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Processes
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Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials
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Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials

A special issue of Processes (ISSN 2227-9717). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Processes".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 March 2026 | Viewed by 9487

Special Issue Editor

Prof. Dr. Keith J. Stine

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Missouri—Saint Louis, Saint Louis, MO 63121, USA
Interests: surface modification; nanomaterials; porous materials; electrochemistry; microscopy; carbohydrates; lipids; biosensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Over the past few decades, many fields of science and technology have been revolutionized by the introduction of nanomaterials and new approaches to the creation of nanostructures. These new materials can have entirely unique or improved electronic, chemical, magnetic, catalytic, mechanical, or biological properties, different from bulk forms of the material. Nanomaterials range from nanoparticles of various shapes and compositions to nanostructured films, coatings, and nanoporous bulk materials. Chemical, physical, or biological methods can be used to produce nanomaterials, ranging from precise top–down methods such as nanolithography to bottom–up methods, including self-assembly. Thermal, chemical, and electrochemical processes can all result in the formation of nanomaterials. Additionally, the range of materials covers many types of nanomaterials based on various forms carbon, silicon, metals or alloys, and polymers or on the assembly of organic molecules. These materials are contributing to revolutionary advances in the fields of medicine, energy, chemical and biological sensing, and catalysis, areas among many others.

This Special Issue on the “Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials” seeks high-quality papers focusing on recent advances in the preparation of nanomaterials, their characterization, and their technological applications.

The topics include but are not limited to the following:

  • New methods for the preparation of nanoparticles or nano-assemblies;
  • Novel processes for the creation of nanostructured coatings or solids;
  • Technological applications of nanomaterials;
  • New approaches to modeling and explaining the physical or chemical properties of nanomaterials;
  • Characterization of the unique properties of nanomaterials.

Prof. Dr. Keith J. Stine
Guest Editor

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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. Processes 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 2400 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

  • nanomaterial
  • nanoparticle
  • nanostructure
  • self-assembly
  • nanoporous

