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Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications
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Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications

A special issue of Molecules (ISSN 1420-3049). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Chemistry".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 April 2023) | Viewed by 8469

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Mariana Emilia Ghica

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Guest Editor
Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre (CIEPQPF), Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: nanostructured electrode materials; electrochemical (bio)sensors; nanotechnology; aerogels; environmental remediation; biomedical applications; DNA antioxidants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Luciana I.N. Tomé

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Chemical Process Engineering and Forest Products Research Centre, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: biopolymers; aerogels; scaffolds; scCO2; thermodynamics
Dr. Ana Dora Rodrigues Pontinha

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
1. University of Coimbra, ISISE, ARISE, Department of Civil Engineering, Rua Luís Reis Santos, 3030-788 Coimbra, Portugal
2. SeaPower, Associação para o desenvolvimento da Economia do Mar, Rua Das Acácias, Nº 40A, Parque Industrial Da Figueira Da Foz, 3090-380 Figueira Da Foz, Portugal
Interests: bioelectrochemistry; redox flow batteries; aerogel; biomaterials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Andreia Romeiro

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Guest Editor
Centre for Mechanical Engineering, Materials and Processes, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
Interests: environmental chemistry; homogeneous catalysis; heterogenous catalysis; photochemistry; photocatalysis; photodegradation; water treatment; emerging contaminants; advanced oxidation processes; polymers; nanotechnology; aerogels

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The sol–gel method is a widely used approach for the synthesis of innovative nanomaterials, including nanoparticles and aerogels, among others. Based on the production of a homogeneous sol from precursors and its conversion into a wet gel, which is finally dried under different conditions, this method provides a convenient and industrial path for the synthesis of high-quality nanostructures. These nanomaterials can be tailored to fit a wide range of applications, such as optical, electronic, energy, surface engineering, biosensors, and pharmaceutical as well as separation technologies. Most recently, particular concern was devoted to the synthesis of these nanomaterials through sustainable routes, including recycled and less-toxic sources.

For this Special Issue, we are seeking manuscripts that cover a wide range of topics in the field of sol–gel-derived nanomaterials; “green” technologies and life cycle assessment approaches are encouraged. Your contributions may include original research papers or critical reviews based on experimental or theoretical modeling and simulation approaches.

Dr. Mariana Emilia Ghica
Dr. Luciana I.N. Tomé
Dr. Ana Dora Rodrigues Pontinha
Dr. Andreia Romeiro
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Molecules is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2700 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • aerogels
  • nanocomposites
  • biomaterials
  • green
  • life-cycle assessment
  • functional
  • modelling
  • simulation
  • scale up

