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Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 June 2025 | Viewed by 10978

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Dr. Siyi Cheng

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Guest Editor

School of Mechanical Engineering and Electronic Information, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: functionalized nanomaterials; functionalized strategies; compositions; nanostructures; energy storage

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past decades, nanomaterials have attracted significant attention due to their small size, large surface area and excellent activity. Based on state-of-the-art synthetic methods and characterization techniques, functionalization of these nanomaterials through chemical, physical and biological routes with a various type of functionalized strategies (composition modification, encapsulation, core-shell, single atom site, surface molecular engineering, etc.), compositions (metallic, bimetallic, metal oxide, carbon-based, silicon-based, etc.) and nanostructures (nanoparticles, nanowires, nanotubes, nanorods, nanosheets, etc.) allows the incorporation of a myriad of functional groups that not only enhance the existing properties of the nanomaterials but also impart additional characteristics. Due to this, functionalized nanomaterials exhibit great potential in a broad range of applications, such as energy storage (supercapacitors, Li-ion batteries), sensing (electrochemical sensor, gas sensor), environmental remediation (air pollution, water pollution, soil pollution), and catalytic applications (electrocatalysis, biocatalysis), and have yielded remarkable achievements in these areas.

This Special Issue will present the current state-of-the-art research outlining recent advances in functionalized nanomaterials, including design, synthesis, characterization, and application. We invite authors to contribute original research and review articles covering the current progress on functionalized nanomaterials for energy storage, sensing, environmental remediation and catalytic applications.

Dr. Siyi Cheng
Guest Editor

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Keywords

functionalized nanomaterials
functionalized strategies
compositions
nanostructures
energy storage
sensing
environmental remediation
catalytic

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Research

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18 pages, 4954 KiB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Growth of Au NPs on Nitrogen-Doped Graphene Quantum Dots Decorated Graphene Composites for the Construction of an Electrochemical Immunosensor and Its Application in CEA Detection

by Zhengzheng Yan, Lujie Wang and Fei Yan

Molecules 2025, 30(6), 1347; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30061347 - 17 Mar 2025

Viewed by 90

Abstract

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an important tumor biomarker for the early clinical diagnosis of various cancers, and, therefore, the accurate and sensitive quantitative determination of CEA is of vital significance. In this study, we demonstrated the in situ growth of Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) on nitrogen-doped graphene quantum dots (N-GQDs) decorated reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanocomposites by using simple drop-coating and electrochemical deposition methods. N-GQDs@rGO can be formed through the π–π stacking interaction and possesses a high specific surface area and many functional groups, providing lots of anchor sites (amino moieties in NGQDs) for the in situ electrochemical growth of AuNPs without the addition of reductants and protective agents. Such AuNPs/N-GQDs@rGO ternary nanocomposites combine the characteristics of three nanomaterials, showing a large surface area, excellent solubility, good conductivity, catalytic activity, a simple fabrication process, and notable stability, which are further used to construct a label-free electrochemical immunosensor for the determination of CEA. Under the optimized experimental conditions, the AuNPs/N-GQDs@rGO-based electrochemical immunosensor achieves a broad linear response, ranging from 1 pg/mL to 0.5 μg/mL and a low detection limit of 0.13 pg/mL. Moreover, the AuNPs/N-GQDs@rGO-based electrochemical immunosensor shows exceptional selectivity, anti-interference, and anti-fouling capabilities for the direct analysis of CEA amounts in fetal bovine serum samples, showing vast potential in the clinical screening of cancer. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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10 pages, 2006 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pressure Engineering to Enable Improved Stability and Performance of Metal Halide Perovskite Photovoltaics

by Erin Burgard, Saivineeth Penukula, Marco Casareto and Nicholas Rolston

Molecules 2025, 30(6), 1292; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30061292 - 13 Mar 2025

