract

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly incorporated into industrial and consumer products, raising concerns about potential carcinogenicity because their physicochemical properties vary widely among materials. Although Mitsui-7 has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC, Group 2B), the carcinogenic potential of domestically [...] Read more.

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are increasingly incorporated into industrial and consumer products, raising concerns about potential carcinogenicity because their physicochemical properties vary widely among materials. Although Mitsui-7 has been classified as possibly carcinogenic to humans (IARC, Group 2B), the carcinogenic potential of domestically manufactured MWCNTs and the determinants underlying material-specific differences remain insufficiently characterized. Here, we applied an adverse outcome pathway (AOP)-oriented integrated testing strategy (ITS) to compare four domestically manufactured MWCNTs with Mitsui-7 using human bronchial epithelial BEAS-2B cells. Acute responses were assessed by measuring cytotoxicity and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS). Exposure concentrations for long-term studies were selected using range-finding assays, and cells were then exposed for four weeks at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Following chronic exposure, transformation-related phenotypes were evaluated using anchorage-independent growth, anchorage-dependent clonogenicity, wound healing migration, and Transwell–Matrigel invasion assays, and tumorigenic potential was examined in xenograft models using colony-derived cells. Highly aggregated MWCNTs elicited stronger oxidative stress and were associated with increased proliferation/clonal expansion, enhanced anchorage-independent colony formation, and increased tumor formation in vivo, whereas other materials showed more limited or endpoint-specific responses. Overall, the results indicate that MWCNT-associated carcinogenic potential is material-dependent rather than a uniform class effect and support the utility of an AOP-aligned ITS for nanosafety assessment and hazard differentiation of carbon-based nanomaterials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue State of the Art in Nanotoxicology)

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27 pages, 1718 KB

Open AccessReview

From Experiments to AI: A Comparative Review of Machine Learning Approaches for Predicting Nanofluid Thermophysical Properties

by Salim Al. Jadidi, Rekha Moolya, Rajendra Padidhapu, Sivasubramanian Subramanian and Shivananda Moolya

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 272; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040272 - 20 Feb 2026

Viewed by 679

Abstract

The applications of nanofluids are widely beneficial in heat transmission and cooling systems. Nanofluid viscosity and thermal conductivity have a substantial effect on heat transfer applications and on devices such as solar and geothermal systems. Machine learning models enable faster, less expensive modeling [...] Read more.

The applications of nanofluids are widely beneficial in heat transmission and cooling systems. Nanofluid viscosity and thermal conductivity have a substantial effect on heat transfer applications and on devices such as solar and geothermal systems. Machine learning models enable faster, less expensive modeling of nanofluid thermophysical properties. These models are secure for future studies and in the development of nanotechnology. In this review, shape, size, temperature, and volume concentration are considered as inputs to develop several machine learning methods, such as artificial neural networks, support vector regression, decision trees, and random forests. These models were analyzed by comparing their R² values, and the results indicated that machine learning-based models generally exhibited more reliable performance than the other approaches. The observation in this review was that thermal conductivity increases with temperature and volume fractions, whereas viscosity decreases with size, temperature, and volume fractions. To determine the optimal nanoparticle type, size, and concentration for specific applications such as data center cooling and high-heat-flux electronics, future research may employ ML-based optimization techniques. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)

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16 pages, 3980 KB

Open AccessArticle

Development of Biological-Window-Active Au Open-Shell Nanoparticles with High-Sensitivity Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Imaging Probe Properties

by Kosuke Sugawa, Yuka Hori, Azusa Onozato, Hikaru Naitoh, Arisa Suzuki, Tamaki Amemiya, Hironobu Tahara, Tsuyoshi Kimura, Yasuhiro Kosuge, Keiji Ohno, Takeshi Hashimoto, Takashi Hayashita and Joe Otsuki

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 271; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040271 - 20 Feb 2026

Viewed by 697

Abstract

The development of anisotropic gold nanostructures supporting localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonances in the near-infrared (NIR) biological window is of great interest for diagnostic and therapeutic nanotechnologies. Here, we report gold open-shell nanoparticles (AuOSNs), a symmetry-broken nanoshell architecture exhibiting strong NIR surface-enhanced Raman [...] Read more.

The development of anisotropic gold nanostructures supporting localized surface plasmon (LSP) resonances in the near-infrared (NIR) biological window is of great interest for diagnostic and therapeutic nanotechnologies. Here, we report gold open-shell nanoparticles (AuOSNs), a symmetry-broken nanoshell architecture exhibiting strong NIR surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) activity. AuOSNs were fabricated via a surfactant-free strategy combining bottom-up silica sphere assembly with a simple top-down gold deposition process, without using highly cytotoxic surfactants such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB). Boundary element method (BEM) simulations revealed that the asymmetric open-shell geometry induces NIR LSP resonances with pronounced electromagnetic field localization near the opening edges, depending on excitation configuration. Consistent with these predictions, extinction spectra of AuOSNs dispersed in water showed an LSP resonance peak at ~793 nm, close to the 785 nm excitation wavelength for SERS. In aqueous dispersion, AuOSNs modified with 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (4-MBA) exhibited strong SERS activity with enhancement factors of ~10⁶. Furthermore, polyethylene glycol (PEG)-modified MBA/AuOSNs showed negligible cytotoxicity in vitro. SERS imaging confirmed that PEG/MBA/AuOSNs enable visualization of HeLa cells via characteristic MBA SERS signals. These results demonstrate that surfactant-free AuOSNs provide a biocompatible platform for NIR-excited SERS sensing and cellular imaging, highlighting their potential in plasmonic bioimaging applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Photonics, Plasmonics and Metasurfaces)