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

20 pages, 3334 KiB  
Article
Study and Optimization of a Micro-Structured Waveguiding and Fluorescent Sol-Gel Architecture
by Ibtihel Marzouk, David Riassetto, Alain Morand, Davide Bucci and Michel Langlet
Molecules 2023, 28(12), 4608; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28124608 - 07 Jun 2023
Viewed by 764
Abstract
Channel waveguides with diffraction gratings at their input and output for light injection and extraction, respectively, constitute the key components for applications in integrated optics and photonics. Here, we report for the first time on such fluorescent micro-structured architecture entirely elaborated on glass [...] Read more.
Channel waveguides with diffraction gratings at their input and output for light injection and extraction, respectively, constitute the key components for applications in integrated optics and photonics. Here, we report for the first time on such fluorescent micro-structured architecture entirely elaborated on glass by sol-gel processing. This architecture particularly takes advantage of a high-refractive index and transparent titanium oxide-based, sol-gel photoresist that can be imprinted through a single photolithography step. This resist enabled us to photo-imprint the input and output gratings on a photo-imprinted channel waveguide doped with a ruthenium complex fluorophore (Rudpp). In this paper, the elaboration conditions and optical characterizations of derived architectures are presented and discussed with respect to optical simulations. We firstly show how the optimization of a two-step deposition/insolation sol-gel procedure leads to reproducible and uniform grating/waveguide architectures elaborated on rather large dimensions. Then, we show how this reproducibility and uniformity govern the reliability of fluorescence measurements in waveguiding configuration. These measurements demonstrate that: (i) our sol-gel architecture is well adapted to the efficient channel–waveguide/diffraction grating coupling at the Rudpp excitation and emission wavelengths; (ii) it enables an efficient propagation of the emission signal in the core of the waveguide allowing its photo-detection after extraction through the output grating; and (iii) it is affected by very reduced parasitic mechanisms, such as propagation losses and photobleaching features. This work constitutes a promising preliminary step toward the integration of our architecture in a microfluidic platform for further fluorescence measurements in liquid medium and waveguiding configuration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications)
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9 pages, 5463 KiB  
Communication
Physicochemical and Antibacterial Evaluation of TiO2/CNT Mesoporous Nanomaterials Prepared by High-Pressure Hydrothermal Sol–Gel Method under an Ultrasonic Composite Environment
by Huansheng Lai, Zilong Zhao, Wenhe Yu, Yuan Lin and Zhiyuan Feng
Molecules 2023, 28(7), 3190; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073190 - 03 Apr 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1225
Abstract
TiO2 has attracted significant research interest, principally due to its nontoxicity, high stability, and abundance. Carbon-doped TiO2 can improve light absorption efficiency. In order to prepare high-efficiency photocatalysts, carbon-doped composites were prepared by hydrothermal reaction in a high-pressure reactor, and then [...] Read more.
TiO2 has attracted significant research interest, principally due to its nontoxicity, high stability, and abundance. Carbon-doped TiO2 can improve light absorption efficiency. In order to prepare high-efficiency photocatalysts, carbon-doped composites were prepared by hydrothermal reaction in a high-pressure reactor, and then TiO2/CNT mesoporous composites were prepared by the sol–gel method in an ultrasonic environment. Characterized by SEM and TEM, the composite materials contained TiO2 nanoparticles as well as CNT. After phase analysis, it was the anatase-doped phase. The following infrared light absorption performance and Escherichia coli bactericidal performance tests showed that it had better infrared and visible light absorption performance than pure TiO2. The TiO2/CNT mesoporous nanomaterials synthesized in this work are possible for clean industrial productions. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications)
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14 pages, 1767 KiB  
Article
Molecularly Imprinted Methyl-Modified Hollow TiO2 Microspheres
by Vanessa R. A. Ferreira, Manuel A. Azenha, Carlos M. Pereira and António F. Silva
Molecules 2022, 27(23), 8510; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238510 - 03 Dec 2022
Viewed by 1135
Abstract
The possibility of generating organically modified hollow TiO2 microspheres via a simple sol-gel synthesis was demonstrated for the first time in this work. A mixture of titania precursors, including an organically modified precursor, was used to obtain methyl-modified hollow TiO2 microspheres [...] Read more.
The possibility of generating organically modified hollow TiO2 microspheres via a simple sol-gel synthesis was demonstrated for the first time in this work. A mixture of titania precursors, including an organically modified precursor, was used to obtain methyl-modified hollow TiO2 microspheres selective for bilirubin by the molecular imprinting technique (Methyl-HTM-MIM). Methyl-HTM-MIM were prepared by a sol-gel method using titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP), and methyltitanium triisopropoxide (MTTIP) as precursors. Two ratios of titania precursors were tested (1/6 and 1/30 molMTTIP/molTTIP). With the characterization results obtained by the SEM and ATR-FTIR techniques, it was possible to establish that only the 1/30 molMTTIP/molTTIP ratio allowed for the preparation of hollow spheres with a reasonably homogeneous methylated-TiO2 shell. It was possible to obtain a certain degree of organization of the hybrid network, which increased with calcination temperatures. By adjusting isothermal adsorption models, imprinting parameters were determined, indicating that the new methylated microspheres presented greater selectivity for bilirubin than the totally inorganic hollow TiO2 microspheres. The effectiveness of the molecular imprinting technique was proven for the first time in an organically modified titania material, with imprinting factor values greater than 1.4, corresponding to a significant increase in the maximum adsorption capacity of the template represented by the molecularly imprinted microspheres. In summary, the results obtained with the new methyl-HTM-MIM open the possibility of exploring the application of these microspheres for selective sorption (separation or sensing, for example) or perhaps even for selective photocatalysis, particularly for the degradation of organic compounds. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications)
