Search Results (51)

The widespread adoption of sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) remains constrained by the inherent limitations of conventional anode materials, particularly their inadequate electronic conductivity, limited active sites, and pronounced structural degradation during cycling. To overcome these limitations, we propose a novel redox engineering approach to fabricate oxygen-vacancy-rich SnO₂ dots anchored on reduced graphene oxide (rGO), which are encapsulated within N-doped carbon nanofibers (denoted as ov-SnO₂/rGO@N-CNFs) through electrospinning and subsequent carbonization. The introduction of rich oxygen vacancies establishes additional sodium intercalation sites and enhances Na⁺ diffusion kinetics, while the conductive N-doped carbon network effectively facilitates charge transport and mitigates SnO₂ aggregation. Benefiting from the well-designed architecture, the hierarchical ov-SnO₂/rGO@N-CNFs electrode achieves remarkable reversible specific capacities of 351 mAh g⁻¹ after 100 cycles at 0.1 A g⁻¹ and 257.3 mAh g⁻¹ after 2000 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹ and maintains 177 mAh g⁻¹ even after 8000 cycles at 5.0 A g⁻¹, demonstrating exceptional long-term cycling stability and rate capability. This work offers a versatile design strategy for developing high-performance anode materials through synergistic interface engineering for SIBs. Full article

The highly selective and sensitive determination of pesticide residues in food is critical for human health protection. Herein, the specific selectivity of molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) was proposed to construct an electrochemical sensor for the detection of carbendazim (CBD), one of the famous broad-spectrum fungicides, by combining with the synergistic effect of bioelectrocatalysis and nanocomposites. Gold nanoparticle-reduced graphene oxide (AuNP-rGO) composites were electrodeposited on a polished glassy carbon electrode (GCE). Then the MIP films were electropolymerized on the surface of the nanolayer using CBD as the template molecule and o-phenylenediamine (OPD) as the monomer. The detection sensitivity of CBD on the heterogeneous structure films was greatly amplified by AuNP-rGO composites and the bioelectrochemical oxidation of glucose, which was catalyzed by glucose oxidase (GOD) with the help of mediator in the underlying solution. The developed sensor showed high selectivity, good reproducibility, and excellent stability towards CBD with the linear range from 2.0 × 10⁻⁹ to 7.0 × 10⁻⁵ M, and the limit of detection (LOD) of 0.68 nM (S/N = 3). The expected system would provide a new idea for the development of simple and sensitive molecularly imprinted electrochemical sensors (MIESs). Full article

The study utilized a simple and cost-effective approach to improve the photoelectrochemical (PEC) water-splitting performance of various materials, including reduced graphene oxide (rGO), tin oxide nanostructures (SnO₂), and rGO/SnO₂ composites. The composites examined were rS15, containing 15 mg of rGO and 45 mg of SnO₂, and rS5, with 5 mg of rGO and 50 mg of SnO₂, tested in a sodium hydroxide (NaOH) electrolyte. Notably, the rS5 electrode showed a significant increase in PEC efficiency in 0.1 M NaOH, achieving a peak photocurrent density of 13.24 mA cm⁻² under illumination, which was seven times higher than that of pristine rGO nanostructures. This enhancement was attributed to the synergistic effects of the heterostructure, which reduced resistance and minimized charge recombination, thereby maximizing the catalytic activity across the various electrochemical applications. Furthermore, the rS5 anode demonstrated improved Tafel parameters, indicating faster reaction kinetics and lower overpotential for efficient current generation. These results highlight the potential for optimizing nanostructures to significantly enhance PEC performance, paving the way for advancements in sustainable water-splitting technologies. Full article

This study explores the potential of β-SnSe monolayers as a promising material for ozone (O₃) sensing using density functional theory (DFT) combined with the non-equilibrium Green’s function (NEGF) method. The adsorption characteristics of O₃ molecules on the β-SnSe monolayer surface were thoroughly investigated, including adsorption energy, band structure, density of states (DOSs), differential charge density, and Bader charge analysis. Post-adsorption, hybridization energy levels were introduced into the system, leading to a reduced band gap and increased electrical conductivity. A robust charge exchange between O₃ and the β-SnSe monolayer was observed, indicative of chemisorption. Recovery time calculations also revealed that the β-SnSe monolayer could be reused after O₃ adsorption. The sensitivity of the β-SnSe monolayer to O₃ was quantitatively evaluated through current-voltage characteristic simulations, revealing an extraordinary sensitivity of 1817.57% at a bias voltage of 1.2 V. This sensitivity surpasses that of other two-dimensional materials such as graphene oxide. This comprehensive investigation demonstrates the exceptional potential of β-SnSe monolayers as a highly sensitive, recoverable, and environmentally friendly O₃ sensing material. Full article

Hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is a signaling molecule that has the capacity to control a variety of biological processes in organisms. Cancer cells release more H₂O₂ during abnormal tumor growth. There has been a considerable amount of interest in utilizing H₂O₂ as a biomarker for the diagnosis of cancer tissue. In this study, an electrochemical sensor for H₂O₂ was constructed based on 3D reduced graphene oxide (rGO), MXene (Ti₃C₂), and multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) composite. Three-dimensional (3D) rGO–Ti₃C₂–MWCNTs sensor showed good linearity for H₂O₂ in the ranges of 1–60 μM and 60 μM–9.77 mM at a working potential of −0.25 V, with sensitivities of 235.2 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻² and 103.8 µA mM⁻¹ cm⁻², respectively, and a detection limit of 0.3 µM (S/N = 3). The sensor exhibited long-term stability, good repeatability, and outstanding immunity to interference. In addition, the modified electrode was employed to detect real-time H₂O₂ release from cancer cells and cancer tissue ex vivo. Full article

The long-term stability of energy-storage devices for green energy has received significant attention. Lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) based on materials such as metal oxides, Si, Sb, and Sn have shown superior energy density and stability owing to their intrinsic properties and the support of conductive carbon, graphene, or graphene oxides. Abnormal capacities have been recorded for some transition metal oxides, such as NiO, Fe₂O₃, and MnO/Mn₃O₄. Recently, the restructuring of NiO into LiNiO₂ anode materials has yielded an ultrastable anode for LIBs. Herein, the effect of the thin film thickness on the restructuring of the NiO anode was investigated. Different electrode thicknesses required different numbers of cycles for restructuring, resulting in significant changes in the reconstituted cells. NiO thicknesses greater than 39 μm reduced the capacity to 570 mAh g⁻¹. The results revealed the limitation of the layered thickness owing to the low diffusion efficiency of Li ions in the thick layers, resulting in non-uniformity of the restructured LiNiO₂. The NiO anode with a thickness of approximately 20 μm required only 220 cycles to be restructured at 0.5 A g⁻¹, while maintaining a high-rate performance for over 500 cycles at 1.0 A g⁻¹, and a high capacity of 1000 mAh g⁻¹. Full article

Thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF1) is an important cancer-related biomarker for clinical diagnosis, especially for carcinomas of lung and thyroid origin. Herein, a novel label-free electrochemical immunosensor was prepared for TTF1 detection based on nanohybrids of ribbon-like tungsten disulfide-reduced graphene oxide (WS₂-rGO) and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). The proposed immunosensor employed H₂O₂ as the electrochemical probe because of the excellent peroxidase-like activity of ribbon-like WS2-rGO. The introduction of AuNPs not only enhanced the electrocatalytic activity of the immunosensor, but also provided immobilization sites for binding TTF1 antibodies. The electrochemical signals can be greatly amplified due to their excellent electrochemical performance, which realized the sensitive determination of TTF1 with a wide linear range of 0.025–50 ng mL⁻¹ and a lower detection limit of 0.016 ng mL⁻¹ (S/N = 3). Moreover, the immunosensor exhibited high selectivity, good reproducibility, and robust stability, as well as the ability to detect TTF1 in human serum with satisfactory results. These observed properties of the immunosensor enhance its potential practicability in clinical applications. This method can also be used for the detection of other tumor biomarkers by using the corresponding antigen–antibody complex. Full article

A complex study of the structure, morphology, and electrochemical properties of the Pt²⁰/SnO₂¹⁰/RGO electrocatalyst is presented. The advantage of the chemical synthesis of reduced graphene oxide (c-RGO) compared to thermal methods (t-RGO) is due to the formation of graphene plates with amorphous carbon black agglomerates and the chemical composition of the surface. The nature of the interaction between platinum and tin dioxide particles and a conclusion about the formation of heterostructures Pt-SnO₂ with the surface interaction of lattices excluding the formation of hetero phases has been established. This achieves high dispersity during the formation of platinum particles without significant agglomeration and increases the electrochemical surface area (ESA) of platinum to 85 m² g⁻¹ vs. carbon black. In addition, the surface interaction of particles and the formation of hetero-clusters Pt-SnO₂ can cause the improved activity and stability of the Pt²⁰/SnO₂¹⁰/c-RGO electrocatalyst. Full article