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

18 pages, 1566 KB  
Article
A Proposal for the Incorporation of Temperature into the Langmuir Model in Adsorption Isotherms
by Ana Paula Souza de Sousa, Haianny Beatriz Saraiva Lima, Deibson Silva da Costa, Emerson Cardoso Rodrigues, Caroline Borges Agustini, Liliana Amaral Féris and Diego Cardoso Estumano
Processes 2025, 13(12), 4036; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13124036 - 13 Dec 2025
Viewed by 409
Abstract
Adsorption is a frequently used technique for pollutant removal due to its efficiency and versatility. Mathematical modeling of these processes enables understanding of adsorbent and adsorbate interactions and prediction of system dynamics, especially when experimental data are limited. Among adsorption isotherm models, the [...] Read more.
Adsorption is a frequently used technique for pollutant removal due to its efficiency and versatility. Mathematical modeling of these processes enables understanding of adsorbent and adsorbate interactions and prediction of system dynamics, especially when experimental data are limited. Among adsorption isotherm models, the Langmuir model is one of the most applied; however, its formulation does not explicitly consider temperature variation, limiting predictive capability in practical applications. This article proposes an adaptation of the Langmuir model by incorporating temperature dependence, enabling inference of isotherms at temperatures without experimental data. The model was first validated using data from the literature at different temperatures, considering the adsorption of amoxicillin, phosphate, methylene blue, and caffeine. Subsequently, it was applied to experimental data of copper ion adsorption by 5A zeolite obtained in this work, allowing estimation of Qmax and KL. Based on these estimates, hypotheses regarding their temperature dependence were formulated, and isotherms at 55 °C, 65 °C, and 75 °C were inferred and compared with experimental data. Finally, the model was applied to infer isotherms from 25 °C to 95 °C, demonstrating its ability to represent experimental dynamics and predict adsorption at temperatures without available data, contributing to the analysis and optimization of adsorption processes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)
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11 pages, 7527 KB  
Article
Effect of Aluminum Salt Precursor on the Crystalline Structure of Alumina Nanoparticles (Al2O3) Synthesized by Green Chemistry Using Cymbopogon citratus Extract
by Miguel Castro, Laura Tous, Adriana Herrera, Dylan Martinez-Bernett and Manuel Saba
Processes 2025, 13(12), 3876; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13123876 - 1 Dec 2025
Viewed by 466
Abstract
Alumina nanoparticles have broad applications in catalysis, electronics, and the construction sector, and are widely incorporated as additives in coating formulations to enhance mechanical durability and functional performance. This work focuses on the green synthesis of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) [...] Read more.
Alumina nanoparticles have broad applications in catalysis, electronics, and the construction sector, and are widely incorporated as additives in coating formulations to enhance mechanical durability and functional performance. This work focuses on the green synthesis of aluminum oxide (Al2O3) nanoparticles using lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) extract. Aluminum nitrate [Al(NO3)3] and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) were used with extract. The reaction was carried out at 70 °C for 1 h at 250 rpm and then thermal treatments at 700 °C and 900 °C were applied. The results showed that nanoparticles synthesized from the AlCl3 and calcined at 700 °C exhibited a smaller particle size (36 ± 14 nm) as compared with those synthesized from the [Al(NO3)3] and calcined at 700 °C (49 ± 25 nm). Despite both precursors yielding nanoparticles, the peaks related to the γ-Al2O3 crystal phase were observed in the AlCl3 at 700 °C calcination. Conversely, the nanoparticles synthesized from the [Al(NO3)3] required a high temperature treatment at 900 °C to display this stable crystal phase. This study reports an easy and cost-effective green chemistry route to obtain γ-Al2O3 nanoparticles, highlighting the importance of the selection of precursors as a critical step to achieve a sustainable and low-energy process, suggesting the potential applications in paints with multifunctional properties. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)
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12 pages, 2298 KB  
Article
Bi(C6N7O3) Nanospheres: A Novel Homogenous Photocatalyst for Efficient Treatment of Antibiotic in Water
by Rongrong Jia, Mingchuan Tang, Mengshan Hou, Haiheng Xing, Yuxing Cai, Jianhao Wu, Xiaozhuo Wang, Jinchao Chen, Lan Li, Chengchao Jin, Zhi Chen and Xiaojing Wang
Processes 2025, 13(11), 3535; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13113535 - 4 Nov 2025
Viewed by 362
Abstract
The development of photocatalyst material is vital for the practical application of environmental purification, solar energy conversion, and chemical production. In this work, a spherical Bi(C6N7O3) photocatalyst is successfully prepared by replacing K+ of rod-shaped K [...] Read more.
The development of photocatalyst material is vital for the practical application of environmental purification, solar energy conversion, and chemical production. In this work, a spherical Bi(C6N7O3) photocatalyst is successfully prepared by replacing K+ of rod-shaped K3[C6N7O3] with Bi3+ ions through the ion exchange method, which demonstrates an improved homogeneous photodegradation efficiency over antibiotics in water compared to pristine K3[C6N7O3]. Under visible light irradiation, Bi(C6N7O3) degraded 81% of tetracycline hydrochloride within 60 min, and the rate constant was 1.8 and 79.1 times greater than K3[C6N7O3] and bulk g-C3N4, respectively. Scavenger experiments revealed that superoxide radicals and holes are the primary active species in the photocatalytic process. This study presents a promising route for designing high-performance visible-light photocatalysts by a simple ion-exchange approach for environmental applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)
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23 pages, 1712 KB  
Article
Effect of Storage Conditions on the Composition and Bioactivity of Freeze-Dried Lemongrass Oil Nanoemulsions Stabilized by Salt-Sensitive Cellulose Nanocrystals and Tween 80
by Kaleb D. Fisher and Lingling Liu
Processes 2025, 13(9), 2752; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13092752 - 28 Aug 2025
Viewed by 1273
Abstract
Oil-in-water emulsions are widely used to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioactivity of essential oils in aqueous systems. Advancing the functionality and sustainability of these emulsions using renewable, eco-friendly ingredients remains an important research focus. This study developed and evaluated a lemongrass essential [...] Read more.
Oil-in-water emulsions are widely used to enhance the solubility, stability, and bioactivity of essential oils in aqueous systems. Advancing the functionality and sustainability of these emulsions using renewable, eco-friendly ingredients remains an important research focus. This study developed and evaluated a lemongrass essential oil nanoemulsion stabilized by Tween 80, NaCl, and soybean stover-derived cellulose nanocrystals. After freeze-drying, the nanoemulsion was redispersed in water and analyzed for particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, and essential oil recovery. Freeze-drying led to significant bioactivity losses, with antifungal and antioxidant activities reduced by 77% and 31%, respectively. Antioxidant activity declined rapidly within the first two weeks of storage at room temperature but was not significantly impacted by light exposure. Storage conditions also altered the sample composition, with one new compound detected in samples stored without light exposure and eleven new peaks observed in light-exposed samples. This study provides insights into the effects of freeze-drying and storage on lemongrass essential oil-loaded nanoemulsion stabilized by Tween 80, NaCl, and cellulose nanocrystals. The findings highlight the challenges of preserving bioactivity and composition in lyophilized essential oil-loaded emulsions and suggest avenues for optimizing drying processes and formulations to improve storage stability and efficacy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)
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11 pages, 2856 KB  
Article
Mechanochemical Loading of Doxorubicin on the Surface of Magnesium and Zinc-Based Layered Double Hydroxides
by Minerva Guadalupe Ventura Muñoz, Jesús Alfredo Lara Cerón, Manuel de Jesús Gallegos Saucedo and Gregorio Guadalupe Carbajal Arizaga
Processes 2025, 13(4), 931; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13040931 - 21 Mar 2025
Viewed by 1077
Abstract
In the search for technologies and materials to improve the safety and efficacy of active ingredients used in treating diseases, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been proposed as drug carriers since they can enhance the effects of active ingredients and even reduce toxicity. [...] Read more.
In the search for technologies and materials to improve the safety and efficacy of active ingredients used in treating diseases, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) have been proposed as drug carriers since they can enhance the effects of active ingredients and even reduce toxicity. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the most widely used and studied antitumor drugs due to its broad spectrum; however, due to its low plasma bioavailability and slow systemic clearance, only a small fraction of the drug reaches and acts on the tumor, so LDHs have been proposed as vehicles to solve these disadvantages. The most used method to load the drug is incubating LDH particles in DOX solutions. In this work, two additional methods, co-precipitation, and mechanochemical reaction, were explored to evaluate the structural stability of the vehicle and the amount of DOX retained by LDHs structured by magnesium/aluminum and zinc/aluminum cations, which are the two most common compositions to design materials for biomedical applications. The zinc/aluminum LDH structure degraded in the loading process, whereas the magnesium/aluminum LDH particles were stable against the three loading processes. The mechanochemical procedure, a green and sustainable technology, loaded the highest content of DOX. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)
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23 pages, 6597 KB  
Article
Enhanced Tribological Performance of Laser-Textured TiN-Coated Ti6Al4V Alloy Surfaces: A Comparative Study with Untextured Surfaces
by Arulkumar Muniyappan, Prem Ananth Muthuvel, Anandhavelu Sanmugam, Mohammad Ahmad Wadaan, Almohannad Baabbad, Nallal Muthuchamy and Kang Hyun Park
Processes 2025, 13(1), 204; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010204 - 13 Jan 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1917
Abstract
Titanium alloy is widely used as a biomaterial due to its strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. Despite its strength and lightweight nature, its low wear resistance limits its uses in prosthetic components. Laser surface texturing (LST) was used to improve the wear [...] Read more.
Titanium alloy is widely used as a biomaterial due to its strength, lightweight nature, and corrosion resistance. Despite its strength and lightweight nature, its low wear resistance limits its uses in prosthetic components. Laser surface texturing (LST) was used to improve the wear resistance of titanium alloys by creating textured surfaces before applying protective coatings. A biocompatible TiN composite protective coating was applied using physical vapour deposition (PVD) with a thickness of 4 µm. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used to predict the tribological properties by varying input parameters such as material type (TI, T2, T3, and T4), load in N, and sliding velocity in m/s. A pin-on-disc tribometer was used to conduct a unidirectional sliding wear test based on the RSM design. Tribological properties were studied to determine the impact of laser texturing on the bonding strength of the coating. As a result, material type T4 exhibits an improved coefficient of friction and specific wear resistance under varying sliding velocity and load conditions compared to other material types. The study was further supported by an ANSYS simulation, which revealed stress reduction affecting the coefficient of friction and, consequently, wear. The textured surface topography, wear mechanisms, and coating compositions were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)
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Review

