Search Results (55)

Lanthanide rare earth elements possess significant promise for material applications owing to their distinctive optical and magnetic characteristics, as well as their versatile coordination capabilities. This study introduced a lanthanide-functionalized magnetic nanocellulose composite (NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃) for effective phosphorus/nitrogen (P/N) ligand separation. The hybrid material employs the adaptable coordination geometry and strong affinity for oxygen of La³⁺ ions to show enhanced DNA-binding capacity via multi-site coordination with phosphate backbones and bases. This study utilized cellulose as a carrier, which was modified through carboxylation and amination processes employing deep eutectic solvents (DES) and polyethyleneimine. Magnetic nanoparticles and La(OH)₃ were subsequently incorporated into the cellulose via in situ growth. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a specific surface area of 36.2 m²·g⁻¹ and a magnetic saturation intensity of 37 emu/g, facilitating the formation of ligands with accessible La³⁺ active sites, hence creating mesoporous interfaces that allow for fast separation. NNC@Fe₃O₄@La(OH)₃ showed a significant affinity for DNA, with adsorption capacities reaching 243 mg/g, mostly due to the multistage coordination binding of La³⁺ to the phosphate groups and bases of DNA. Simultaneously, kinetic experiments indicated that the binding process adhered to a pseudo-secondary kinetic model, predominantly dependent on chemisorption. This study developed a unique rare-earth coordination-driven functional hybrid material, which is highly significant for constructing selective separation platforms for P/N-containing ligands. Full article

The development of effective, cost-efficient, and printable solid-state gas sensors for the detection of volatile organic compounds is of great interest due to their wide range of applications, spanning from real-time indoor monitoring to emerging fields such as non-invasive medical diagnostics. However, gas sensors encounter difficulties in discovering materials that have both good selectivity and sensitivity for numerous volatile organic compounds in both dry and humid settings. To expand the class of sensing materials, the current study investigates the sensing performance of solid solutions based on a rare-earth metal oxide. Pr, Fe, and Ti oxide solid solutions were produced using a solid-state technique, with thermal treatments at varied temperatures to tune their structural and functional properties. The powders were used, for the first time, to produce chemoresistive sensors, which showed promising sensing capabilities vs. ethanol, acetone, and acetaldehyde. The sensors were characterized by varying the concentration of the target gases from 1 to 50 ppm in a controlled environment, with the relative humidity ranging from 2 to 40%. The findings bring a turning point, leading to fruitful paths for the development of Pr-based solid solutions-based chemoresistive gas sensors for the detection of volatile organic compounds. Full article

Rare-earth nanoparticles (RE-NPs), particularly NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺, have emerged as a promising class of photoluminescent probes for bioimaging and sensing applications. These nanomaterials are characterized by their ability to absorb low-energy photons and emit higher-energy photons through an upconversion luminescence process. This process can be triggered by continuous-wave (CW) light excitation, providing a unique optical feature that is not exhibited by native biomolecules. However, the application of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in bioimaging requires systematic optimization to maximize the signal and ensure biological compatibility. In this work, we synthesized hexagonal-phase UCNPs (average diameter: 29 ± 3 nm) coated with polyacrylic acid (PAA) and established the optimal conditions for imaging human erythrocytes. The best results were obtained after a 4-h incubation in 100 mM HEPES buffer, using a nanoparticle concentration of 0.01 mg/mL and a laser current intensity of 250–300 mA. Under these conditions, the UCNPs exhibited minimal cytotoxicity and were found to predominantly localize at the erythrocyte membrane periphery, indicating surface adsorption rather than internalization. Additionally, a machine learning model (Random Forest) was implemented that classified the photoluminescent signal with 80% accuracy and 83% precision, with the signal intensity identified as the most relevant feature. This study establishes a quantitative and validated protocol that balances signal strength with cell integrity, enabling robust and automated image analysis. Full article