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12 pages, 3163 KiB  
Article
Silica Aerogel-Rubber Composite: A Sustainable Alternative for Buildings’ Thermal Insulation
by Patrícia Alves, Diogo Azeiteiro Dias and Ana Dora Rodrigues Pontinha
Molecules 2022, 27(20), 7127; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27207127 - 21 Oct 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2093
Abstract
Silica aerogel composites with recycled tire rubber have been synthesized and evaluated for their potential use for thermal protection in buildings. The present work describes for the first time the preparation of silica-based aerogel composites containing recycled rubber tires reinforced with polyvinyl butyral [...] Read more.
Silica aerogel composites with recycled tire rubber have been synthesized and evaluated for their potential use for thermal protection in buildings. The present work describes for the first time the preparation of silica-based aerogel composites containing recycled rubber tires reinforced with polyvinyl butyral (PVB) by hot pressing. The developed composite was extensively characterized regarding its physical, morphological, thermal and mechanical features, and the results showed their properties were relevant, leading to composites with different properties/performances. The obtained bulk density values were satisfactory, down to 474 kg·m−3, and very good thermal properties were achieved, namely, thermal conductivity as low as 55 mW·m−1·K−1 for composites with silica aerogel, recycled tire rubber and PVB. The most promising composites were those based on low bulk density and thermal conductivity values, and they were thermally stable, indicating their suitability for thermal insulation applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications)
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15 pages, 2520 KiB  
Article
Silica/Proteoliposomal Nanocomposite as a Potential Platform for Ion Channel Studies
by Rocío Esquembre, María Lourdes Renart, José Antonio Poveda and C. Reyes Mateo
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6658; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196658 - 07 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1010
Abstract
The nanostructuration of solid matrices with lipid nanoparticles containing membrane proteins is a promising tool for the development of high-throughput screening devices. Here, sol-gel silica-derived nanocomposites loaded with liposome-reconstituted KcsA, a prokaryotic potassium channel, have been synthesized. The conformational and functional stability of [...] Read more.
The nanostructuration of solid matrices with lipid nanoparticles containing membrane proteins is a promising tool for the development of high-throughput screening devices. Here, sol-gel silica-derived nanocomposites loaded with liposome-reconstituted KcsA, a prokaryotic potassium channel, have been synthesized. The conformational and functional stability of these lipid nanoparticles before and after sol-gel immobilization have been characterized by using dynamic light scattering, and steady-state and time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy methods. The lipid-reconstituted KcsA channel entrapped in the sol-gel matrix retained the conformational and stability changes induced by the presence of blocking or permeant cations in the buffer (associated with the conformation of the selectivity filter) or by a drop in the pH (associated with the opening of the activation gate of the protein). Hence, these results indicate that this novel device has the potential to be used as a screening platform to test new modulating drugs of potassium channels. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications)
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15 pages, 3937 KiB  
Article
Cobalt Ferrite Particles Produced by Sol-Gel Autocombustion and Embedded in Polysilane: An Innovative Route to Magnetically-Induced Fluorescence Composites
by Petrisor Samoila, Corneliu Cojocaru, Mihaela Simionescu, Gabriela Sacarescu, Gheorghe Roman, Andra-Cristina Enache and Liviu Sacarescu
Molecules 2022, 27(19), 6393; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27196393 - 27 Sep 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1327
Abstract
Fluorescence detection is currently one of the commonly used techniques worldwide. Through this work, the preparation and optical properties of an interesting composite material are discussed. It is shown that encapsulating cobalt spinel ferrite (CoFe2O4), obtained by the sol-gel [...] Read more.
Fluorescence detection is currently one of the commonly used techniques worldwide. Through this work, the preparation and optical properties of an interesting composite material are discussed. It is shown that encapsulating cobalt spinel ferrite (CoFe2O4), obtained by the sol-gel autocombustion method, into poly[diphenyl-co-methyl(H)]silane matrix leads to fluoromagnetic particles (PSCo) with intriguing optical properties. Transmission electron microscopy, combined with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, showed 500 nm large spherical structures containing a core (around 400 nm in diameter) composed of magnetic ferrite particles, surrounded by a thin layer of semiconductive fluorescent polymer. The as-obtained material exhibited ferrimagnetic properties. The FTIR spectrum confirmed that the Si-H functionality of the polysilane was preserved. UV spectroscopy combined with molecular modeling studies indicated that the magnetic core had a strong influence on the intramolecular electron transitions characteristic of the σ-conjugated polysilane. Further analysis by steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy revealed that the internal magnetic field strongly enhances the polysilane emission. This property will be further investigated in the future in order to develop new detection devices. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sol-Gel Derived Nanostructured Materials with Innovative Characteristics and Diversified Applications)
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