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29 pages, 2388 KB  
Review
Applications of Nanomaterial Coatings in Solid-Phase Microextraction (SPME)
by Taiwo Musa Adeniji, Naila Haroon and Keith J. Stine
Processes 2025, 13(1), 244; https://doi.org/10.3390/pr13010244 - 16 Jan 2025
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3180
Abstract
This review explores the advances in developing adsorbent materials for solid-phase microextraction (SPME), focusing on nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanoporous structures. Nanoparticles, including those of metals (e.g., gold, silver), metal oxides (e.g., TiO2, ZnO), and carbon-based materials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene), offer [...] Read more.
This review explores the advances in developing adsorbent materials for solid-phase microextraction (SPME), focusing on nanoparticles, nanocomposites, and nanoporous structures. Nanoparticles, including those of metals (e.g., gold, silver), metal oxides (e.g., TiO2, ZnO), and carbon-based materials (e.g., carbon nanotubes, graphene), offer enhanced surface area, improved extraction efficiency, and increased selectivity compared to traditional coatings. Nanocomposites, such as those combining metal oxides with polymers or carbon-based materials, exhibit synergistic properties, further improving extraction performance. Nanoporous materials, including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and ordered mesoporous carbons, provide high surface area and tunable pore structures, enabling selective adsorption of analytes. These advanced materials have been successfully applied to various analytes, including volatile organic compounds (VOCs), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pesticides, and heavy metals, demonstrating improved sensitivity, selectivity, and reproducibility compared to conventional SPME fibers. The incorporation of nanomaterials has significantly expanded the scope and applicability of SPME, enabling the analysis of trace-level analytes in complex matrices. This review highlights the significant potential of nanomaterials in revolutionizing SPME technology, offering new possibilities for sensitive and selective analysis in environmental monitoring, food safety, and other critical applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis and Applications of Nanomaterials)
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