Chemistry and Materials Science

Abstract: Mesoporous silicate nanoparticles are known for pore size, pore volume, high surface area, and tunable surface properties and as a result, have found application in medicine, healthcare, advanced materials, and devices. Furthermore, tailoring the silicate domain with certain metals has advanced the tissue engineering properties by moderating the cellular function at the molecular level for therapeutic response. However, scarce efforts have been made to explore systemic methods that could change the structure and shape of these particles and their effects on biological properties. Here, we have focused on, using Design of Experiments (DoE), optimizing reaction conditions for the synthesis of mesoporous strontium silicate nanostructures (NS) (nanoparticles – NPs and nanorods – NRs) with different physico-chemical properties. The conditions allowed change in shape from NPs to NRs by tailoring the concentration of liquid ammonia (NH4OH, 82.7 mM to 248.2 mM) during the pre-synthesis incubation state. In addition, the optimized reaction conditions allowed modulating the physico-chemical properties such as surface area, surface charge, amount of metal, pore diameter, pore volume, tailored degradation profile and release profile of the loaded drug (gentamicin). Finally, the protocol has the advantage of allowing incorporation of other metals such as cerium, rhodium, and ruthenium independently and/or in combination.

Abstract: In this study, CdTe thin films were fabricated on soda-lime glass substrates via pulsed laser deposition and evaluated as immobilized semiconductor photocatalysts for the degradation of methylene blue under visible-light irradiation. XRD, AFM, SEM-EDS, photoluminescence, and photophysical characterization techniques were employed to elucidate the relationship between photocatalytic response and the structural, morphological, elemental, and optical characteristics of the fabricated thin films. Results show that increasing film thickness improves crystallinity, surface roughness, stoichiometry, optical absorption, and charge-carrier dynamics, while reducing the optical band gap from 1.71 to 1.37 eV. Among the fabricated samples, the 350 nm-thick CdTe film exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance, achieving 93.32% MB degradation after 220 minutes of visible-light irradiation, following pseudo-first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.0118 min⁻¹. Photocatalytic performance was strongly influenced by solution pH, with optimal degradation at pH 10. Furthermore, scavenger experiments demonstrated that reactive oxygen species, particularly superoxide radicals, played a dominant role in the overall degradation mechanism. These findings highlight CdTe thin films produced by PLD as promising immobilized photocatalysts for efficient wastewater treatment.

Abstract: This paper presents a facile fabrication method for C₆₀ fullerene nanowhisker (C₆₀FNW) gas sensors, investigating the influence of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on their sensing behavior. Polar gases such as methanol produced distinct sensor currents, whereas non‑polar gases such as CCl₄ exhibited no measurable response. UV irradiation led to a decrease in sensor current, indicating a photo‑induced modulation of charge transport in C60FNWs. The pronounced response to polar gases is assumed to arise from two factors: (i) an increase in electrical conductivity owing to the reduction of the HOMO–LUMO gap of C₆₀ molecules upon adsorption of polar species, and (ii) an enhanced adsorption probability driven by dipole-induced dipole interactions between the polar molecules and C₆₀.

Abstract: On a global scale, coffee happens to be the second most traded stock after the petroleum as billions of cups from the refreshing drink are consumed worldwide on a daily basis. As a consequence, billions of tons of waste in a form of wet spent coffee grounds are regularly produced. Since they constitute notable ecological problem, developing approaches for their valorization is seen by the global scientific community as an up to date problem. The article proposes an approach for valorization of the mentioned food waste by subjecting it to non-thermal, chemical treatment, which mimics naturally occurring processes in the environment, which produce petrified, mineralized fossils from prehistoric organic remnants. The spent coffee grounds are first treated with ethanol and then delignified with NaOH, Na₂SO₃ and H₂O₂. Powdered, bleached cellulose is obtained, which is then subjected to artificial silicification (petrification) with simultaneous synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Tetraethyl orthosilicate and AgNO₃ are used for the purpose. The obtained mineralized powder is then used to produce ceramic-based, nanocomposite materials, with additional nanoparticles synthesized in the process. Even more silver nanoparticles are synthesized from the initially obtained ethanol extract. TEM, SAED, SEM, EDS and DTA/TG are used to analyze the synthesized nanoparticles.