Viewed by 181

Abstract

In this work, we demonstrate that an external pressure of 15–30 kPa can significantly improve metal halide perovskite (MHP) film thermal stability. We demonstrate this through the application of weight on top of an MHP film during thermal aging in preserving the perovskite phase and the mobile ion concentration, an effect which we hypothesize reduces the extent to which volatile species can escape from the MHP lattice. This method is shown to be effective for a more scalable approach by only applying the weight to a cover glass during the lamination of an epoxy-based resin, after which the weight is removed. The amount of pressure applied during lamination is shown to correlate with stability in both 1 sun illumination and damp heat testing. Lastly, the performance of MHP photovoltaic devices is improved using pressure during lamination, an effect which is attributed to improved interfacial contact between the MHP and the adjacent charge transport layers and healing of any voids or defects that may exist at the buried interface after processing. As such, there are implications for tuning the amount of pressure that is applied during lamination to enable the durability of MHP solar modules toward manufacturing-scale deployment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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17 pages, 9683 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ultra-Sensitive Nanoplatform for Detection of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Using Silica-Coated Gold Nanoparticles with Enzyme-Formed Quantum Dots

by Seona Yu, Jaewon Choi, Yu-Rim Ahn, Minse Kim, Nanhyeon Kim, Hwunjae Lee and Hyun-Ouk Kim

Molecules 2025, 30(3), 699; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30030699 - 5 Feb 2025

Viewed by 486

Abstract

A fluorescence-based detection platform was developed for brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a key biomarker of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This platform utilizes localized surface plasmon resonance effects resulting from the interactions between silica-coated gold nanoparticles (Au@SiO₂) and enzymatically synthesized quantum dots (QDs). The gold nanoparticles were silica coated via the hydrolysis of tetraethyl orthosilicate, which allowed for precise control over the distance between the nanoparticles and QDs and refined the dynamics of fluorescence quenching and enhancement. Antibody conjugation was performed via sequential amination and carboxylation, followed by EDC/NHS coupling. BDNF was detected across a range of concentrations, from 1 ng/mL to 1 ng/mL, using an alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-conjugated polyclonal antibody targeting a secondary epitope of BDNF. The enzymatic hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate by immobilized ALP led to the formation of cadmium sulfide QDs, with the fluorescence intensity correlating directly with the BDNF concentration. This platform offers a refined and precise method for detecting BDNF and is a reliable tool for the early diagnosis of AD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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17 pages, 4964 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Laser-Induced Graphene Decorated with MOF-Derived NiCo-LDH for Highly Sensitive Non-Enzymatic Glucose Sensor

by Longxiao Li, Yufei Han, Yuzhe Zhang, Weijia Wu, Wei Du, Guojun Wen and Siyi Cheng

Molecules 2024, 29(23), 5662; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29235662 - 29 Nov 2024

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 930

Abstract

Designing and fabricating a highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor is crucial for the early detection and management of diabetes. Meanwhile, the development of innovative electrode substrates has become a key focus for addressing the growing demand for constructing flexible sensors. Here, a simple one-step laser engraving method is applied for preparing laser-induced graphene (LIG) on polyimide (PI) film, which serves as the sensor substrate. NiCo-layered double hydroxides (NiCo-LDH) are synthesized on LIG as a precursor, utilizing the zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67), and then reacted with Ni(NO₃)₂ via solvent-thermal methods. The sensitivity of the non-enzymatic electrochemical glucose sensor is significantly improved by employing NiCo-LDH/LIG as the sensing material. The porous and interconnected structure of NiCo-LDH, derived from ZIF-67, enhances the accessibility of electrochemically active sites, while the incorporation of LIG ensures exceptional conductivity. The combination of NiCo-LDH with LIG enables efficient electron transport, leading to an increased electrochemically active surface area and enhanced catalytic efficiency. The fabricated electrode achieves a low glucose detection limit of 0.437 μM and demonstrates a high sensitivity of 1141.2 and 631.1 μA mM⁻² cm⁻² within the linear ranges of 0–770 μM and 770–1970 μM, respectively. Furthermore, the NiCo-LDH/LIG glucose sensor demonstrates superior reliability and little impact from other substances. A flexible integrated LIG-based non-enzymatic glucose sensor has been developed, demonstrating high sensitivity and suggesting a promising application for LIG-based chemical sensors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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25 pages, 10548 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Three-Dimensional Chitosan-Based Scaffolds Modified with Poly(dopamine)/CBD@Pt/Au/PVP Nanoparticles as Potential NGCs Applicable in Nervous Tissue Regeneration—Preparation and Characterization

by Aleksandra Sierakowska-Byczek, Aleksandra Gałuszka, Łukasz Janus and Julia Radwan-Pragłowska

