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Search Results (1,090)

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Keywords = photoluminescent materials

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23 pages, 4361 KiB  
Article
Novel Visible Light-Driven Ho2InSbO7/Ag3PO4 Photocatalyst for Efficient Oxytetracycline Contaminant Degradation
by Jingfei Luan and Tiannan Zhao
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3289; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153289 - 6 Aug 2025
Abstract
In this study, a Z-scheme Ho2InSbO7/Ag3PO4 (HAO) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated for the first time by ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The structural features, compositional components and morphological characteristics of the synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by [...] Read more.
In this study, a Z-scheme Ho2InSbO7/Ag3PO4 (HAO) heterojunction photocatalyst was successfully fabricated for the first time by ultrasound-assisted solvothermal method. The structural features, compositional components and morphological characteristics of the synthesized materials were thoroughly characterized by a series of techniques, including X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. A comprehensive array of analytical techniques, including ultraviolet-visible diffuse reflectance absorption spectra, photoluminescence spectroscopy, time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, photocurrent testing, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, electron paramagnetic resonance, and ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy, was employed to systematically investigate the optical, chemical, and photoelectronic properties of the materials. Using oxytetracycline (OTC), a representative tetracycline antibiotic, as the target substrate, the photocatalytic activity of the HAO composite was assessed under visible light irradiation. Comparative analyses demonstrated that the photocatalytic degradation capability of the HAO composite surpassed those of its individual components. Notably, during the degradation process, the application of the HAO composite resulted in an impressive removal efficiency of 99.89% for OTC within a span of 95 min, along with a total organic carbon mineralization rate of 98.35%. This outstanding photocatalytic performance could be ascribed to the efficient Z-scheme electron-hole separation system occurring between Ho2InSbO7 and Ag3PO4. Moreover, the adaptability and stability of the HAO heterojunction were thoroughly validated. Through experiments involving the capture of reactive species and electron paramagnetic resonance analysis, the active species generated by HAO were identified as hydroxyl radicals (•OH), superoxide anions (•O2), and holes (h+). This identification provides valuable insights into the mechanisms and pathways associated with the photodegradation of OTC. In conclusion, this research not only elucidates the potential of HAO as an efficient Z-scheme heterojunction photocatalyst but also marks a significant contribution to the advancement of sustainable remediation strategies for OTC contamination. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials in Photochemical Devices: Advances and Applications)
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16 pages, 2036 KiB  
Article
Scalable Chemical Vapor Deposition of Silicon Carbide Thin Films for Photonic Integrated Circuit Applications
by Souryaya Dutta, Alex Kaloyeros, Animesh Nanaware and Spyros Gallis
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8603; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158603 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 233
Abstract
Highly integrable silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as a promising platform for photonic integrated circuits (PICs), offering a comprehensive set of material and optical properties that are ideal for the integration of nonlinear devices and solid-state quantum defects. However, despite significant progress in [...] Read more.
Highly integrable silicon carbide (SiC) has emerged as a promising platform for photonic integrated circuits (PICs), offering a comprehensive set of material and optical properties that are ideal for the integration of nonlinear devices and solid-state quantum defects. However, despite significant progress in nanofabrication technology, the development of SiC on an insulator (SiCOI)-based photonics faces challenges due to fabrication-induced material optical losses and complex processing steps. An alternative approach to mitigate these fabrication challenges is the direct deposition of amorphous SiC on an insulator (a-SiCOI). However, there is a lack of systematic studies aimed at producing high optical quality a-SiC thin films, and correspondingly, on evaluating and determining their optical properties in the telecom range. To this end, we have studied a single-source precursor, 1,3,5-trisilacyclohexane (TSCH, C3H12Si3), and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) processes for the deposition of SiC thin films in a low-temperature range (650–800 °C) on a multitude of different substrates. We have successfully demonstrated the fabrication of smooth, uniform, and stoichiometric a-SiCOI thin films of 20 nm to 600 nm with a highly controlled growth rate of ~0.5 Å/s and minimal surface roughness of ~5 Å. Spectroscopic ellipsometry and resonant micro-photoluminescence excitation spectroscopy and mapping reveal a high index of refraction (~2.7) and a minimal absorption coefficient (<200 cm−1) in the telecom C-band, demonstrating the high optical quality of the films. These findings establish a strong foundation for scalable production of high-quality a-SiCOI thin films, enabling their application in advanced chip-scale telecom PIC technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science and Engineering)
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17 pages, 1647 KiB  
Article
Application of Iron Oxides in the Photocatalytic Degradation of Real Effluent from Aluminum Anodizing Industries
by Lara K. Ribeiro, Matheus G. Guardiano, Lucia H. Mascaro, Monica Calatayud and Amanda F. Gouveia
Appl. Sci. 2025, 15(15), 8594; https://doi.org/10.3390/app15158594 (registering DOI) - 2 Aug 2025
Viewed by 159
Abstract
This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of iron molybdate (Fe2(MoO4)3) and iron tungstate (FeWO4) as photocatalysts for the degradation of a real industrial effluent from aluminum anodizing processes under visible light irradiation. The oxides [...] Read more.