Abstract: Xenon (Xe) is an inert noble gas receiving increasing attention in medical research due to its anesthetic properties, ability to regulate metabolic processes, and broad organoprotective effects. Due to its low molecular weight and small size, Xe can be encapsulated within α-cyclodextrin (α-CD). In this study, we combine a theoretical study based on molecular mechanics (MM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with the synthesis and characterization of the α-CD/Xe inclusion complex. During the MD simulations, surface interactions and the formation of inclusion complexes, with Xe atoms encapsulated within the α-CD cavity, were observed in aqueous solution. As the Xe concentration in water increased, α-CD/Xe inclusion complexes with 1:1, 1:2, and 1:3 stoichiometries were formed and remained stable over time, suggesting increasingly effective encapsulation at higher pressures. Following this computational investigation, experimental work was conducted to synthesize and characterize the α-CD/Xe inclusion complex using a liquid-phase encapsulation method. The complexes were prepared at pressures of 2 and 4 bar. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) revealed weight loss. The effective encapsulation of Xe was also confirmed by solid-phase microextraction coupled with gas chromatography - mass spectrometry (SPME-GC-MS), which detected the characteristic m/z signals of Xe and allowed monitoring of its release over time upon contact with aqueous solution.

Abstract: The performance of coatings, corrosion barriers, photocatalysts, and tribological materials is greatly influenced by in situ surface properties, requiring highly sensitive and reproducible operando surface characterization methods. We previously developed a temperature-programmed photoelectron emission (TPPE) method to clarify electron transfer behavior on light-irradiated metal surfaces. TPPE is sensitive to surface temperature and prior chemical exposure, which affect the total photoemitted electron count (N_T), the photothreshold, and the activation energy derived from Arrhenius plots of N_T obtained during heating–cooling cycles. This study examines the reproducibility of TPPE data and the TPPE mechanisms for Cu₂O/Cu surfaces subjected to mechanical abrasion, cleaning, plasma treatment, and subsequent immersion in organic liquids. The resulting Arrhenius plots reveal both positive and negative activation energies, distinctly depending on the treatment conditions. Negative activation energies during cooling are associated with photoredox-mediated emission. TPPE is attributed to oxygen vacancies within the Cu₂O surface layer interfaced with metallic Cu, serving as a direct probe of these vacancy-related states. The TPPE characteristics (N_T intensity and activation energy) following exposure to various polar and nonpolar organic molecules (e.g., acetone, toluene, hexane, ethanol) correlate with the electronic properties of these vacancies, consistent with previous observations for ambient air, alcohol, and water vapor exposure. Under illumination, Cu₂O vacancy states enhance photocarrier extraction (electrons and holes) and accelerate surface redox reactions within adsorbed thin films, thereby improving photocatalytic performance. Notably, the reciprocal dielectric constant of the solvents significantly influences TPPE, indicative of electrostatic surface–solvent interactions. Finally, the TPPE mechanism is discussed in the context of antiviral inactivation at the metallic copper–environment interface.

Abstract: As of late, gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are gaining recognition as highly versatile nanomaterials with remarkable potential in biomedical applications, owing to their unique physicochemical properties. Aside from their tunable size and shape and well-defined surface chemistry, AuNPs provide strong biocompatibility and distinctive optical behavior, arising from a phenomenon widely known as surface plasmon resonance (SPR) [1,2]. These metal nanoparticles’ ability to be coupled with therapeutic molecules, targeting ligands, and polymeric coatings is suggesting they could serve as encouraging platforms in the development of next-generation cancer treatment strategies, along other metal NPs such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). [3–5]. This review focuses on recent advances in the physicochemical design of AuNPs, including the influence of particle size, morphology, and surface chemistry on biological performance and photothermal efficiency. In the context of drug delivery strategies, we discuss the made progress in lipid-encapsulated AuNP systems, combined chemo-photothermal platforms and NIR-responsive systems. At last, current translational challenges related mainly to toxicity, colloidal stability, large-scale synthesis, and clinical implementation are highlighted.

Abstract: Asymmetric supercapacitors (ASC) achieve an excellent balance of high energy density, high power density, and long cycle life by coupling battery-type and capacitive-type electrodes. Herein, we propose an in-situ oxidation method to grow Cu(OH)₂ nanowires on copper foam (CF) as a conductive backbone, followed by a secondary hydrothermal process to coat Co-LDH nanosheets, constructing a Co-LDH@Cu(OH)₂/CF self-standing electrode with a nano-tree-like structure. The optimized Co₃-LDH@Cu(OH)₂/CF electrode delivers a high specific capacitance of 1200 mF cm-2 at 1 mA cm-2 with excellent rate performance. An ACS assembled with Co₃-LDH@Cu(OH)₂/CF as the positive electrode and activated carbon as the negative electrode operates stably within 0~1.6 V, achieving an areal capacitance of 325.6 mF cm-2 at 5 mA cm-2, a high energy density of 115.8 mWh cm-2, and outstanding cycling durability. In-situ Raman spectroscopy reflects the charge storage state and confirms the good reversible electrochemical response in alkaline electrolyte. And in-situ scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) reveals the distribution of active sites and provides kinetic coefficients via approach curves.