Rare-earth-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been widely used in biological detection due to their unique anti-Stokes shift, stable chemical properties, tunable emission wavelengths, and low biotoxicity. However, their low fluorescence quantum yield remains a challenge. Constructing a high-performance detection platform based on UCNPs is therefore a critical consideration. Focusing on the biological detection applications of UCNPs, this paper introduces the fundamental principles of upconversion and the design of upconversion fluorescence probes. It then summarizes common strategies for enhancing upconversion luminescence and three biosensing platform formats: solution-based, strip-based, and plate-based. Finally, future directions for UCNPs in biological detection are discussed. Full article

Developing advanced materials with enhanced performance through the doping of nanoclusters is a promising strategy. However, there remains an insufficient understanding of the specific effects induced by such doped nanoclusters, particularly regarding the structural evolution pattern after doping with rare-earth elements and their impact on performance. To solve this problem, we used first-principles calculation to study the structural evolution pattern and spectroscopic properties of anionic TbGe_n (n = 6–17) nanoclusters through the ABCluster global search technique coupled with the mPW2PLYP double-hybrid density functional theory. The results revealed that the geometrical evolution pattern is from the typical Tb-linked structures (for n = 10–13, in which Tb acts as a linker connecting two germanium sub-clusters) to Tb-centered cage configurations (for n = 14–17). The simulated photoelectron spectroscopy of anionic TbGe₁₆ agrees well with its experimental counterpart. Furthermore, we calculated properties such as infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible (UV–vis) spectra, magnetism, charge transfer, the HOMO-LUMO gap, and relative stability. The results suggest that TbGe₁₂⁻ and TbGe₁₆⁻ clusters, with their remarkable stability and tunable photothermal properties, can serve as ideal building blocks for developing novel functional nanomaterials. These clusters demonstrate promising applications in solar photothermal conversion, photoelectric conversion, and infrared imaging technologies through their distinct one- and three-dimensional architectures, respectively. Full article

A Yb³⁺-doped BiOI 3D nanosheet array composite was successfully fabricated through a solvothermal deposition strategy on flexible carbon cloth (CC). This composite was subsequently integrated with high-chlorine fly ash (FA) blocks to form the Yb-BiOI/CC/FA hybrid material. Comprehensive characterization was performed using multiple analytical techniques for crystalline phase identification, morphological analysis, valence state, band structure evaluation, and charge carrier separation assessment. Electrochemical measurements were conducted to evaluate the material’s electronic properties. Experimental results demonstrated superior photocatalytic performance under visible light irradiation, with the Yb-BiOI/CC/FA composite achieving 52.87% methylene blue degradation efficiency. The reaction rate constant of this modified nanomaterial was approximately 2.1 times higher than that of pristine BiOI/CC/FA. Radical trapping experiments revealed that superoxide radicals (·O₂⁻) served as the predominant oxidative species. This study presents a dual-benefit strategy for environmental remediation by simultaneously achieving sustainable waste valorization of industrial byproducts (FA) and developing high-efficiency photocatalytic materials. The successful integration of rare-earth metal modification with substrate engineering provides valuable insights for designing advanced photocatalytic systems for pollutant degradation. Full article

Colorectal cancer poses a significant threat to human health due to its high aggressiveness and poor prognosis. Key factors impacting patient outcomes include post-surgical recurrence, chemotherapeutic drug resistance, and insensitivity to immunotherapy. Consequently, early diagnosis and the development of effective targeted therapies are essential for improving prevention and treatment strategies. Inorganic nanomaterials have gained prominence in the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer owing to their unique size, advantageous properties, and high modifiability. Various types of inorganic nanomaterials—such as metal-based, metal oxide, quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, carbon-based, and rare-earth nanomaterials—have demonstrated significant potential in enhancing multimodal imaging, drug delivery, and synergistic therapies. These advancements underscore their critical role in improving therapeutic outcomes. This review highlights the properties and development of inorganic nanomaterials, summarizes their recent applications and progress in colorectal cancer diagnosis and treatment, and discusses the challenges in translating these materials into clinical use. It aims to provide valuable insights for future research and the clinical application of inorganic nanomaterials in colorectal cancer management. Full article