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12 pages, 2983 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Synergistic Catalytic Effect of a CTF-Based Composite via Constructing of a Binary Oxide System for Thermal Decomposition of Ammonium Perchlorate

by Bo Kou, Wei Chen, Xianliang Chen, Bowei Gao and Linghua Tan

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 270; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040270 - 19 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 600

Abstract

As a widely used catalyst class, transition metal oxides (TMOs) face the challenges of detrimental nanoparticle agglomeration. The newly developing two-dimensional (2D) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) offer a promising solution as catalyst supports, capable of yielding composites with excellent dispersibility and synergistic catalytic [...] Read more.

As a widely used catalyst class, transition metal oxides (TMOs) face the challenges of detrimental nanoparticle agglomeration. The newly developing two-dimensional (2D) covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) offer a promising solution as catalyst supports, capable of yielding composites with excellent dispersibility and synergistic catalytic enhancement. Building on this, and employing a hydroxylation functional modification strategy, this article introduces a binary oxide system to construct a CTF/CuO–NiO composite that exhibits excellent catalytic performance for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). Specifically, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) was first employed to introduce -OH anchoring sites onto the CTF surface. A subsequent co-precipitation yielded a uniform dispersion of CuO–NiO nanoparticles across the functionalized CTF support. DSC analysis revealed that incorporating merely 2 wt% of the CTF/CuO–NiO composite into AP significantly alters its high-temperature decomposition (HTD) peak temperature, shifting it from 404.6 °C to 332.1 °C. This work highlights the construction of a binary oxide system through an effective dispersion strategy to enhance the synergistic catalytic performance of CTF-based composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Structural Regulation and Performance Assessment of Nanocatalysts)

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15 pages, 5234 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tunable Response of Silica–Gold Nanoparticles for Improved Efficiency in Photothermal Therapy

by José Rafael Motilla-Montes, Rosa Isela Ruvalcaba-Ontiveros, José Guadalupe Murillo-Ramírez, José Antonio Medina-Vázquez and Hilda Esperanza Esparza-Ponce

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 269; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040269 - 18 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 711

Abstract

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging minimally invasive approach for cancer treatment that relies on photothermal agents capable of efficiently converting near-infrared (NIR) light into localized heat. In this work, silica–gold nanostructures (SGNs) were synthesized and systematically evaluated to investigate how silica core [...] Read more.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is an emerging minimally invasive approach for cancer treatment that relies on photothermal agents capable of efficiently converting near-infrared (NIR) light into localized heat. In this work, silica–gold nanostructures (SGNs) were synthesized and systematically evaluated to investigate how silica core size influences the photothermal response of the SGNs and optimize their performance as a photothermal agent. SGNs were synthesized with silica cores ranging from 54 to 244 nm in diameter and coated with gold nanoparticles of 4–10 nm in size, enabling controlled tuning of their localized surface plasmon resonance within the NIR region. The morphology and composition were characterized by SEM, TEM, and EDS; optical properties were analyzed by UV-Vis spectroscopy. The SGNs photothermal response low-power laser irradiation at 852 nm and 1310 nm and temperature changes were monitored using a thermographic camera. A maximum temperature increase of 7.1 °C was observed for SGNs with a silica core diameter of approximately 77 nm under the 852 nm laser irradiation. Numerical simulations of the absorption efficiency showed good agreement with experimental UV–Vis spectra and thermal measurements, revealing a size-dependent shift of the absorption toward longer wavelengths for larger nanostructures. These results demonstrate that the photothermal response of silica–gold nanostructures can be rationally tuned through the control of core size and gold growth parameters, providing a framework for the design of wavelength-matched photothermal agents for PTT applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Topic Application of Nanomaterials and Nanobiotechnology in Cancer)

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22 pages, 3612 KB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Identifying Key Factors Affecting mRNA-Lipid Nanoparticles Drug Product Formulation Stability

by Alireza Nomani, Aishwarya Saraswat, Heather Brown, Jimmy Chun-Tien Kuo, Huu Thuy Trang Duong, Jikang Wu, Yu Zhang, Yue Fu, Youmi Moon, Shafiq Wahidi, Nancy Mejia, Suzanne Hartford, Haibo Qiu, Bindhu Rayaprolu, Amardeep S. Bhalla and Mohammed Shameem

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 268; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040268 - 18 Feb 2026

Viewed by 2411

Abstract

Background: The long-term stability of mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), essential for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies, relies on managing physicochemical properties to preserve their integrity and effectiveness through optimized formulation components. This study systematically evaluated LNP formulations with varied compositions, e.g., Dlin-MC3-DMA and [...] Read more.

