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A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Synthesis, Interfaces and Nanostructures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 April 2026) | Viewed by 27045

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Prof. Dr. Gang Xiang

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Guest Editor

College of Physics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
Interests: design; fabrication and physics of solid-state quantum materials for electronic; spintronic and energy applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Dr. Dingyu Yang

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Guest Editor

College of Optoelectronic Engineering, Chengdu University of Information Technology, Chengdu, China
Interests: development and application of advanced energy materials for solar cells; metal-ion batteries; and electrocatalysis

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The rapid advancement of energy technologies has significantly accelerated the development of advanced energy materials. The Special Issue “Nanostructured Materials for Electric Applications” aims to provide a comprehensive platform for researchers to share their latest findings in various domains, including solar cells, metal-ion batteries, triboelectric nanogenerators, electrocatalysts, etc. By focusing on innovative materials and their applications, this Special Issue seeks to highlight breakthroughs in the design, synthesis, and characterization of materials that enhance the efficiency, stability, and overall performance of energy devices. For instance, in the realm of solar cells, contributions will cover the innovations to improve light harvesting and carrier collection in perovskite, quantum dot, organic heterojunction, and dye-sensitized solar cells. For metal-ion batteries, articles will explore novel electrode and electrolyte materials, advanced characterization techniques, and theoretical studies that address performance improvements and commercialization challenges. Additionally, research on electrocatalysis will examine the catalytic activity and/or the stabilization of the materials, with a focus on enhancing efficiencies for applications such as fuel cells and hydrogen production.

By bringing together cutting-edge research, this Special Issue aims to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange among researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers. Through this collection, we hope to inspire new ideas and approaches, driving further advancements in energy technologies and contributing to a sustainable future.

Prof. Dr. Gang Xiang
Dr. Dingyu Yang
Guest Editors

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Keywords

solar cells
metal-ion batteries
triboelectric nanogenerators
photocatalysts
electrocatalysts

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Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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10 pages, 3832 KB

Open AccessArticle

Angle-Dependent Terahertz Circular Dichroism and Full-Space Polarization Manipulation via Extrinsic Chiral Metasurfaces

by Mengxiang Wan, Jiahao Shen, Hang Xu, Jialuo Ding, Cheng Chen, Qi Dong, Yuanyuan Lv, Lin Liu, Li Luo, Tingting Tang, Jie Li and Jianquan Yao

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(10), 595; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16100595 (registering DOI) - 13 May 2026

Viewed by 181

Abstract

Extrinsic chiral metasurfaces offer a promising route for controlling chiroptical responses through incident angle variation, yet the simultaneous realization of strong circular dichroism and full-space polarization beam splitting remains challenging. In this work, we propose an all-dielectric extrinsic chiral metasurface that leverages obliquely incident terahertz waves to break in-plane symmetry, thereby activating out-of-plane multipoles and inducing strong spin-selective scattering. At an incident angle of 30°, the metasurface achieves efficient full-space separation of left- and right-handed circularly polarized waves, with a circular dichroism peak exceeding 0.7 near 0.48 THz. Moreover, by varying the incident angle or operating frequency, the polarization state of the reflected wave can be continuously tuned from linear to elliptical to nearly circular, as visualized on the Poincaré sphere. This angle-dependent, full-space polarization manipulation capability highlights the potential of the proposed metasurface for applications in advanced terahertz imaging, LiDAR, and integrated photonic systems. Full article

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

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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 484

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 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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13 pages, 2433 KB

Open AccessArticle

Tunable Chiral Terahertz Wave Absorption and Beam Manipulation Based on Vanadium Dioxide Metasurfaces

by Li Luo, Boyu Chen, Jie Li, Yi Zheng, Jin He, Yuanyuan Lv, Lin Liu, Cheng Chen, Jialuo Ding, Xiang Yan, Junqi Chen, Tian Tian, Zhe Zhao, Zhanyi Lin, Menghan Chen, Lin Liang and Jianquan Yao

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(3), 189; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16030189 - 30 Jan 2026