Doping rare-earth metals into semiconductor germanium clusters can significantly enhance the stability of these clusters while introducing novel and noteworthy optical properties. Herein, a series of EuGe_n⁻ (n = 7–20) clusters and their structural and nonlinear optical properties are investigated via the ABCluster global search technique combined with the double-hybrid density functional theory mPW2PLYP. The structure growth pattern can be divided into two stages: an adsorption structure and a linked structure (when n = 7–10 and n = 11–20, respectively). In addition to simulating the photoelectron spectra of the clusters, their various properties, including their (hyper)polarizability, magnetism, charge transfer, relative stability, and energy gap, are identified. According to our examination, the EuGe₁₃⁻ cluster exhibits a significant nonlinear optical response of the β_tot value of 7.47 × 10⁵ a.u., and is thus considered a promising candidate for outstanding nonlinear optical semiconductor nanomaterials. Full article

This study investigates the synthesis and characterization of SiO₂-Gd₂O₃-Eu₂O₃ nanomaterials. The sol–gel method was employed using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS), gadolinium nitrate, and europium nitrate as precursors. The influence of rare earth oxide concentration on the hydrolysis kinetics and activation energy was evaluated. Additionally, the acid-base properties of the synthesized materials were examined using the Hammett indicator adsorption method. The results revealed that the addition of Gd₂O₃ and Eu₂O₃ oxides to the system accelerated the hydrolysis process and reduced the activation energy. The formation of a layered structure, consisting of a central Si(OH)₄ nucleus, a Si-O-Si polymer layer, and hydrated metal ion layers, was observed. The acid-base properties of the synthesized nanomaterials were influenced by the drying method and the composition of the system. The findings provide valuable insights into the synthesis and properties of SiO₂-Gd₂O₃-Eu₂O₃ nanomaterials, which have potential applications in various fields such as optoelectronics and catalysis. Full article

Nanoparticle-based X-ray radiosensitization strategies have garnered significant attention in recent years. However, the underlying mechanisms of radiosensitization remain incompletely understood. In this work, we explore the influence of the K-edge effect in the X-ray absorption of nanomaterials on sensitization. Due to the alignment of the K-edge of thulium (Tm) with the Bremsstrahlung peak in the energy spectrum of medical X-ray accelerators, the following four different rare-earth nanomaterials with varying Tm percentages were designed: NaTmF₄, NaTm_0.6Lu_0.4F₄, NaTm_0.4Lu_0.6F₄, and NaLuF₄. We evaluated the X-ray absorption and the ability to generate secondary electrons and reactive oxygen species (ROS) of these nanoparticles. The radiosensitizing effect was evaluated through clonogenic assays. Our results showed that the K-edge effect affected secondary electron generation but did not significantly change ROS production. Nonetheless, NaTmF₄ induced marginally more DNA damage in the U87 cells than the other cell types. NaTmF₄ also exhibited superior radiosensitization efficacy against the U87 tumor cells. This shows that secondary electrons and ROS play pivotal roles in radiosensitization, which might be crucial to improving cancer treatment efficacy through enhanced radiation therapy outcomes. Full article

We reported the new synthesis of Sm₂Co₁₇ particles by a microwave-assisted combustion (MACS) method. This process enables the controlled decomposition of Sm(NO₃)₃ and Co(NO₃)₂ into SmCo-O particles, followed by calcium reduction-diffusion. This SmCo-O particle provides an approach for achieving high magnetic properties in Sm₂Co₁₇ magnetic materials. The rhombohedral Sm₂Co₁₇ particles can be incorporated into epoxy resin and oriented, displaying a square-like hysteresis loop. The particles display magnetic properties at room temperature, with a saturation magnetization of 112.3 emu/g, coercivity of 5.6 kOe, and a maximum energy product of 9.4 MGOe. This method improves the synthesis efficiency of rare earth cobalt-based nano-materials, expands the synthesis scope, and provides ideas for the synthesis and applications of other rare earth nano-materials. Full article