Nowadays, there is no doubt about the high electrocatalytic efficiency that is obtained when using hybrid materials between carbonaceous nanomaterials and transition metal oxides. However, the method to prepare them may involve differences in the observed analytical responses, making it necessary to evaluate them for each new material. The goal of this work was to obtain for the first time Co₂SnO₄ (CSO)/RGO nanohybrids via in situ and ex situ methods and to evaluate their performance in the amperometric detection of hydrogen peroxide. The electroanalytical response was evaluated in NaOH pH 12 solution using detection potentials of −0.400 V or 0.300 V for the reduction or oxidation of H₂O₂. The results show that for CSO there were no differences between the nanohybrids either by oxidation or by reduction, unlike what we previously observed with cobalt titanate hybrids, in which the in situ nanohybrid clearly had the best performance. On the other hand, no influence in the study of interferents and more stable signals were obtained when the reduction mode was used. In conclusion, for detecting hydrogen peroxide, any of the nanohybrids studied, i.e., in situ or ex situ, are suitable to be used, and more efficiency is obtained using the reduction mode. Full article

SnO₂ nanowires are locally synthesized by a simple thermal evaporation method and its growth mechanism is confirmed. Here, we present a simple strategy for realizing reduced graphene oxide (RGO)/SnO₂ nanowires heterostructure. As expected, the heterostructure gas-sensing response is up to 63.3 when the gas concentration of trimethylamine (TEA) is 50 ppm, and it exhibits an excellent dynamic response with high stability at 180 °C. A low detection limit of 50 ppb level is fully realized. Compared to SnO₂ nanowires, the sensing performance of the RGO/SnO₂ heterostructure-based sensor is greatly enhanced, which can be ascribed to the RGO and the heterostructure. The RGO/SnO₂ composite engineering poses an easy way to make full use of the advantages originating from RGO and heterostructure. Full article

1,5-Anhydroglucitol (1,5-AG) is a sensitive biomarker for real-time detection of diabetes mellitus. In this study, an electrochemical biosensor to specifically detect 1,5-AG levels based on persimmon-tannin-reduced graphene oxide-PtPd nanocomposites (PT-rGO-PtPd NCs), which were modified onto the surface of a screen-printed carbon electrode (SPCE), was designed. The PT-rGO-PtPd NCs were prepared by using PT as the film-forming material and ascorbic acid as the reducing agent. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy (UV–vis), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy analysis were used to characterise the newly synthesised materials. PT-rGO-PtPd NCs present a synergistic effect not only to increase the active surface area to bio-capture more targets, but also to exhibit electrocatalytic efficiency to catalyze the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂). A sensitive layer is formed by pyranose oxidase (PROD) attached to the surface of PT-rGO-PtPd NC/SPCE. In the presence of 1,5-AG, PROD catalyzes the oxidization of 1,5-AG to generate 1,5-anhydrofuctose (1,5-AF) and H₂O₂ which can be decomposed into H₂O under the synergistic catalysis of PT-rGO-PtPd NCs. The redox reaction between PT and its oxidative product (quinones, PTox) can be enhanced simultaneously by PT-rGO-PtPd NCs, and the current signal was recorded by the differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) method. Under optimal conditions, our biosensor shows a wide range (0.1–2.0 mg/mL) for 1,5-AG detection with a detection limit of 30 μg/mL (S/N = 3). Moreover, our electrochemical biosensor exhibits acceptable applicability with recoveries from 99.80 to 106.80%. In summary, our study provides an electrochemical method for the determination of 1,5-AG with simple procedures, lower costs, good reproducibility, and acceptable stability. Full article