This study reports the synthesis and evaluation of iron molybdate (Fe2(MoO4)3) and iron tungstate (FeWO4) as photocatalysts for the degradation of a real industrial effluent from aluminum anodizing processes under visible light irradiation. The oxides were synthesized via a co-precipitation method in an aqueous medium, followed by microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment. Structural and morphological characterizations were performed using X-ray diffraction, field-emission scanning electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopies. The effluent was characterized by means of ionic chromatography, total organic carbon (TOC) analysis, physicochemical parameters (pH and conductivity), and UV–vis spectroscopy. Both materials exhibited well-crystallized structures with distinct morphologies: Fe2(MoO4)3 presented well-defined exposed (001) and (110) surfaces, while FeWO4 showed a highly porous, fluffy texture with irregularly shaped particles. In addition to morphology, both materials exhibited narrow bandgaps—2.11 eV for Fe2(MoO4)3 and 2.03 eV for FeWO4. PL analysis revealed deep defects in Fe2(MoO4)3 and shallow defects in FeWO4, which can influence the generation and lifetime of reactive oxygen species. These combined structural, electronic, and morphological features significantly affected their photocatalytic performance. TOC measurements revealed degradation efficiencies of 32.2% for Fe2(MoO4)3 and 45.3% for FeWO4 after 120 min of irradiation. The results highlight the critical role of morphology, optical properties, and defect structures in governing photocatalytic activity and reinforce the potential of these simple iron-based oxides for real wastewater treatment applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Application of Nanomaterials in the Field of Photocatalysis)
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22 pages, 4984 KiB  
Article
Plasmonic Effect of Au Nanoparticles Deposited onto TiO2-Impact on the Photocatalytic Conversion of Acetaldehyde
by Maciej Trzeciak, Jacek Przepiórski, Agnieszka Kałamaga and Beata Tryba
Molecules 2025, 30(15), 3118; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30153118 - 25 Jul 2025
Viewed by 217
Abstract
A comparison of two synthesis methods for depositing Au nanoparticles onto TiO2 was performed: (1) impregnation with HAuCl4 followed by thermal treatment in argon, and (2) magnetron sputtering from a Au disc. The obtained materials were used for acetaldehyde decomposition in [...] Read more.
A comparison of two synthesis methods for depositing Au nanoparticles onto TiO2 was performed: (1) impregnation with HAuCl4 followed by thermal treatment in argon, and (2) magnetron sputtering from a Au disc. The obtained materials were used for acetaldehyde decomposition in a high temperature reaction chamber and ch aracterised by UV-Vis/DR, XPS, XRD, SEM, and photoluminescence measurements. The process was carried out using an air/acetaldehyde gas flow under UV or UV-Vis LED irradiation. The mechanism of acetaldehyde decomposition and conversion was elaborated by in situ FTIR measurements of the photocatalyst surface during the reaction. Simultaneously, concentration of acetaldehyde in the outlet gas was monitored using gas chromatography. All the Au/TiO2 samples showed absorption in the visible region, with a maximum around 550 nm. The plasmonic effect of Au nanoparticles was observed under UV-Vis light irradiation, especially at elevated temperatures such as 100 °C, for Au/TiO2 prepared by the magnetron sputtering method. This resulted in a significant increase in the conversion of acetaldehyde at the beginning, followed by gradual decrease over time. The collected FTIR spectra indicated that, under UV-Vis light, acetaldehyde was strongly adsorbed onto Au/TiO2 surface and formed crotonaldehyde or aldol. Under UV, acetaldehyde was mainly adsorbed in the form of acetate species. The plasmonic effect of Au nanoparticles increased the adsorption of acetaldehyde molecules onto TiO2 surface, while reducing their decomposition rate. The increased temperature of the process enhanced the decomposition of the acetaldehyde. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Research on Heterogeneous Catalysis—2nd Edition)
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10 pages, 1762 KiB  
Article
Optical Characterization of the Interplay Between Carrier Localization and Carrier Injection in Self-Assembled GaSb/GaAs Quantum Dots
by Si-Yuan Ma, Ying Wang, Yuriy I. Mazur, Morgan E. Ware, Gregory J. Salamo and Bao Lai Liang
Optics 2025, 6(3), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/opt6030033 - 23 Jul 2025
Viewed by 265
Abstract
The optical properties of a heterostructure containing GaSb/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) have been systematically investigated via photoluminescence (PL) measurements to gain insights into carrier dynamics. The QD and wetting layer (WL) emissions exhibit a complementary dependence on the excitation intensity and temperature, reflecting [...] Read more.