Abstract: Chiral plasmonic nanostructures have attracted considerable attention due to their remarkable optical behaviors, which vary significantly across spatial dimensions. By integrating plasmonic effects with complementary functionalities, researchers are uncovering entirely new classes of chiroptical materials with capabilities beyond conventional systems. These materials hold immense promise in diverse domains such as biosensing, asymmetric catalysis, and medical technologies. Recent progress in tailoring structural geometries and fine-tuning optical responses has further expanded the application scope of intrinsically chiral plasmonic systems. A wide range of designs has already been fabricated, enabling scientists to probe novel physical effects and practical uses. In this context, the present review highlights the different architectures of chiral plasmonic nanomaterials, explores the mechanisms underlying chirality generation, and surveys their roles in enantioselective detection, catalytic transformations, and biomedical applications. Additionally, we address current obstacles in synthesis and utilization while outlining strategic approaches and future directions for advancing these multifunctional materials.

Abstract: Polarizers and polarization optics technology has been widely used in various application fields. Although there is a wealth of independent research on polarizers, thin films and polarization spectroscopy, there is a lack of a systematic review that combines "polarizers" with "polarization spectroscopy measurement methodology". In this paper, polarizers and polarization spectroscopy has been discussed revolving the development, fabrication and characterization of related materials, which include Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA)-I2 polarizers, two-dimensional (2D) functional polarizers and grid wire polarizers. The summarized methodology based on Mueller-Stokes polarimetry and Poincaré sphere, which bridges the gap between optimal structural design and performance improvement. Furthermore, this study presents characterization techniques, mechanistic insights, and potential applications of polarizers and polarization spectroscopy. These findings offer a comprehensive strategy for designing novel structures and inspire future research on next-generation functional thin films for optical displays, molecular structural analysis, polarization imaging and polarization photodetectors.

Abstract: A lime-juice-assisted route was used to synthesize CoFe₂O₄ nanoparticles, which were subsequently immobilized in a chitosan matrix to obtain a magnetically recoverable CoFe₂O₄/chitosan (CoFe₂O₄/CS) nanocomposite for methylene blue (MB) removal under visible light. X-ray diffraction confirmed the cubic spinel phase and its retention after composite formation, while FTIR and XPS supported interfacial interactions between CoFe₂O₄ and the amino/hydroxyl functionalities of chitosan. Electron mi-croscopy showed predominantly spherical-to-quasi-spherical ferrite nanoparticles (approximately 10–20 nm) distributed on the polymer matrix with reduced agglom-eration. Chitosan incorporation decreased the BET surface area from 81.9 to 51.3 m² g⁻¹ and the saturation magnetization from 51.5 to 31.4 emu g⁻¹, but the nanocomposite remained readily separable with an external magnet. The optical band gap increased from 2.17 to 2.61 eV, whereas photoluminescence quenching was consistent with lower radiative charge-carrier recombination. At pH 9, an initial MB concentration of 20 mg L⁻¹, and a catalyst dosage of 0.7 g L⁻¹, the composite achieved 98.5% MB removal within 120 min under a 30 W visible-light LED, with a pseudo-first-order rate constant of 0.035 min⁻¹. Removal remained 90.3% after five cycles. Scavenger tests indicated that h⁺ and •OH were the dominant reactive species. These findings suggest the potential of bio-assisted CoFe₂O₄/CS nanocomposites as magnetically recoverable photocatalysts for wastewater treatment.

Abstract: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a debilitating degenerative joint disease urgently requiring disease-modifying therapies. Although multimodal RNA therapeutics (e.g., siRNA, miRNA, and mRNA) exhibit immense potential in reprogramming the complex OA pathological network, their clinical translation remains severely impeded by the hostile intra-articular microenvironment and rapid nucleolytic degradation. This review comprehensively evaluates the evolutionary trajectory of RNA delivery systems tailored for OA, advancing from conventional lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) and natural exosomes to sophisticated hierarchical platforms, including lipo-exosome hybrids, stimuli-responsive metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and injectable hydrogels. These engineered vectors successfully breach cartilaginous barriers, enabling deep tissue penetration, prolonged joint retention, and microenvironment-responsive payload release. Finally, by synergizing advanced biomaterial engineering with precision genetic modulation, we outline the current translational bottlenecks and highlight future trajectories—such as the emerging role of artificial intelligence in rational nanocarrier design—to develop next-generation, dynamically responsive RNA therapeutics for authentic joint microenvironment remodeling.