In this experimental investigation, a procreation approach was used to produce a catalyst based on SnO₂@rGO nanocomposite for use in a selective catalytic reduction (SCR) system. Plastic waste oil is one such alternative that helps to ensure the survival of fossil fuels and also lessens the negative impacts of improper waste disposal. The SnO₂@rGO nanocomposite was prepared by fine dispersion of SnO₂ nanoparticles on monolayer-dispersed reduced graphene oxide (rGO) and carefully investigated for its potential in adsorbing CO, CO₂, NO_X, and hydrocarbon (HC). The as-synthesized SnO₂@rGO nanocomposite was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, thermogravimetry, and surface area analyses. Then, the impact of catalysts inside the exhaust engine system was evaluated in a realistic setting with a single-cylinder, direct-injection diesel engine. As a result, the catalysts reduced harmful pollution emissions while marginally increasing brake-specific fuel consumption. The nanocomposite was shown to exhibit higher NO_X adsorption efficiencies when working with different toxic gases. Maximum reductions in the emission of NO_X, hydrocarbons, and CO were achieved at a rate of 78%, 62%, and 15%, respectively. These harmful pollutants were adsorbed on the active sites of catalyst and are converted to useful fuel gases through catalytic reduction thereby hindering the trajectory of global warming. Full article

Herein, we have reported on a simple, environmentally friendly, and ultra-sensitive electrode material, SnO₂@p-rGO, used in a clean sustainable manner for rapid electrochemical determination of an anti-diabetic agent, repaglinide (RPG). Three-dimensional porous reduced graphene oxide nanostructure (p-rGO) was prepared via a low-temperature solution combustion method employing glycine. The aqueous extract of agricultural waste “cotton boll peel” served as stabilizing and reducing agents for the synthesis of SnO₂ nanoparticles. The structural and morphological characterization was carried out by XRD, Raman, SEM, EDX, FTIR, absorption, and TGA. The oxidation process of RPG was realized under adsorption controlled with the involvement of two protons and electrons. The sensor displayed a wider linearity between the concentration of RPG and oxidation peak current in the ranges of 1.99 × 10⁻⁸–1.45 × 10⁻⁵ M and 4.99 × 10⁻⁸–1.83 × 10⁻⁵ M for square-wave voltammetric and differential pulse voltammetric methods, respectively. The lower limit of detection value of 0.85 × 10⁻⁹ M was realized with the SWV method. The proposed sensor was applied for the quantification of RPG in fortified urine samples and pharmaceutical formulations. Furthermore, the sensor demonstrated reproducibility, long-term stability, and selectivity in the presence of metformin and other interferents, which made the proposed sensor promising and superior for monitoring RPG. Full article

Detection of sub-ppm acetic acid (CH₃COOH) is in demand for environmental gas monitoring. In this article, we propose a CH₃COOH gas sensor based on Sn₃O₄ and reduced graphene oxide (RGO), where the assembly of Sn₃O₄-RGO nanocomposites is dependent on the synthesis method. Three nanocomposites prepared by three different synthesis methods are investigated. The optimum assembly is by hydrothermal reactions of Sn⁴⁺ salts and pre-reduced RGO (designated as RS nanocomposite). Raman spectra verified the fingerprint of RGO in the synthesized RS nanocomposite. The Sn₃O₄ planes of (111), (210), (130), ($\overline{13}2$) are observed from the X-ray diffractogram, and its average crystallite size is 3.94 nm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy on Sn3d and O1s spectra confirm the stoichiometry of Sn₃O₄ with Sn:O ratio = 0.76. Sn₃O₄-RGO-RS exhibits the highest response of 74% and 4% at 2 and 0.3 ppm, respectively. The sensitivity within sub-ppm CH₃COOH is 64%/ppm. Its superior sensing performance is owing to the embedded and uniformly wrapped Sn₃O₄ nanoparticles on RGO sheets. This allows a massive relative change in electron concentration at the Sn₃O₄-RGO heterojunction during the on/off exposure of CH₃COOH. Additionally, the operation is performed at room temperature, possesses good repeatability, and consumes only ~4 µW, and is a step closer to the development of a commercial CH₃COOH sensor. Full article

The sensitive detection of harmful gases, in particular nitrogen dioxide, is very important for our health and environment protection. Therefore, many papers on sensor materials used for NO₂ detection have been published in recent years. Materials based on graphene and reduced graphene oxide deserve special attention, as they exhibit excellent sensor properties compared to the other materials. In this paper, we present the most recent advances in rGO hybrid materials developed for NO₂ detection. We discuss their properties and, in particular, the mechanism of their interaction with NO₂. We also present current problems occuring in this field. Full article