Molecules 2024, 29(22), 5376; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29225376 - 14 Nov 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 953

Abstract

Tissue engineering of nervous tissue is a promising direction in the treatment of neurological diseases such as spinal cord injuries or neuropathies. Thanks to technological progress and scientific achievements; the use of cells; artificial scaffolds; and growth factors are becoming increasingly common. Despite challenges such as the complex structure of this tissue, regenerative medicine appears as a promising future approach to improve the quality of life of patients with nervous injuries. Until now; most functional biomaterials used for this purpose were based on decellularized extra cellular matrix (ECM) or nanofibrous materials, whereas current clinically verified ones in most cases do not exhibit bioactivity or the possibility for external stimulation. The aim of this research was to develop a new type of bioactive, chitosan-based 3D materials applicable as nerve guide conduits (NGCs) modified with poly(dopamine), Au/Pt coated with PVP nanoparticles, and cannabidiol. The NGCs were prepared under microwave-assisted conditions and their chemical structure was studied using the FT-IR method. Next, this study will discuss novel biomaterials for morphology and swelling abilities as well as susceptibility to biodegradation in the presence of collagenase and lysozyme. Finally, their potential in the field of nervous tissue engineering has been verified via a cytotoxicity study using the 1321N1 human astrocytoma cell line, which confirmed their biocompatibility in direct contact studies. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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14 pages, 4249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Concisely Constructing S, F Co-Modified MnO Nanoparticles Attached to S, N Co-Doped Carbon Skeleton as a High-Rate Performance Anode Material

by Dan Zhang, Chunyan Zhang, Zhe Huo, Jia Sun, Guangyin Liu, Xiaodi Liu and Chuang Yu

Molecules 2024, 29(18), 4306; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29184306 - 11 Sep 2024

Viewed by 899

Abstract

The utilization of MnO anodes with high storage capacity is significantly hindered by rapid capacity fading and inadequate rate capability, stemming from substantial volume fluctuations and low electrical conductivity. Crafting a composite comprising sulfur and fluorine co-modified MnO nanoparticles integrated with sulfur and nitrogen co-doped carbon matrices promises enhanced electrochemical performance yet poses formidable obstacles. Here, we present a straightforward synthetic strategy for in situ growth of sulfur and fluorine co-modified MnO nanoparticles onto sulfur and nitrogen co-doped carbon scaffolds. This integration effectively mitigates volume variations and enhances electrical conductivity. As a result, the SF-MnO/SNC composite demonstrates remarkable cycling stability and rate capability when employed as a lithium-ion battery anode. Remarkably, it achieves a high reversible capacity of 975 mAh g⁻¹ after 80 cycles at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and retains a substantial capacity of 498 mAh g⁻¹ even at a high rate of 2.0 A g⁻¹. The concise synthesis method and exceptional rate properties render the SF-MnO/SNC composite a promising anode material for lithium-ion batteries. The strategy of simultaneously doping oxides and carbon will bring new ideas to the research of oxide anodes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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14 pages, 7294 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Investigating the Potential of Ghee Precursor-Derived Carbon Nano Onions for Enhancing Interfacial Bonding in Thermoplastic Composites

by Kailashbalan Periasamy, Maryam Darouie, Raj Das and Akbar A. Khatibi

Molecules 2024, 29(5), 928; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29050928 - 20 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1543