Abstract:

The global rise of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis has intensified the need for novel and sustainable therapeutics that can overcome the limitations of conventional antibiotics, including toxicity and declining efficacy. Selenium nanoparticles (Se-NPs) are a biocompatible and multifunctional alternative, yet most studies rely on chemically synthesised forms. This study investigated the potential of extracts from marine macroalgae (Palmaria palmata, Ulva intestinalis, Fucus vesiculosus, F. serratus, and Laminaria digitata), with and without ascorbic acid supplementation, to function as reducing and stabilising agents. Se-NPs were successfully synthesised without chemical reductants, maintaining comparable size, morphology, and stability to their ascorbic acid-aided counterparts and were systematically characterised using UV-Vis spectroscopy, FTIR, XRD, DLS, zeta potential, TEM, SEM, and EDX techniques. Biological efficacy was assessed against five Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with varying resistance phenotypes. Crude macroalgae extracts displayed no intrinsic antimycobacterial activity, whereas Se-NPs exhibited robust and broad-spectrum inhibition, with minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀) in several cases comparable to reference antibiotics. Se-NPs derived from P. palmata and U. intestinalis were the most effective, including against resistant strains. This is, to the best of our knowledge, the first study to evaluate Se-NPs synthesised from macroalgae against M. tuberculosis. The findings highlight their potential as sustainable, low-cost, and biocompatible nanotherapeutics for combating wild-type and multidrug-resistant tuberculosis.

Abstract: In scientific literature biosynthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles and synthesis of these nanoparticles using small organic molecules such as citrate have been called ´green´. In abstracts of scientific publications gold or silver nanoparticles obtained by ´green´ synthesis have been rather frequently characterized as biocompatible. Biocompatible means: having no negative impact on exposed organisms. Two kinds of reasons have been used as underpinning for this characterization. The first is the biocompatibility of the substances used in ´green´ synthesis and coating nanoparticles. This reason lacks a solid empirical basis. The second reason given for biocompatibility is limited testing of the nanoparticles obtained by ´green´ synthesis, mainly in vitro testing. Such limited testing is inconclusive. Use-specific comprehensive in vitro and in vivo testing, including clinical studies, and control of hazardous substances such as lipopolysaccharide and flagellins is needed to provide a solid basis for the characterization biocompatible for humans.

Abstract: This review reports on the huge potential of natural products (NPs) as drugs due to their pleiotropic activities and discusses the recent research and development of nanoscale drug delivery systems loaded with NPs. Indeed, the number of publications is dramatically increased in the last years and excellent biopharmaceutical properties of nanosized vectors loaded with NPs have been reported, however on the market the number of products based on nanoscale drug delivery systems are limited essentially to food supplements and cosmetics. The difficulties of NPs loaded nanovectors to reach the market as medicine is mainly due to the lack of dedicated regulatory frameworks, a specialized "nano" legal context. Instead, nanovectors are evaluated on a case-by-case basis under existing broad pharmaceutical regulations under traditional benefit/risk frameworks. This manuscript would be a comprehensive collection of the reviews on nanovectors loaded with some paradigmatic NPs, namely curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, thymoquinone, cannabidiol, and silybin, all developed to overcome their biopharmaceutical restrictions, mainly solubility and stability. The study highlights the challenges and limitations of the reported studies, evidencing in many cases the lack of complete knowledge of the mechanistic of nano–bio interactions, the lack of some basic requirements as the encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency, as well as the very limited number of the clinical studies. Finally, NPs are presented as multifunctional excipients of nanovectors to improve nanocarrier structure, function and drug biopharmaceutical properties, mainly represented by ginseng and quillaja saponins, escin and glycyrrhizin to form micelles or vesicles such as escinosomes.

Abstract: This review presents a current understanding of the relationship between the structure of multicomponent metallic melts and the processes of amorphization and nanocrystallization. Particular attention is paid to the thermal-temporal treatment (TTT) of melts as a precision method for monitoring the nonequilibrium state of the liquid phase, the relaxation kinetics of cluster associations, and liquid-liquid transitions (LLT). The mechanisms by which precrystallization melt treatment affects the homogeneity of the amorphous precursor, the size of nanograins (7–15 nm), the phase composition (Fe₃Si, Fe₂B), and the resulting magnetic characteristics of toroidal cores (μ_max > 600,000, H_c < 0.5 A/m) are investigated. Based on an analysis of structural models of metallic melts (cybotactic, quasicrystalline, and quasichemical), it is shown that critical temperatures, viscosity hysteresis, and oscillatory relaxation serve as indicators of melt equilibrium. It is noted that the optimized TTT protocols combined with controlled annealing at 542–572°C enable the formation of Fe₃Si nanograins with exceptional magnetic softness. The obtained results open the possibility of discussing the prospects for integrating TTT with in situ diagnostics, CALPHAD modeling, and the potential of machine learning for the design of next-generation soft magnetic nanomaterials with tailored frequency characteristics for high-frequency power electronics and their use in electromagnetic shielding.