Background: The long-term stability of mRNA-lipid nanoparticles (LNPs), essential for mRNA vaccines and gene therapies, relies on managing physicochemical properties to preserve their integrity and effectiveness through optimized formulation components. This study systematically evaluated LNP formulations with varied compositions, e.g., Dlin-MC3-DMA and ALC-0315 as ionizable lipids, and DMG-PEG2k or ALC-0159 as polyethylene glycol (PEG)-lipids, stored at −80 °C, −20 °C, 5 °C, and 25 °C in Tris buffer (pH 7.4) for 12 months. Methods: Sixteen quality attributes were analyzed, including particle size, mRNA encapsulation, lipid oxidation, and transfection efficiency over different formulations and storage temperatures to mechanistically evaluate the long-term stabilities. Results: Formulations stored at −80 °C and −20 °C retained acceptable stability, while storage at 5 °C caused aggregation, reduced in vivo expression, and mRNA degradation. Storage at 25 °C led to complete loss of transfection within six months. Mechanistic studies identified oxidative and hydrolytic lipid degradation (e.g., DSPC) in ALC-0315 formulations and MC3 N-oxidation with subvisible particulates in MC3-containing LNPs as primary failure modes. Increasing Tris buffer concentration accelerated 5′-cap hydrolysis, emphasizing the importance of a low-ionic-strength buffer for LNP formulations. Conclusions: Findings re-emphasize the necessity of deep-cold storage (≤−20 °C) and optimized formulation components to preserve mRNA–LNP integrity, offering insights for designing next-generation LNPs with improved shelf-life. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Modern Immunotherapy: Innovations, Applications, and Future Perspectives)

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45 pages, 3816 KB

Open AccessReview

Research Progress on Nanopolymer Composites in Civil Engineering

by Tingting Gao, Yan Zhao, Yanan Niu and Xi Cao

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 267; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040267 - 18 Feb 2026

Viewed by 910

Abstract

Civil engineering infrastructure suffers material degradation, shortened service life and high maintenance costs under harsh environments and natural aging, threatening public safety. Nanopolymer composites, featuring designable microstructures and excellent macroscopic properties, provide a revolutionary solution to improve the weather resistance and toughness of [...] Read more.

Civil engineering infrastructure suffers material degradation, shortened service life and high maintenance costs under harsh environments and natural aging, threatening public safety. Nanopolymer composites, featuring designable microstructures and excellent macroscopic properties, provide a revolutionary solution to improve the weather resistance and toughness of civil engineering materials. This paper systematically clarifies the modification mechanisms of nanocomposites, focusing on nanofiller–polymer matrix interfacial interactions (physical adsorption, chemical bonding) and their synergistic effects in enhancing environmental aging resistance (UV, corrosion, freeze–thaw) and mechanical performance (toughening, strengthening, dynamic load resistance). It summarizes the latest applications in nanomodified protective coatings, sealing/bonding materials and composite structural components, revealing the inherent “structure-property-application” relationships. Furthermore, this paper addresses core large-scale application challenges, including technical bottlenecks, performance evaluation limitations and economic/environmental barriers. Finally, future research directions are proposed, covering multifunctional intelligent materials, green development, interdisciplinary computational methods and standardized systems. This review offers an integrated perspective, providing theoretical guidance and practical references for advancing durable, resilient and sustainable civil engineering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanocomposite Materials)

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15 pages, 1819 KB

Open AccessArticle

Selective Reduction of CO₂ to CO via the RWGS Reaction over ZnO-ZrO₂-Ga₂O₃-Supported Catalysts Modified with Keggin-Type Heteropolyacid Precursors

by Farah Lachquer, Adrià Sánchez, Pilar Ramírez de la Piscina, Narcís Homs and Jamil Toyir

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 266; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040266 - 18 Feb 2026

Viewed by 691

Abstract

Mo/ZZG and W/ZZG nanomaterials for the catalytic reduction of CO₂ were successfully prepared from preformed ZnO-ZrO₂-Ga₂O₃ (ZZG) and HPMo and HPMo heteropolyacids via simple incipient wetness impregnation. To establish the relationship between structural properties and catalytic performance, [...] Read more.