Viewed by 546

Abstract

Chiral metasurfaces exhibit enormous potential in optical applications, and their integration with phase-change material vanadium dioxide (VO₂) provides a novel pathway for dynamic regulation. In this study, a chiral absorptive metasurface based on VO₂ is designed. By tuning the VO₂ conductivity around the operating frequency of 2.81 THz, the circular dichroism (CD) can be continuously adjusted from 0.06 to 0.95, realizing a high-contrast chiral switch. On this basis, the Pancharatnam–Berry (PB) phase is introduced to construct a chirality-dependent phase gradient: when the VO₂ conductivity is 200,000 S/m, only the left-handed circularly polarized (LCP) wave is subjected to periodic phase modulation, enabling controllable deflection of the reflected beam, while the right-handed circularly polarized (RCP) wave is selectively absorbed. This “chiral phase encoding” strategy simultaneously achieves absorptive CD tuning and reflective beam shaping on a single metasurface, significantly enhancing the flexible manipulation capability of circular polarization states in the terahertz band. It provides a compact and efficient solution for reconfigurable imaging, unidirectional communication, and integrated photonics systems. Full article

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

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15 pages, 4990 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multiscale Structural Modulation and Synergistic Enhancement of Transparency and Relaxor Behavior in La³⁺-Doped KNN Lead-Free Ceramics

by Xu Yang, Lingzhi Wang, Li Luo, Wenjuan Wu, Bo Wu, Junjie Li, Jie Li, Tixian Zeng and Gengpei Xia

Nanomaterials 2026, 16(2), 149; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano16020149 - 22 Jan 2026

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 391

Abstract

Lead-free transparent ferroelectric ceramics with integrated opto-electro-mechanical functionalities are pivotal for next-generation multifunctional devices. In this study, K_0.48Na_0.52NbO₃-xLa₂O₃ (KNN-xLa, x = 0.005 − 0.04) ceramics were fabricated via a conventional solid-state route to investigate the La³⁺-induced multiscale structural evolution and its modulation of optical and electrical properties. La³⁺ substitution drives a critical structural transition from an anisotropic orthorhombic phase (Amm2) to a high-symmetry pseudocubic-like tetragonal phase (P4mm) for x ≥ 0.025, characterized by minimal lattice distortion (c/a = 1.0052). This enhanced structural isotropy, coupled with submicron grain refinement (<1 μm) driven by

V_{A}^{'}

-mediated solute drag, effectively suppresses light scattering. Consequently, a high-transparency plateau (T₇₈₀ ≈ 53–58%, T₁₇₀₀ ≈ 70–72%) is achieved for 0.025 ≤ x ≤ 0.035. Simultaneously, the system undergoes a crossover from normal ferroelectric (FE) to relaxor (RF) state, governed by an FE–RF boundary at x = 0.015. While x = 0.005 exhibits robust piezoelectricity (d₃₃ ≈ 92 pC/N), the x = 0.015 composition facilitates a transitional polar state with large strain (0.179%) and high polarization (P_m ≈ 33.3 μC/cm², P_r ≈ 15.8 μC/cm²). Piezoresponse force microscopy (PFM) confirms the domain evolution from lamellar macro-domains to speckle-like polar nanoregions (PNRs), elucidating the intrinsic trade-off between optical transparency and piezoelectricity. This work underscores La³⁺ as a potent structural modifier for tailoring phase boundaries and defect chemistry, providing a cost-effective framework for developing high-performance transparent electromechanical materials. Full article

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

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17 pages, 4713 KB

Open AccessArticle

A Comprehensive Study of the Effect of Lubricant in the Sizing Agent on the Properties of a Basalt Fiber and Epoxy Resin Composite Material

by Jiajun He, Chuan Lai, Junlan Li, Ning Yang, Bin Xie, Xiaolong Li, Yuanfang Deng and Like Zou

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(11), 838; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15110838 - 30 May 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1123

Abstract

Based on the formula for the sizing agent for basalt fiber, this paper presents a comprehensive study of the effects of lubricants on the properties of sizing agents, basalt fiber, and epoxy resin composite materials. Through testing and analysis of physical and chemical parameters, a new sizing agent with excellent performance was developed. The results demonstrated that the components and proportions of the lubricant significantly affected the physical and chemical parameters of the emulsion, as well as the mechanical properties of the basalt fibers and their epoxy resin composite materials. The lubricant with the combination ratio of 0.70% saturated fatty acid polyoxyethylene ester and 0.30% unsaturated fatty acid polyoxyethylene ester and imidazoline lubricant-I produced basalt fiber with the best mechanical properties. The single fiber tensile strength and yarn breaking strength increased by 18.42% and 12.5%. Furthermore, the lubricant with the combination ratio of 0.70% saturated fatty acid polyoxyethylene ester and 0.30% unsaturated fatty acid polyoxyethylene ester and imidazoline lubricant-III resulted in the best mechanical properties for Epoxy–BFRP composite materials. The tensile strength of the Epoxy–BFRP composite material increased by 13.2%, the tensile modulus increased by 45.2%, and the flexural strength increased by 12.0%. Full article