Abstract: Transition metal phosphides (TMPs) have gained significant attention from researchers in the field of catalytic hydrogenation due to their excellent properties. However, existing studies rarely explored the targeted regulation of the degree of crystal plane exposure of the Ni₁₂P₅ catalyst. It is difficult to significantly enhance the performance of this catalyst in the hydrogenation dechlorination (HDC) reaction of trichloroethylene by this strategy. This study proposes a regulatory approach: changing the ratio of ethylene glycol to water to precisely control the exposure ratio of the high-index (312) crystal plane of the Ni₁₂P₅ catalyst. Combined with the performance tests of trichloroethylene hydrogenation dechlorination at different reaction temperatures, the intrinsic relationship between the step atoms generated during the formation of the (312) crystal plane and the active sites of the catalyst was clarified. The study also utilized multiple characterization methods such as transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to conduct a comprehensive property analysis of the prepared catalytic materials.

Abstract: Surface roughness at the nanometer scale limits the optical performance of reflective components for X-ray and extreme ultraviolet beam shaping. While sub-nanometer roughness can be achieved by polishing planar substrates, it remains challenging for con-tinuous three-dimensional topographies fabricated by grayscale direct-write lithography in polymer resists. In this work, mm-long linear grayscale slopes are introduced as a cali-bration platform to distinguish between form, waviness, and roughness contributions. Process optimization reduces artefacts such as gray-value discretization and stitching, while replication into PMMA combined with the TASTE process enables a reduction of intrinsic roughness below 2 nm. Laser scanning confocal and atomic force microscopy are used as complementary techniques to assess surface quality across spatial scales. The re-sults provide insight into the origin of roughness in novolak-based resists and its evolu-tion through the fabrication chain, highlighting material limitations and paths toward smooth polymer optics.

Abstract: Hydrolates are aqueous distillation byproducts generated during the production of essential oils from aromatic and medicinal plants. Although historically considered low-value residual streams, they contain water-compatible volatile and semi-volatile compounds, including oxygenated terpenes, phenolic derivatives, alcohols, aldehydes, and ketones, which may support antimicrobial, antioxidant, and complementary biological activities. This review critically examines hydrolates as sustainable phytochemical platforms for nano-enabled applications in food preservation, active packaging, and agriculture. Particular attention is given to the relationship between hydrolate composition, biological activity, technological limitations, and formulation strategies. The current evidence indicates that hydrolates should not be interpreted as diluted essential oils, but rather as chemically distinct aqueous systems with specific advantages, including compatibility with hydrophilic matrices, lower sensory intensity, and potential contribution to circular economy models. However, their practical application remains limited by compositional variability, low concentration of bioactive compounds, physicochemical and microbiological instability, lack of standardized production and characterization protocols, and limited validation under real application conditions. Nano-enabled systems, including nanoemulsions, liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, nanogels, thermoresponsive matrices, and active films or coatings, may improve hydrolate stability, retention, controlled release, and functional performance. Nevertheless, hydrolate-specific evidence remains scarce, and many current perspectives are still extrapolated from studies on essential oils, plant extracts, or isolated natural compounds. Future research should prioritize quantitative bioactivity assessment, stability studies, realistic food and agricultural models, safety evaluation, scalability, regulatory planning, and sustainability analysis. Overall, hydrolate valorization through nano-enabled strategies represents a promising but still emerging pathway for transforming aqueous distillation byproducts into functional systems for sustainable applications.

Abstract: High-efficiency energy sources for electric vehicles and portable electronic devices require advanced lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) with high energy density, superior power capability, and long-term cycling stability. Among the various components of LIBs, the cathode material plays a pivotal role in determining the electrochemical performance, safety, and commercial viability of the battery. To meet the growing demands of modern applications, cathode materials must combine high capacity with structural stability, thermal safety, cost-effectiveness, and excellent rate capability. This article reviews the most widely used cathode materials with layered and spinel structures. Their key advantages and inherent limitations are discussed in detail, together with strategies aimed at improving their performance through elemental doping and surface coating approaches. In addition, the review summarizes facile, scalable, and cost-effective synthesis methods for these cathode materials and highlights advances characterization techniques employed to achieve a deeper understanding of their nanostructured features and electrochemical behavior.