Mo/ZZG and W/ZZG nanomaterials for the catalytic reduction of CO₂ were successfully prepared from preformed ZnO-ZrO₂-Ga₂O₃ (ZZG) and HPMo and HPMo heteropolyacids via simple incipient wetness impregnation. To establish the relationship between structural properties and catalytic performance, the prepared catalysts were deeply characterized using XRD, Raman spectroscopy, SEM coupled with EDX, BET, XPS, and H₂-TPR techniques. The catalytic performance of the materials was evaluated in the RWGS reaction under atmospheric pressure, using a feed composition of CO₂/H₂/N₂ = 1/3/1 across a temperature range of 250–600 °C. All materials were active in the reverse water gas shift reaction (RWGS) under these conditions, with the Mo/ZZG catalyst exhibiting the best performance, demonstrating excellent catalytic activity at low temperature with the lowest activation energy and the highest CO₂ to CO conversion efficiency. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)

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17 pages, 5677 KB

Open AccessArticle

Graphene Coatings for Durable and Robust Resistance to Caustic Corrosion of Nickel

by Tanuj Joshi, R. K. Singh Raman, Yiannis Ventikos, Saad Al-Saadi and Anthony De Girolamo

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 265; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040265 - 18 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 577

Abstract

Nickel is widely deployed in caustic service, yet its native Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH passive film raises concerns for long service life. Graphene has emerged as a promising corrosion barrier; however, its long-term durability in strongly alkaline media remains largely unexplored. The extended exposure [...] Read more.

Nickel is widely deployed in caustic service, yet its native Ni(OH)₂/NiOOH passive film raises concerns for long service life. Graphene has emerged as a promising corrosion barrier; however, its long-term durability in strongly alkaline media remains largely unexplored. The extended exposure period in a highly caustic solution is a novel aspect of the present work, distinguishing it from previous studies that predominantly examined short-term exposures or focused on neutral and acidic environments. Here, we present the systematic assessment of low-pressure CVD-grown multilayer graphene (MLG) coatings on Ni in highly caustic (0.5 M NaOH) for up to 80 days. Two architectures, a conformal, robust MLG coating (Gr_Ni) and a less robust film (Gr_Ni_DF), were benchmarked against bare Ni. PDP and EIS reveal that Gr_Ni initially delivers nearly 2 orders of magnitude enhancement, as evidenced by the low frequency impedance, accompanied by a broad, high-fidelity capacitive plateau; the impedance still maintains 1.3–1.5 orders of magnitude superior after prolonged exposure. In contrast, Gr_Ni_DF undergoes progressive degradation, affording a modest 2-fold benefit over time, consistent with defect-mediated electrolyte ingress. SEM morphologies further corroborate these trends, confirming the superior structural stability of Gr_Ni under extended alkaline immersion. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Trends in the Synthesis and Applications of Carbon Nanotubes)

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19 pages, 3003 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Transient Two−Phase Productivity Forecasting Method in Fractured Nanoporous Shale Gas Reservoirs

by Ruihan Zhang, Siliang He, Qianwen Zhang, Hongsha Xiao and Liehui Zhang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 264; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040264 - 17 Feb 2026

Viewed by 431

Abstract

Hydraulic fracturing is a critical technology for developing shale gas reservoirs, which are typical natural nanoporous media. However, the complex two−phase flow induced by fracturing fluid retention and the strong interference among hydraulic fractures introduce significant uncertainties to productivity forecasting. To address these [...] Read more.

Hydraulic fracturing is a critical technology for developing shale gas reservoirs, which are typical natural nanoporous media. However, the complex two−phase flow induced by fracturing fluid retention and the strong interference among hydraulic fractures introduce significant uncertainties to productivity forecasting. To address these challenges, this study proposes a transient productivity forecasting method to characterize fluid transport in fractured nanoporous media. This method introduces a gas−water two−phase pseudo−pressure function to reconstruct the flow equations, utilizing micro−segment discretization and the principle of superposition to accurately characterize pressure drop interference among fractures, enabling rapid dynamic productivity forecasting under realistic well trajectory conditions. The investigation reveals that while increasing fracture count, half−length, and permeability enhances productivity, these improvements exhibit significant diminishing marginal returns, indicating the existence of optimal economic thresholds for these engineering parameters. Conversely, elevated water saturation, skin factor, and stress sensitivity lead to a decline in productivity. Analysis of flow interference demonstrates that fractures at the wellbore extremities contribute significantly higher production than those in the central section due to reduced interference, while deviations in the wellbore trajectory further exacerbate production heterogeneity. Field application confirms that the proposed method achieves reliable production history matching under realistic well trajectories and accurately captures the typical three−stage production characteristics of shale gas wells, providing a robust basis for Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) assessment and fracturing design optimization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Analysis and Numerical Simulations of Porous Media or Fluid Flowing at Nanoscale)

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28 pages, 11439 KB

Open AccessArticle

Impurity Phases and Hydrogen Decrepitation of Sm₂TM₁₇ Sintered Magnet Production Scrap

by James Griffiths, O. P. Brooks, V. Kozak, H. S. Kitaguchi, A. R. Campbell, A. Lambourne and Richard S. Sheridan

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 263; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040263 - 17 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 645

Abstract

Sm₂TM₁₇ sintered magnets, (where TM = Co, Fe, Cu, Zr), are typically utilised in high temperature magnetic applications due to their magnetic properties being very stable at 200–350 °C. Sm and Co are critical materials and need to be recycled [...] Read more.