The unique properties of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are responsible for their diverse applications in photonic materials, medicine, analytics, and energy conversion. In this study, water-soluble rare-earth upconversion nanomaterials emitting green, yellow, and red light under 1550 nm excitation were synthesized. These nanomaterials were then integrated into water-soluble Kevlar nanofibers (KNFs) to fabricate ultra-thin composite films exhibiting favorable mechanical characteristics. The characterization of the products, along with their luminescent, mechanical, and temperature-sensing properties, was examined. The results indicate that the composite material exhibited varying colors based on the doped nanoparticles when subjected to 1550 nm excitation. The composite showed highly sensitive temperature-sensing properties, excellent luminescent characteristics, and superior mechanical strength. This study suggests that KNFs are effective carriers of UCNPs. This study offers a reference for the utilization of rare-earth upconversion in anti-counterfeiting displays, wearable health monitoring, and remote temperature sensing. Full article

Tellurium (Te) is the heaviest stable chalcogen and is a rare element in Earth’s crust (one to five ppb). It was discovered in gold ore from mines in Kleinschlatten near the present-day city of Zlatna, Romania. Industrial and other applications of Te focus on its inorganic forms. Tellurium can be toxic to animals and humans at low doses. Chronic tellurium poisoning endangers the kidney, liver, and nervous system. However, Te can be effective against bacteria and is able to destroy cancer cells. Tellurium can also be used to develop redox modulators and enzyme inhibitors. Soluble salts that contain Te had a role as therapeutic and antimicrobial agents before the advent of antibiotics. The pharmaceutical use of Te is not widespread due to the narrow margin between beneficial and toxic doses, but there are differences between the measure of toxicity based on the Te form. Nano-tellurium (Te-NPs) has several applications: it can act as an adsorptive agent to remove pollutants, and it can be used in antibacterial coating, photo-catalysis for the degradation of dyes, and conductive electronic materials. Nano-sized Te particles are the most promising and can be produced in both chemical and biological ways. Safety assessments are essential to determine the potential risks and benefits of using Te compounds in various applications. Future challenges and directions in developing nano-materials, nano-alloys, and nano-structures based on Te are still open to debate. Full article

In the realm of renewable energy harvesting, nanomaterials doping with rare-earth ions is gaining traction. Lanthanum-doped ZnO thin films were synthesized using the sol–gel technique, with various La weight percentages. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) findings indicated that the hexagonal wurtzite structure of lanthanum-doped ZnO was maintained at various La weight percentage, despite a variation in the average crystallite size from 39 nm to 26 nm. The granule-like structure was examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the morphology remained unchanged with the inclusion of lanthanum. The direct energy bandgap was estimated to extend from 3.55 eV to 3.40 eV, revealing a discernible shift as the lanthanum concentration increased. The dc electrical conductivity of the films improved as the lanthanum doping in the ZnO lattice structure increased. Furthermore, increasing the La content altered the water contact angles from 51.5° to 26.4°, making the surface more hydrophilic. These findings can allow for the ubiquitous development of nanostructures for photoanode materials made of metal oxides with future applications in DSSC devices. Full article

Magnetic Functional Nanomaterials Co_1−yZn_yRE_xFe_2−xO₄ (RE (rare-earth) = La,Sm,Gd) were prepared using the sol–gel combustion method. XRD characterization confirms that the ferrite samples we synthesized are single-phase cubic structures. The variation in the average crystalline size and lattice parameter is related to RE ion doping. The Mössbauer spectra of CoRE_xFe_2−xO₄ are two sets of magnetic six-wire peaks that indicate the ferrimagnetic behavior of the sample. The calcination temperature greatly influences the absorption area of Mössbauer for CoFe₂O₄, indicating that the calcination temperature affects the iron ion content at the octahedral B and tetrahedral A sites. Additionally, scanning electron microscopy measurements of the substituted specimens reveal that the ferrite powders are nanoparticles. With an increase in RE ions, the coercivity increases, and the saturation magnetization changes obviously. The XRD characterization of Co_0.7Zn_0.3La_xFe_2−xO₄ shows that the main crystalline phase of the sample is the cubic spinel structure phase, and there are fewer secondary crystalline phases. The lattice parameter tends to decrease with the substitution of La³⁺ ions. The average grain size decreased significantly with the increase in La content. From ferrimagnetic state transition to relaxation behavior, the hyperfine magnetic field decreases in La concentration by room temperature Mössbauer spectra. With the substitution of La³⁺ ions, both the saturation magnetization and coercivity of the samples were reduced, and the coercivity of all samples was lower. Full article