The optical properties of a heterostructure containing GaSb/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) have been systematically investigated via photoluminescence (PL) measurements to gain insights into carrier dynamics. The QD and wetting layer (WL) emissions exhibit a complementary dependence on the excitation intensity and temperature, reflecting the interplay between carrier localization in the WL and carrier relaxation from the WL to the QDs. Carrier dynamics related to localization, injection, and recombination are further validated by time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL). These findings highlight the necessity of carefully optimizing GaSb/GaAs QD structures to mitigate the impact of carrier localization, thereby enhancing the ultimate performance of devices utilizing these QDs as active region materials. Full article
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25 pages, 5169 KiB  
Article
Natural Sunlight Driven Photocatalytic Degradation of Methylene Blue and Rhodamine B over Nanocrystalline Zn2SnO4/SnO2
by Maria Vesna Nikolic, Zorka Z. Vasiljevic, Milena Dimitrijevic, Nadezda Radmilovic, Jelena Vujancevic, Marija Tanovic and Nenad B. Tadic
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1138; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141138 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 516
Abstract
The natural sunlight driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants is a sustainable solution for water purification. The use of heterojunction nanocomposites in this process shows promise for improved photodegradation efficiency. In this work, nanocrystalline Zn2SnO4/SnO2 obtained by the [...] Read more.
The natural sunlight driven photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants is a sustainable solution for water purification. The use of heterojunction nanocomposites in this process shows promise for improved photodegradation efficiency. In this work, nanocrystalline Zn2SnO4/SnO2 obtained by the solid-state synthesis method was tested as a heterojunction photocatalyst material for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and Rhodamine B (RhB) dyes as single and multicomponent systems in natural sunlight. Characterization of the structure and morphology of the synthesized nanocomposite using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM) combined with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy confirmed the formation of Zn2SnO4/SnO2 and heterojunctions between Zn2SnO4 and the SnO2 nanoparticles. A photodegradation efficiency of 99.1% was achieved in 120 min with 50 mg of the photocatalyst for the degradation of MB and 70.6% for the degradation of RhB under the same conditions. In the multicomponent system, the degradation efficiency of 97.9% for MB and 53.2% for RhB was obtained with only 15 mg of the photocatalyst. The degradation of MB occurred through N-demethylation and the formation of azure intermediates and degradation of RhB occurred through sequential deethylation and fragmentation of the xanthene ring, both in single and multicomponent systems. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advanced Nanomaterials for Water Remediation (2nd Edition))
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14 pages, 5943 KiB  
Article
Preparation and Optimization of Mn2+-Activated Na2ZnGeO4 Phosphors: Insights into Precursor Selection and Microwave-Assisted Solid-State Synthesis
by Xiaomeng Wang, Siyi Wei, Jiaping Zhang, Jiaren Du, Yukun Li, Ke Chen and Hengwei Lin
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1117; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141117 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 336
Abstract
Mn2+-doped phosphors emitting green light have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in display technologies and solid-state lighting. To facilitate the rapid synthesis of high-performance Mn2+-activated green phosphors, this research optimizes a microwave-assisted solid-state (MASS) method for [...] Read more.