Sm₂TM₁₇ sintered magnets, (where TM = Co, Fe, Cu, Zr), are typically utilised in high temperature magnetic applications due to their magnetic properties being very stable at 200–350 °C. Sm and Co are critical materials and need to be recycled to reduce reliance on virgin material supply chains. This work explored HD processing of Sm₂TM₁₇ sintered magnet production scrap as a potential recycling technique. Sintered magnet scrap was initially analysed compositionally, microstructurally and magnetically to determine issues with magnet quality. Scrap material was then HD processed at 18 bar and 2 bar at temperatures between 25–300 °C. The resultant material was characterised in terms of hydrogen content, particle size, degassing behaviour and unit cell expansion. Production scrap magnets exhibited irregular demagnetisation traces with poor domain wall pinning behaviour. Non-magnetic ZrC inclusions likely prevented cell structure formation locally and hence were poor domain wall pinning sites. Scrap material processed at 18 bar and 2 bar required temperatures of 100 °C to allow for the greatest extent of HD reaction, reaching 0.299 Wt.% and 0.323 Wt.% hydrogen respectively. The HD behaviour of production scrap material was comparable to commercial grade magnets. Therefore, HD is a potentially viable technique for recycling Sm₂TM₁₇ sintered magnet production scrap. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Study on Magnetic Properties of Nanostructured Materials)

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18 pages, 28232 KB

Open AccessArticle

Scanning-Based Dynamic Mask Projection for Ultrafast Laser Ablation of Thin Films

by Jonas Amann, Markus Kircher, Andreas Otto, Balint Istvan Hajas, Alexander Kirnbauer, Justas Baltrukonis and Roland Fürbacher

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 262; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040262 - 17 Feb 2026

Viewed by 1729

Abstract

Ultrafast laser processing is constrained by an inherent throughput–resolution trade-off, typically addressed either by high-speed single-beam scanning or by parallel processing approaches. Here, a scanning-based dynamic mask projection concept is presented, combining both strategies by integrating a digital micromirror device (DMD) for dynamic [...] Read more.

Ultrafast laser processing is constrained by an inherent throughput–resolution trade-off, typically addressed either by high-speed single-beam scanning or by parallel processing approaches. Here, a scanning-based dynamic mask projection concept is presented, combining both strategies by integrating a digital micromirror device (DMD) for dynamic binary amplitude mask generation with galvanometric scanning for high-speed lateral repositioning of the projected pattern. A high-numerical-aperture microscope objective is used to project the mask for thin film laser ablation with sub-micrometer feature sizes, while scanning extends the processing area beyond a single projected pattern, ultimately limited by the objective’s field of view. The concept is demonstrated by selective single-pulse pattern ablation of 10 nm thick tantalum nitride (TaN) thin films on glass substrates using 230 fs pulses at a center wavelength of 515 nm. The optical system enables a 770 nm minimum feature size across a scan field with an area-equivalent circular diameter of 550 µm. Dynamic mask projection combined with fast scanning offers a scalable route to high-throughput laser nanoprocessing and is relevant to fabrication and processing of nanomaterials, digital mask lithography, and micro- and nanomachining. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application and Research of Laser Manufacturing Technology in Nanomaterials)

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23 pages, 4134 KB

Open AccessArticle

Reactive Oxygen Ion Beam-Induced Deposition for Concurrent Purification of Platinum Nanostructures

by Kyle Sprecker, Sujoy Ghosh, Philip D. Rack and Steven J. Randolph

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040261 - 17 Feb 2026

Viewed by 609

Abstract

Oxygen-focused ion beam induced deposition (O-FIBID) enables the direct-write fabrication of Pt nanostructures while simultaneously enhancing purity concurrently through reactive oxygen–deposit interactions. By systematically varying the dwell time, accelerating voltage, and precursor pressure, the Pt content and conductivity can be controlled. Under optimum [...] Read more.

Oxygen-focused ion beam induced deposition (O-FIBID) enables the direct-write fabrication of Pt nanostructures while simultaneously enhancing purity concurrently through reactive oxygen–deposit interactions. By systematically varying the dwell time, accelerating voltage, and precursor pressure, the Pt content and conductivity can be controlled. Under optimum conditions, the Pt content reached 63 at.%. Across the dwell-time range used for resistivity measurements, the Pt content increased from 20 to 33 at.%, while the resistivity decreased from 2.9 × 10⁴ μΩ·cm to 1.2 × 10³ μΩ·cm, which is consistent with enhanced percolation through Pt grains and the lower intrinsic resistivity of the purer Pt deposit. The simulation results support a purification mechanism driven by the beam-induced activation of implanted oxygen balanced against the preferential sputtering of Pt. These results demonstrate O-FIBID as a viable method for the nanoscale direct write of conductive Pt without post-processing, and some deviations from conventional FIBID wisdom are observed. These results serve as a foundation for exploring nascent, reactive focused ion beam-induced deposition processes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures)

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22 pages, 3281 KB

Open AccessArticle

Coin-Cell Electric Double-Layer Capacitors with African Palm Kernel Activated Carbon Under Series and Parallel Connection

by Chelsy Gaviria, Zulamita Zapata-Benabithe, José Valentín Restrepo, Andrés Emiro Diez-Restrepo, Yiranis Barrios, Mauricio Úsuga, Erika Arenas-Castiblanco and César Nieto-Londoño

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 260; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040260 - 16 Feb 2026

Viewed by 576

Abstract

The growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage has intensified interest in green materials known for their high-power density. In this work, we evaluated the electrochemical and electrical performance of coin-cell supercapacitors with activated carbon electrodes from palm kernel shell. Two activated [...] Read more.