Abstract

In this study, we employed a straightforward flame synthesis process to produce carbon soot containing carbon nano onions (CNOs) using easily accessible ghee oil as a precursor. The ghee oil, with a molecular composition rich in more than 50 carbon atoms, served as an effective source for generating CNOs. The synthesized CNO particles underwent comprehensive characterization through high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyses, providing a detailed account of their physicochemical properties. In addition, we explored the direct deposition of CNOs on carbon fiber (CF) surfaces for 5 and 10 min via a soot deposition process. The resulting freeze–fracture images obtained from scanning electron microscope (SEM) offered insights into the morphology of the CNO-deposited CF. Our study aims to shed light on the potential applications of CNOs, focusing on their characterization and the possible benefits they may offer in diverse fields, including but not limited to enhancing interfacial bonding in thermoplastic composites. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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10 pages, 3863 KiB

Open AccessCommunication

Synthesis of Temperature Sensing Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Dots and Their Application in Fluorescent Ink

by Pingping Liu, Lu Ga, Yong Wang and Jun Ai

Molecules 2023, 28(18), 6607; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28186607 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1401

Abstract

With the discovery of research, many properties of carbon dots are getting better and better. People have taken advantage of this and utilized them interspersed in various fields. In the present study, water-soluble nitrogen-doped carbon dots (N-CDs) with excellent optical and fluorescence thermal properties were prepared by the hydrothermal method using 4-dimethylaminopyridine and N,N′-methylenebisacrylamide as precursors. Co²⁺ has a selective bursting effect on the fluorescence of N-CDs. The fluorescence of N-CDs is selectively burst by Co²⁺, and the high sensitivity is good in the range of 0–12 μM with a detection limit of 74 nM. In addition, the good temperature response (reversible and recoverable fluorescence in the temperature range of 20~90 °C) and excellent optical properties of the N-CDs also make them new potentials in the field of fluorescent inks and temperature sensing. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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14 pages, 4764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hierarchical Lotus-Seedpod-Derived Porous Activated Carbon Encapsulated with NiCo₂S₄ for a High-Performance All-Solid-State Asymmetric Supercapacitor

by Siyi Cheng, Xiaowu Wang, Kang Du, Yu Mao, Yufei Han, Longxiao Li, Xingyue Liu and Guojun Wen

Molecules 2023, 28(13), 5020; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28135020 - 27 Jun 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1506

Abstract

Converting biowaste into carbon-based supercapacitor materials provides a new solution for high-performance and environmentally friendly energy storage applications. Herein, the hierarchical PAC/NiCo₂S₄ composite structure was fabricated through the combination of activation and sulfuration treatments. The PAC/NiCo₂S₄ electrode garnered advantages from its hierarchical structure and hollow architecture, resulting in a notable specific capacitance (1217.2 F g⁻¹ at 1.25 A g⁻¹) and superior cycling stability. Moreover, a novel all-solid-state asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was successfully constructed, utilizing PAC/NiCo₂S₄ as the cathode and PAC as the anode. The resultant device exhibited exceptionally high energy (49.7 Wh kg⁻¹) and power density (4785.5 W kg⁻¹), indicating the potential of this biomass-derived, hierarchical PAC/NiCo₂S₄ composite structure for employment in high-performance supercapacitors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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27 pages, 9495 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Advances in the Application of Bionanosensors for the Analysis of Heavy Metals in Aquatic Environments

by Bin Wu, Lu Ga, Yong Wang and Jun Ai

Molecules 2024, 29(1), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29010034 - 20 Dec 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2056

Abstract

Heavy-metal ions (HMIs) as a pollutant, if not properly processed, used, and disposed of, will not only have an influence on the ecological environment but also pose significant health hazards to humans, making them a primary factor that endangers human health and harms the environment. Heavy metals come from a variety of sources, the most common of which are agriculture, industry, and sewerage. As a result, there is an urgent demand for portable, low-cost, and effective analytical tools. Bionanosensors have been rapidly developed in recent years due to their advantages of speed, mobility, and high sensitivity. To accomplish effective HMI pollution control, it is important not only to precisely pinpoint the source and content of pollution but also to perform real-time and speedy in situ detection of its composition. This study summarizes heavy-metal-ion (HMI) sensing research advances over the last five years (2019–2023), describing and analyzing major examples of electrochemical and optical bionanosensors for Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cr⁶⁺, and Zn²⁺. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Recent Advances in Functionalized Nanomaterials: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Application)

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