Mn2+-doped phosphors emitting green light have garnered significant interest due to their potential applications in display technologies and solid-state lighting. To facilitate the rapid synthesis of high-performance Mn2+-activated green phosphors, this research optimizes a microwave-assisted solid-state (MASS) method for the preparation of Na2ZnGeO4:Mn2+. Leveraging the unique attributes of the MASS technique, a systematic investigation into the applicability of various Mn-source precursors was conducted. Additionally, the integration of the MASS approach with traditional solid-state reaction (SSR) methods was assessed. The findings indicate that the MASS technique effectively incorporates Mn ions from diverse precursors (including higher oxidation states of manganese) into the crystal lattice, resulting in efficient green emission from Mn2+. Notably, the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of the sample utilizing MnCO3 as the manganese precursor was recorded at 2.67%, whereas the sample synthesized from MnO2 exhibited a remarkable PLQY of 17.69%. Moreover, the post-treatment of SSR-derived samples through the MASS process significantly enhanced the PLQY from 0.67% to 8.66%. These results underscore the promise of the MASS method as a novel and efficient synthesis strategy for the rapid and scalable production of Mn2+-doped green luminescent materials. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Inorganic Materials and Metal-Organic Frameworks)
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18 pages, 5293 KiB  
Article
Fluorescent Moieties Through Alkaline Treatment of Graphene Oxide: A Potential Substitute to Replace CRM in wLEDS
by Maria Lucia Protopapa, Emiliano Burresi, Martino Palmisano and Emanuela Pesce
ChemEngineering 2025, 9(4), 73; https://doi.org/10.3390/chemengineering9040073 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 205
Abstract
White-light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) are central to next-generation lighting technologies, yet their reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs), such as rare-earth elements, raises concerns regarding sustainability and supply security. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost method to produce photoluminescent carbon-based nanostructures—known as [...] Read more.
White-light-emitting diodes (wLEDs) are central to next-generation lighting technologies, yet their reliance on critical raw materials (CRMs), such as rare-earth elements, raises concerns regarding sustainability and supply security. In this work, we present a simple, low-cost method to produce photoluminescent carbon-based nanostructures—known as oxidative debris (OD)—via alkaline treatment of graphene oxide (GO) using KOH solutions ranging from 0.04 M to 1.78 M. The resulting OD, isolated from the supernatant after acid precipitation, exhibits strong and tunable photoluminescence (PL) across the visible spectrum. Emission peaks shift from blue (~440 nm) to green (~500 nm) and yellow (~565 nm) as a function of treatment conditions, with excitation wavelengths between 300 and 390 nm. Optical, morphological. and compositional analyses were performed using UV-Vis, AFM, FTIR, and Raman spectroscopy, confirming the presence of highly oxidized aromatic domains. The blue-emitting (S2) and green/yellow-emitting (R2) fractions were successfully separated and characterized, demonstrating potential color tuning by adjusting KOH concentration and treatment time. This study highlights the feasibility of reusing GO-derived byproducts as sustainable phosphor alternatives in wLEDs, reducing reliance on CRMs and aligning with green chemistry principles. Full article
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7 pages, 806 KiB  
Communication
Two Cocrystals of Phenazine with Different Phenylboronic Acids
by Stijn Germonpré, Subhrajyoti Bhandary and Kristof Van Hecke
Molbank 2025, 2025(3), M2036; https://doi.org/10.3390/M2036 - 14 Jul 2025
Viewed by 369
Abstract
Boronic acids are an important class of molecules diversely used in organic synthesis, catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and for the design of functional materials. Particularly, aryl boronic acids in the solid state are known to exhibit pharmaceutical and photoluminescent properties for antimicrobial, sensing, and [...] Read more.