The growing demand for efficient and sustainable energy storage has intensified interest in green materials known for their high-power density. In this work, we evaluated the electrochemical and electrical performance of coin-cell supercapacitors with activated carbon electrodes from palm kernel shell. Two activated carbons were obtained using KOH and ZnCl₂ as activating agents at 700 °C and then superficially modified with nitric acid. The KOH-activated carbon electrodes showed the highest specific surface area (1181 m² g⁻¹) and the best electrochemical behavior, reaching an average gravimetric capacitance of 56. ± 9.2 F g⁻¹. The coins were characterized electrically by series and parallel arrangements, yielding specific energy and specific power densities of 2.6 Wh kg⁻¹ and 475 W kg⁻¹, and 1.8 Wh kg⁻¹ and 353 W kg⁻¹, at 0.001 A and 0.75 V for parallel and series arrangements, respectively. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Nanostructured Electrode Materials: Design and Applications (2nd Edition))

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19 pages, 6091 KB

Open AccessArticle

Systematic Evaluation of Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺, and Co²⁺ Doping for Tailoring the Thermal, Structural, Morphological and Magnetic Performance of CdBi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄@SiO₂ Nanocomposites

by Thomas Dippong, Ioan Petean and Oana Cadar

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040259 - 16 Feb 2026

Viewed by 602

Abstract

The influence of Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Co²⁺ doping on the thermal, structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of CdBi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄ nanoparticles synthetized via the sol–gel technique and calcined at 300, 600, 900 and 1200 °C was [...] Read more.

The influence of Zn²⁺, Ca²⁺ and Co²⁺ doping on the thermal, structural, morphological, and magnetic characteristics of CdBi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄ nanoparticles synthetized via the sol–gel technique and calcined at 300, 600, 900 and 1200 °C was investigated. Thermal analysis revealed the initial formation of metallic glyoxylates up to 300 °C, followed by their decomposition into metal oxides and subsequent ferrite formation. X-ray diffraction revealed that the ferrites were poorly crystallized at lower temperatures, whereas at higher calcination temperatures all nanocomposites exhibited well-crystalized ferrites coexisting with the SiO₂ matrix, except for the Co_0.1Cd_0.9Bi_0.1Fe_1.9O₄@SiO₂ nanocomposite, which formed a single, well-defined crystalline phase. Atomic force microscopy images revealed spherical ferrite particles encapsulated within an amorphous layer, with particle size, surface area, and coating thickness influenced by both the type of dopant ion and the calcination temperature. The structural parameters estimated by X-ray diffraction, as well as the magnetic characteristics, were strongly influenced by the dopant type and thermal treatment. These results demonstrate that the structural and magnetic characteristics of CdBi₀.₁Fe₁.₉O₄ ferrites can be effectively tuned through controlled doping and calcination, providing insights for the design of tailored functional applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Preparation, Characterization, Properties, Simulation, and Applications of Nanostructured Materials)

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12 pages, 1439 KB

Open AccessArticle

Ligand Influence on CuInS₂ Quantum Dot Photoconductive Films

by Yizun Wang, Hrilina Ghosh and Siva Sivoththaman

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 258; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040258 - 16 Feb 2026

Viewed by 627

Abstract

In this work, we investigate the effect of ligand chemistry on the optical and electrical properties of copper indium disulphide (CuInS₂) quantum dots (QDs) and evaluate their suitability for photodetection with simple device structures. CuInS₂ QDs capped with dodecanethiol (DDT) [...] Read more.

In this work, we investigate the effect of ligand chemistry on the optical and electrical properties of copper indium disulphide (CuInS₂) quantum dots (QDs) and evaluate their suitability for photodetection with simple device structures. CuInS₂ QDs capped with dodecanethiol (DDT) ligands were synthesized, followed by processes to exchange the DDT with thioglycolic acid (TGA), mercaptopropionic acid (MPA), or thioacetamide (TAA) ligands. Photoluminescence (PL) and UV-Visible absorption studies revealed that while TGA- and MPA-capped QDs retained strong emission, TAA-capped QDs exhibited significant quenching, indicating surface defect formation due to poor ligand binding. Metal–semiconductor–metal (MSM) test structures were fabricated using the QD films as the active layer to study their electrical properties under dark and UV-illuminated conditions. Devices based on MPA- and TGA-capped QD films demonstrated currents that were 7–9 times higher than those of devices with native DDT ligands, with significantly enhanced photocurrent-to-dark current ratios of 2.6 and 1.7, respectively, highlighting the effective charge transport pathways enabled by the shorter ligands. The device with TGA-capped QD film also responded well to 20 kHz pulsed UV excitation, underscoring the strong potential of this simple MSM structure for photodetection and optical switching applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanophotonics Materials and Devices)