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

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11 pages, 2655 KB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Optical and Electrical Properties of IGZO/Ag/IGZO for Solar Cell Application via Post-Rapid Thermal Annealing

by Chanmin Hwang, Taegi Kim, Yuseong Jang, Doowon Lee and Hee-Dong Kim

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(22), 1841; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14221841 - 18 Nov 2024

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3601

Abstract

In this paper, we optimized IGZO/Ag/IGZO (IAI) multilayer films by post-rapid thermal annealing (RTA) to enhance the electrical conductivity and optical transmittance in visible wavelengths for solar cell applications. Our optimized device showed an average transmittance of 85% in the visible range, with a lowest sheet resistance of 6.03 Ω/□ when annealed at 500 °C for 60 s. Based on these results, we assessed our device with photo-generated short circuit current density (J_SC) using a solar cell simulator to confirm its applicability in the solar cell. IAI multilayer RTA at 500 °C for 60 s showed a highest J_SC of 40.73 mA/cm². These results show that our proposed IAI multilayer film, which showed a high optical transparency and electrical conductivity optimized with post RTA, seems to be excellent transparent electrode for solar cell applications. Full article

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

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13 pages, 4891 KB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Förster Resonance Energy Transfer and Enhanced Emission in Cs₄PbBr₆ Nanocrystals Encapsulated in Silicon Nano-Sheets for Perovskite Light Emitting Diode Applications

by Araceli Herrera Mondragon, Roberto Gonzalez Rodriguez, Noah Hurley, Sinto Varghese, Yan Jiang, Brian Squires, Maoding Cheng, Brooke Davis, Qinglong Jiang, Mansour Mortazavi, Anupama B. Kaul, Jeffery L. Coffer, Jingbiao Cui and Yuankun Lin

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1596; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191596 - 3 Oct 2024

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2795

Abstract

Encapsulating Cs₄PbBr₆ quantum dots in silicon nano-sheets not only stabilizes the halide perovskite, but also takes advantage of the nano-sheet for a compatible integration with the traditional silicon semiconductor. Here, we report the preparation of un-passivated Cs₄PbBr₆ ellipsoidal nanocrystals and pseudo-spherical quantum dots in silicon nano-sheets and their enhanced photoluminescence (PL). For a sample with low concentrations of quantum dots in silicon nano-sheets, the emission from Cs₄PbBr₆ pseudo-spherical quantum dots is quenched and is dominated with Pb²⁺ ion/silicene emission, which is very stable during the whole measurement period. For a high concentration of Cs₄PbBr₆ ellipsoidal nanocrystals in silicon nano-sheets, we have observed Förster resonance energy transfer with up to 87% efficiency through the oscillation of two PL peaks when UV excitation switches between on and off, using recorded video and PL lifetime measurements. In an area of a non-uniform sample containing both ellipsoidal nanocrystals and pseudo-spherical quantum dots, where Pb²⁺ ion/silicene emissions, broadband emissions from quantum dots, and bandgap edge emissions (515 nm) appear, the 515 nm peak intensity increases five times over 30 min of UV excitation, probably due to a photon recycling effect. This irradiated sample has been stable for one year of ambient storage. Cs₄PbBr₆ quantum dots encapsulated in silicon nano-sheets can lead to applications of halide perovskite light emitting diodes (PeLEDs) and integration with traditional semiconductor materials. Full article

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

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12 pages, 2584 KB

Open AccessArticle

Bandgap Engineering via Doping Strategies for Narrowing the Bandgap below 1.2 eV in Sn/Pb Binary Perovskites: Unveiling the Role of Bi³⁺ Incorporation on Different A-Site Compositions

by Jeong-Yeon Lee, Seojun Lee, Jun Ryu and Dong-Won Kang

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1554; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191554 - 26 Sep 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3778

Abstract

The integration of perovskite materials in solar cells has garnered significant attention due to their exceptional photovoltaic properties. However, achieving a bandgap energy below 1.2 eV remains challenging, particularly for applications requiring infrared absorption, such as sub-cells in tandem solar cells and single-junction perovskite solar cells. In this study, we employed a doping strategy to engineer the bandgap and observed that the doping effects varied depending on the A-site cation. Specifically, we investigated the impact of bismuth (Bi³⁺) incorporation into perovskites with different A-site cations, such as cesium (Cs) and methylammonium (MA). Remarkably, Bi³⁺ doping in MA-based tin-lead perovskites enabled the fabrication of ultra-narrow bandgap films (~1 eV). Comprehensive characterization, including structural, optical, and electronic analyses, was conducted to elucidate the effects of Bi doping. Notably, 8% Bi-doped Sn-Pb perovskites demonstrated infrared absorption extending up to 1360 nm, an unprecedented range for ABX₃-type single halide perovskites. This work provides valuable insights into further narrowing the bandgap of halide perovskite materials, which is essential for their effective use in multi-junction tandem solar cell architectures. Full article