Boronic acids are an important class of molecules diversely used in organic synthesis, catalysis, medicinal chemistry, and for the design of functional materials. Particularly, aryl boronic acids in the solid state are known to exhibit pharmaceutical and photoluminescent properties for antimicrobial, sensing, and drug delivery applications. Furthermore, the phenazine molecule is known for its diverse pharmacological properties, including antibiotic activity. In the case of molecular crystalline solids, it is well established that understanding noncovalent interactions remains key to designing or engineering their functional properties. While both aryl boronic acids and phenazine molecules individually represent an important class of compounds, their co-assembly in the crystalline state is of interest within the context of supramolecular chemistry and crystal engineering. Herein, we report the supramolecular features of two newly synthesized cocrystals, which are composed of para-F/CF3-substituted phenylboronic acids, respectively, and phenazine, as demonstrated by structure analysis by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Full article
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14 pages, 2472 KiB  
Article
Role of Substitution Patterns in Four Regioisomeric Tetraphenylethylene–Thiophene Derivatives
by Shuai Hou, Hanxiao Tian, Ruiyao Li, Zishuai Huang, Dongyuan Zhu, Fan Xiao, Yunmeng Zhao and Jingjing Xu
Molecules 2025, 30(14), 2953; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30142953 - 13 Jul 2025
Viewed by 439
Abstract
Tetraphenylethylene (TPE)–thiophene compounds are promising candidates for stimuli-responsive luminescent materials, yet systematic investigations into the influence of substitution patterns on their photophysical properties remain limited. Herein, four regioisomeric TPE–thiophene derivatives have been synthesized by systematically varying the number and positions of TPE substituents [...] Read more.
Tetraphenylethylene (TPE)–thiophene compounds are promising candidates for stimuli-responsive luminescent materials, yet systematic investigations into the influence of substitution patterns on their photophysical properties remain limited. Herein, four regioisomeric TPE–thiophene derivatives have been synthesized by systematically varying the number and positions of TPE substituents on the thiophene core. A comprehensive spectroscopic characterization reveals that substitution patterns critically modulate the photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). The ortho-monosubstituted isomer exhibits the highest PLQY (52.86% in solid state) compared with the meta-monosubstituted isomer (13.87% in solid state). Interestingly, thiophenes with two or three TPEs substituted at positions 2,5 or 2,3,5 have lower PLQYs, which is rare due to the common understanding that increasing the number of AIE parts should increase the PLQY. Further single-crystal structure analyses show that the key factor impacting the PLQY is the dihedral angles of the TPE subunit, which determines the degree of intramolecular twisting. This work establishes regiochemistry as a powerful design lever for tuning TPE–thiophene photophysics, offering underlying principles for the design of TPE-based thiophene molecules with high photoluminescent performance in the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Photochemistry in Asia)
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14 pages, 3338 KiB  
Article
Monolithically Integrated GaAs Nanoislands on CMOS-Compatible Si Nanotips Using GS-MBE
by Adriana Rodrigues, Anagha Kamath, Hannah-Sophie Illner, Navid Kafi, Oliver Skibitzki, Martin Schmidbauer and Fariba Hatami
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(14), 1083; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15141083 - 12 Jul 2025
Viewed by 287
Abstract
The monolithic integration of III-V semiconductors with silicon (Si) is a critical step toward advancing optoelectronic and photonic devices. In this work, we present GaAs nanoheteroepitaxy (NHE) on Si nanotips using gas-source molecular beam epitaxy (GS-MBE). We discuss the selective growth of fully [...] Read more.
The monolithic integration of III-V semiconductors with silicon (Si) is a critical step toward advancing optoelectronic and photonic devices. In this work, we present GaAs nanoheteroepitaxy (NHE) on Si nanotips using gas-source molecular beam epitaxy (GS-MBE). We discuss the selective growth of fully relaxed GaAs nanoislands on complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS)-compatible Si(001) nanotip wafers. Nanotip wafers were fabricated using a state-of-the-art 0.13 μm SiGe Bipolar CMOS pilot line on 200 mm wafers. Our investigation focuses on understanding the influence of the growth conditions on the morphology, crystalline structure, and defect formation of the GaAs islands. The morphological, structural, and optical properties of the GaAs islands were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution X-ray diffraction, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. For samples with less deposition, the GaAs islands exhibit a monomodal size distribution, with an average effective diameter ranging between 100 and 280 nm. These islands display four distinct facet orientations corresponding to the {001} planes. As the deposition increases, larger islands with multiple crystallographic facets emerge, accompanied by a transition from a monomodal to a bimodal growth mode. Single twinning is observed in all samples. However, with increasing deposition, not only a bimodal size distribution occurs, but also the volume fraction of the twinned material increases significantly. These findings shed light on the growth dynamics of nanoheteroepitaxial GaAs and contribute to ongoing efforts toward CMOS-compatible Si-based nanophotonic technologies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Nanofabrication and Nanomanufacturing)
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22 pages, 23349 KiB  
Article
Ag/AgCl-Decorated Layered Lanthanum/Niobium Oxide Microparticles as Efficient Photocatalysts for Azo Dye Remediation and Cancer Cell Inactivation
by Elmuez Dawi and Mohsen Padervand
Catalysts 2025, 15(7), 638; https://doi.org/10.3390/catal15070638 - 30 Jun 2025
Viewed by 404
Abstract
Ag/AgCl-decorated layered lanthanum oxide (La2O3) and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) plasmonic photocatalysts are fabricated through an ionic liquid-mediated co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), [...] Read more.