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57 pages, 11393 KB

Open AccessReview

Advances in Porous Silicon Materials for Sensing, Energy Storage, and Microelectronics

by Yujie Wang and Donghua Wang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 257; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040257 - 15 Feb 2026

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2108

Abstract

Porous silicon (PSi), characterized by its high specific surface area and highly tunable morphology, presents significant potential across optoelectronics, energy storage, and biomedical applications. This review provides a systematic analysis of the synthesis methodologies, interfacial chemical engineering, and diverse applications of PSi. Initially, [...] Read more.

Porous silicon (PSi), characterized by its high specific surface area and highly tunable morphology, presents significant potential across optoelectronics, energy storage, and biomedical applications. This review provides a systematic analysis of the synthesis methodologies, interfacial chemical engineering, and diverse applications of PSi. Initially, fabrication techniques are examined, contrasting the pore formation mechanisms of electrochemical anodization, metal-assisted chemical etching (MACE), and emerging vapor-phase etching methods, while elucidating the control of geometric parameters from microporous to macroporous scales. To address the thermodynamic instability of the hydride-terminated surface, this review systematically evaluates modification strategies such as thermal oxidation, hydrosilylation, carbonization, and atomic layer deposition (ALD). We critically analyze their efficacy in mitigating oxidative drift and enabling specific functionalization. Subsequently, the review summarizes current applications in sensing (refractive index and photoluminescence modulation), energy storage (lithium-ion battery anodes and supercapacitors), and microsystem technologies (radio frequency (RF) isolation, gettering, and micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS) sacrificial layers), emphasizing the critical role of structure–property relationships. Finally, an objective assessment is provided regarding the challenges in translating PSi technology to industrial scales, specifically addressing the trade-offs between biodegradability and stability, wafer-scale process uniformity, and the compatibility of wet-chemical processing with standard complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) integration flows. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Nanoelectronics, Nanosensors and Devices)

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10 pages, 2219 KB

Open AccessArticle

Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Fluorinated Transition Metal Dichalcogenide 1T-MX₂F₂ (X = S, Se, Te) Monolayers

by Lixia Zheng, Chenzhi Liu, Yunfei Gao, Aolin Li, Haiming Duan and Fangping Ouyang

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 256; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040256 - 15 Feb 2026

Viewed by 590

Abstract

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their rich physical and chemical properties. How to regulate their electronic structures to meet different application requirements is a crucial issue. In this work, based on first-principle calculations, we demonstrate that surface [...] Read more.

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted worldwide attention due to their rich physical and chemical properties. How to regulate their electronic structures to meet different application requirements is a crucial issue. In this work, based on first-principle calculations, we demonstrate that surface fluorination can be a powerful method for tailoring the electronic and magnetic properties of TMDC monolayers. The fluorinated T-MX₂F₂ (X = S, Se, Te) monolayers cover semiconductors, half-metals, semimetals, and half-semimetals. In particular, monolayer T-CrS₂F₂ is a half-semimetal, and the spin–orbit coupling effect changes it to a quantum anomalous Hall insulator. Monolayer T-HfS₂F₂ is a non-magnetic semimetal, and monolayer T-CoS₂F₂ is a half-metal. These findings not only suggest that fluorination can dramatically alter the electronic properties of two-dimensional TMDCs but also provide a new research platform for developing nanoelectronic devices. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Theoretical Calculations and Simulations of Low-Dimensional Materials)

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5 pages, 158 KB

Open AccessEditorial

Morphological Design and Synthesis of Nanoparticles (Second Edition)

by Mirela Honciuc and Andrei Honciuc

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 255; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040255 - 15 Feb 2026

Viewed by 595

Abstract

Nanoparticles exhibit size- and shape-dependent properties that differ from those of bulk materials, which make them suitable for a variety of applications in catalysis, biomedicine, energy storage, sensing, and environmental remediation [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Morphological Design and Synthesis of Nanoparticles (Second Edition))

14 pages, 1208 KB

Open AccessArticle

Treatment of Maxillofacial Cancers by Zein Nanoparticles Loaded with Anticancer Peptide Pistacia Zardin1: Enhanced Cytotoxicity and Apoptosis Induction in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

by Andrej Jenča, Jr., Elham Saberian, Janka Jenčová, Adriána Petrášová, Andrej Jenča, David Mills, Hadi Zare-Zardini, Eliška Kubíková, Simona Dianišková and Tetyana Pyndus

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 254; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040254 - 15 Feb 2026

Viewed by 787

Abstract

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are considered the most common histological type of head and neck cancer. This study aims to develop a drug delivery system based on zein protein nanoparticles (Zein NPs) to enhance the therapeutic effect of the anticancer [...] Read more.

Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are considered the most common histological type of head and neck cancer. This study aims to develop a drug delivery system based on zein protein nanoparticles (Zein NPs) to enhance the therapeutic effect of the anticancer peptide, Pistacia zardin1 (PZ1), for the treatment of maxillofacial cancers. PZ1-Zein NPs were synthesized by the desolvation method. These spherical nanoparticles (size: 162.8 nm, PDI: 0.27) showed high encapsulation efficiency (89%) and pH-responsive release (with higher drug release in the acidic tumor microenvironment). In vitro cytotoxicity assays showed that PZ1-Zein NPs significantly reduced IC50 values in HNSCC cell lines (e.g., SCC-25: 7.5 µM vs. 19.3 µM for free peptide, p < 0.001) while exhibiting improved selectivity for cancer cells over normal HaCaT cells. Mechanistic investigations confirmed that PZ1-Zein NPs significantly increased apoptosis, as shown by increased caspase-3/7 activity (5.8-fold vs. 2.6-fold). These findings highlight PZ1-Zein NPs as a promising nanomedicine strategy and a candidate functional component for future dual-functional scaffolds aimed at targeted hard tissue engineering and surgery in HNSCC management. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Cancer Therapy and Emerging Biomedical Applications)

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10 pages, 1548 KB

Open AccessArticle

High-Throughput Surface Modification of Ordered Mesoporous Alumina Enables Structural Stabilization and Selective Chemical Control

by Sarah Bindon, Thomas W. Colburn and Reinhold H. Dauskardt

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 253; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040253 - 14 Feb 2026

Viewed by 703

Abstract

Porous ceramic oxides have gained significant interest as components in a wide variety of energy storage devices. Their use, however, is limited by long and high-temperature processing methods. We recently demonstrated Porogen-integrated Rapid Oxidation (PiRO) as a new method to manufacture porous aluminum [...] Read more.

Porous ceramic oxides have gained significant interest as components in a wide variety of energy storage devices. Their use, however, is limited by long and high-temperature processing methods. We recently demonstrated Porogen-integrated Rapid Oxidation (PiRO) as a new method to manufacture porous aluminum oxide in significantly shorter times and with substantial manufacturing cost savings, but challenges remain with the resultant porous matrices. First, carbonaceous residue remains in the films after the combustion event, which is necessary to minimize for electronic applications. Second, the porous structure is not stable at elevated temperatures (>250 °C), which are often required for nanocomposite applications of the matrices where filling with a second phase is achieved through high-temperature annealing. Here, we address these challenges by using post-processing treatments, including UV/Ozone, high-temperature nitrogen oven anneals, and oxygen plasma. First, we characterize the treatments’ efficacy in carbon removal using FTIR and measure bulk carbon removal with XPS. Second, we characterize the matrices’ thickness collapse and porosity changes after treatments with ellipsometry. Finally, we use nanoindentation to understand changes in stiffness resulting from the various treatments. By understanding the treatments’ roles in removing carbon from the films and stabilizing the matrix structure, we are able to select optimal post-processing treatments for designing a stable platform for further applications of the mesoporous oxide. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Energy Nanomaterials and Surface/Interface Modification Strategies)

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11 pages, 1795 KB

Open AccessArticle

Construction of Covalent Triazine Framework-Supported MnCo₂O_4.5 Nanoneedles via Enhanced Dispersion Strategy to Promote Ammonium Perchlorate Thermal Decomposition

by Bo Kou, Bowei Gao, Xianliang Chen, Wei Chen and Linghua Tan

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(4), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16040252 - 14 Feb 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 397

Abstract

Enhanced catalytic activity for composite solid propellants (CSPs) can be achieved through high-efficiency dispersion of active sites on the surface of two-dimensional (2D) materials. In this study, we report the in situ formation of MnCo₂O_4.5 nanoneedles on the surface of [...] Read more.

Enhanced catalytic activity for composite solid propellants (CSPs) can be achieved through high-efficiency dispersion of active sites on the surface of two-dimensional (2D) materials. In this study, we report the in situ formation of MnCo₂O_4.5 nanoneedles on the surface of covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs), resulting in 2D CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites with outstanding catalytic properties for the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses confirmed the successful preparation of the CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites and revealed the interaction between CTFs and MnCo₂O_4.5. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and elemental mapping further demonstrated the uniform anchoring and dispersion of MnCo₂O_4.5 nanoneedles on the layered CTF surfaces. Additionally, the obtained CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites exhibited promising catalytic capacity for AP decomposition. When added at a loading of 2 wt%, the CTF/MnCo₂O_4.5 composites significantly reduced the thermal decomposition temperature of AP by 81.3 °C, while simultaneously decreasing the content to 30 wt% compared to pure MnCo₂O_4.5 catalysts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Section Energy and Catalysis)

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Nanomaterials, Volume 16, Issue 4 (February-2 2026) – 62 articles

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