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

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13 pages, 5861 KB

Open AccessArticle

Engineering Moderately Lithiophilic Paper-Based Current Collectors with Variable Solid Electrolyte Interface Films for Anode-Free Lithium Batteries

by Baohong Yang, Hairu Wei, Huan Wang, Haoteng Wu, Yanbo Guo, Xuan Ren, Chuanyin Xiong, Hanbin Liu and Haiwei Wu

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(17), 1461; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14171461 - 8 Sep 2024

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3326

Abstract

Compared to traditional lithium metal batteries, anode-free lithium metal batteries use bare current collectors as an anode instead of Li metal, making them highly promising for mass production and achieving high-energy density. The current collector, as the sole component of the anode, is crucial in lithium deposition-stripping behavior and greatly impacts the rate of Li depletion from the cathode. In this study, to investigate the lithiophilicity effect of the current collector on the solid electrolyte interface (SEI) film construction and cycling performance of anode-free lithium batteries, various lightweight paper-based current collectors were prepared by electroless plating Cu and lipophilic Ag on low-dust paper (LDP). The areal densities of the as-prepared LDP@Cu, LDP@Cu-Ag, and LDP@Ag were approximately 0.33 mg cm⁻². The use of lipophilic Ag-coated collectors with varying loadings allowed for the regulation of lipophilicity. The impacts of these collectors on the distribution of SEI components and Li depletion rate in common electrolytes were investigated. The findings suggest that higher loadings of lipophilic materials, such as Ag, on the current collector increase its lipophilicity but also lead to significant Li depletion during the cycling process in full-cell anode-free Li metal batteries. Thus, moderately lithiophilic current collectors, such as LDP@Cu-Ag, show more potential for Li deposition and striping and stable SEI with a low speed of Li depletion. Full article

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

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Review

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51 pages, 4627 KB

Open AccessReview

Advancements and Strategies in CsPbI₂Br Perovskite Solar Cells for Enhanced Efficiency and Stability

by Fanbei Sun, Tingting Hou, Kexuan Xie, Xinghua Zhu, Dingyu Yang and Xin Liu

Nanomaterials 2025, 15(7), 483; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15070483 - 24 Mar 2025

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4537

Abstract

In recent years, inorganic perovskite solar cells (IPSCs), especially those based on CsPbI₂Br, have attracted considerable attention owing to their exceptional thermal stability and a well-balanced combination of light absorption and phase stability. This review provides an extensive overview of the latest progress in CsPbI₂Br PSCs, focusing on film deposition techniques, crystallization control, interface engineering, and charge transport layers (CTLs). High-efficiency CsPbI₂Br PSCs can be achieved through the optimization of these key aspects. Various strategies, such as solvent engineering, component/additive engineering, and interface optimization, have been explored to enhance the quality of CsPbI₂Br films and improve device performance. Despite significant progress, challenges remain, including the need for even higher quality films, a deeper understanding of interface energetics, and the exploration of novel CTLs. Additionally, long-term stability continues to be a critical concern. Future research should focus on refining film preparation methods, developing sophisticated interfacial layers, exploring compatible charge transport materials, and ensuring device durability through encapsulation and moisture-resistant materials. Full article

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

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27 pages, 7049 KB

Open AccessReview

Quantum Dots for Resistive Switching Memory and Artificial Synapse

by Gyeongpyo Kim, Seoyoung Park and Sungjun Kim

Nanomaterials 2024, 14(19), 1575; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano14191575 - 29 Sep 2024

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 5176

Abstract

Memristor devices for resistive-switching memory and artificial synapses have emerged as promising solutions for overcoming the technological challenges associated with the von Neumann bottleneck. Recently, due to their unique optoelectronic properties, solution processability, fast switching speeds, and low operating voltages, quantum dots (QDs) have drawn substantial research attention as candidate materials for memristors and artificial synapses. This review covers recent advancements in QD-based resistive random-access memory (RRAM) for resistive memory devices and artificial synapses. Following a brief introduction to QDs, the fundamental principles of the switching mechanism in RRAM are introduced. Then, the RRAM materials, synthesis techniques, and device performance are summarized for a relative comparison of RRAM materials. Finally, we introduce QD-based RRAM and discuss the challenges associated with its implementation in memristors and artificial synapses. Full article

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

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