Ag/AgCl-decorated layered lanthanum oxide (La2O3) and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) plasmonic photocatalysts are fabricated through an ionic liquid-mediated co-precipitation method. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), and photoluminescence (PL) techniques were used to illustrate the physicochemical properties of the materials. The photoactivity was evaluated for the degradation of Acid Blue 92 (AB92) azo dye, a typical organic contaminant from the textile industry, and U251 cancer cell inactivation. According to the results, Nb2O5–Ag/AgCl was able to remove >99% of AB92 solution in 35 min with the rate constant of 0.12 min−1, 2.4 times higher than that of La2O3–Ag/AgCl. A pH of 3 and a catalyst dosage of 0.02 g were determined as the optimized factors to reach the highest degradation efficiency under solar energy at noon, which was opted to have the highest sunlight intensity over the reactor. Also, 0.02 mg/mL of Nb2O5–Ag/AgCl was determined to be of great potential to reduce cancer cell viability by more than 50%, revealed by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) examinations. The mechanism of degradation was also discussed, considering the key role of Ag0 nanoparticles in inducing a plasmonic effect and improving the charge separation. This work provides helpful insights to opt for an efficient rare metal oxide with good biocompatibility as support for the plasmonic photocatalysts with the goal of environmental purification under sunlight. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Remediation of Natural Waters by Photocatalysis)
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21 pages, 7004 KiB  
Article
Mn-Doped Carbon Dots as Contrast Agents for Magnetic Resonance and Fluorescence Imaging
by Corneliu S. Stan, Adina Coroaba, Natalia Simionescu, Cristina M. Uritu, Dana Bejan, Laura E. Ursu, Andrei-Ioan Dascalu, Florica Doroftei, Marius Dobromir, Cristina Albu and Conchi O. Ania
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2025, 26(13), 6293; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms26136293 - 29 Jun 2025
Viewed by 647
Abstract
Carbon nanodots have recently attracted attention as fluorescence imaging probes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents in diagnostic and therapeutic applications due to their unique optical properties. In this work we report the synthesis of biocompatible Mn (II)-doped carbon nanodots and their [...] Read more.
Carbon nanodots have recently attracted attention as fluorescence imaging probes and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents in diagnostic and therapeutic applications due to their unique optical properties. In this work we report the synthesis of biocompatible Mn (II)-doped carbon nanodots and their performance as fluorescence and MRI contrast agents in in vitro assays. The thermal decomposition of a Diphenylhydantoin–Mn(II) complex assured the incorporation of manganese (II) ions in the carbon dots. The obtained materials display a favorable spin density for MRI applications. The synthesized Mn(II)-CNDs also displayed remarkable photoluminescence, with a bright blue emission and good response in in vitro fluorescence imaging. Cytotoxicity investigations revealed good cell viability on malignant melanoma cell lines in a large concentration range. A cytotoxic effect was observed for MG-63 osteosarcoma and breast adenocarcinoma cell lines. The in vitro MRI assays demonstrated the potentialities of the Mn(II)-CNDs as T2 contrast agents at low dosages, with relaxivity values higher than those of commercial ones. Due to the simplicity of their synthetic pathway and their low cytotoxicity, the prepared Mn(II)-CNDs are potential alternatives to currently used contrast agents based on gadolinium complexes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Section Materials Science)
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26 pages, 3149 KiB  
Review
Research Progress and Future Perspectives on Photonic and Optoelectronic Devices Based on p-Type Boron-Doped Diamond/n-Type Titanium Dioxide Heterojunctions: A Mini Review
by Shunhao Ge, Dandan Sang, Changxing Li, Yarong Shi, Qinglin Wang and Dao Xiao
Nanomaterials 2025, 15(13), 1003; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano15131003 - 29 Jun 2025
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 521
Abstract
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material with broad application potential, known for its excellent photocatalytic performance, high chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity. These properties make it highly attractive for applications in photovoltaic energy, environmental remediation, and optoelectronic devices. [...] Read more.
Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor material with broad application potential, known for its excellent photocatalytic performance, high chemical stability, low cost, and non-toxicity. These properties make it highly attractive for applications in photovoltaic energy, environmental remediation, and optoelectronic devices. For instance, TiO2 is widely used as a photocatalyst for hydrogen production via water splitting and for degrading organic pollutants, thanks to its efficient photo-generated electron–hole separation. Additionally, TiO2 exhibits remarkable performance in dye-sensitized solar cells and photodetectors, providing critical support for advancements in green energy and photoelectric conversion technologies. Boron-doped diamond (BDD) is renowned for its exceptional electrical conductivity, high hardness, wide electrochemical window, and outstanding chemical inertness. These unique characteristics enable its extensive use in fields such as electrochemical analysis, electrocatalysis, sensors, and biomedicine. For example, BDD electrodes exhibit high sensitivity and stability in detecting trace chemicals and pollutants, while also demonstrating excellent performance in electrocatalytic water splitting and industrial wastewater treatment. Its chemical stability and biocompatibility make it an ideal material for biosensors and implantable devices. Research indicates that the combination of TiO2 nanostructures and BDD into heterostructures can exhibit unexpected optical and electrical performance and transport behavior, opening up new possibilities for photoluminescence and rectifier diode devices. However, applications based on this heterostructure still face challenges, particularly in terms of photodetector, photoelectric emitter, optical modulator, and optical fiber devices under high-temperature conditions. This article explores the potential and prospects of their combined heterostructures in the field of optoelectronic devices such as photodetector, light emitting diode (LED), memory, field effect transistor (FET) and sensing. TiO2/BDD heterojunction can enhance photoresponsivity and extend the spectral detection range which enables stability in high-temperature and harsh environments due to BDD’s thermal conductivity. This article proposes future research directions and prospects to facilitate the development of TiO2 nanostructured materials and BDD-based heterostructures, providing a foundation for enhancing photoresponsivity and extending the spectral detection range enables stability in high-temperature and high-frequency optoelectronic devices field. Further research and exploration of optoelectronic devices based on TiO2-BDD heterostructures hold significant importance, offering new breakthroughs and innovations for the future development of optoelectronic technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoscale Photonics and Optoelectronics)
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24 pages, 2360 KiB  
Article
Influence of Ligand Isomerism on the Photophysical Properties of AIPE-Active Rhenium(I) Complexes: Investigations with a 2-(1,2,3-Triazol-1-yl)pyridine (Tapy)-Based Complex and Its Triazolylidene Derivatives
by Abanoub Mosaad Abdallah, Mariusz Wolff, Nadine Leygue, Maëlle Deleuzière, Nathalie Saffon-Merceron, Charles-Louis Serpentini, Eric Benoist and Suzanne Fery-Forgues
Molecules 2025, 30(13), 2776; https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30132776 - 27 Jun 2025
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Abstract
Due to their rare properties of solid-state luminescence enhancement (SLE), tricarbonylrhenium complexes are promising candidates for applications as photoluminescent materials. However, the effect of isomerism on optical properties is still not well known. The aim of this in-depth study is to explore the [...] Read more.
Due to their rare properties of solid-state luminescence enhancement (SLE), tricarbonylrhenium complexes are promising candidates for applications as photoluminescent materials. However, the effect of isomerism on optical properties is still not well known. The aim of this in-depth study is to explore the behavior of a 2-(1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)pyridine (tapy) complex and compare it with that of the isomers studied previously. Two derivatives that incorporate a mesoionic carbene ligand and represent an emerging class of molecules were also synthesized and compared with the corresponding isomers. The crystallographic data revealed that compounds in the solid state have little or no π–π interactions. The spectroscopic study was supported by DFT calculations. All the compounds were weakly phosphorescent in solution but exhibited a marked SLE effect. The Re-Tapy complex is an excellent solid-state emitter (PLQY = 0.62), well suited for applications related to aggregation-induced phosphorescence emission (AIPE). Its sensitivity to mechanical stimuli was unprecedented among the isomers considered to date. On the other hand, triazolylidene complexes are less emissive than their pyta(1,2,3) counterparts. This study shows how the ligand isomerism influences the optical properties of tricarbonylrhenium(I) complexes. It indicates that selecting the right pattern is a key factor for the design of efficient photoluminescent materials. Full article
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