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The capacitive energy‐storage capacity of most emerging devices rapidly diminishes with increasing temperature, making high‐temperature dielectrics particularly desirable in modern electronic systems. In this work, calcium niobate (Ca2Nb3O10, CNO) nanosheets have been added into poly(vinylidene fluoride‐hexafluoropropylene) (P(VDF‐HFP), PVHP), forming PVHP/CNO nanocomposites with exceptional temperature stability and ultrahigh energy storage density. Especially, at 80°C and 450 MV/m, the PVHP/0.3 wt%CNO nanocomposite shows an excellent Wrec of 10.81 J/cm3 which is higher than previous PVDF‐based composite films at high temperatures. Because of the high dielectric permittivity of CNO nanosheets and the way that the parallel organization of the nanosheets blocks the course of electrical trees, nanocomposites exhibit greater dielectric constants and breakdown field strengths simultaneously. These findings, will be helpful in the development of flexible, high‐energy‐density capacitors that have stable performance at high temperatures. Highlights: A record‐high high‐temperature Wrec is obtained.Excellent temperature stability from 25 to 80°C is achieved.The incorporation of Ca2Nb3O10 nanosheets significantly enhances Eb. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Water oxidation, a crucial step in electrochemical water splitting, is often hindered by its complex kinetics. In our pursuit of designing efficient electrocatalysts, we have found that morphological modifications during synthesis are powerful tools. By manipulating various parameters, such as reaction time and temperature, we have tuned the morphology of the catalysts, leading to a significant enhancement in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) rate. Our thorough research involves using a simple hydrothermal method for synthesizing bimetallic Ni–Cu oxides, resulting in the emergence of different morphologies by varying reaction times from 4 to 24 h. The OER performance in an alkaline medium, using a 1 M KOH solution, has been meticulously investigated, and our results have unveiled the highest activity for Ni–Cu fabricated with a growth time of 24 h. Ni–Cu oxide 24 exhibits a remarkably low onset potential for OER at 222 mV with a Tafel slope of 373 mV/dec. The catalyst boasts the lowest Rct value of 2.788 ohm, ensuring faster charge transfer rates and stability up to 1000 cyclic voltammetry (CV) cycles, thereby supporting its electrochemical applications for water splitting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Titanium carbide (Ti3C2) MXenes due to their structural and optical characteristics rapidly emerged as the preferred material, particularly in catalysis and energy applications. On the other hand, because of its enormous surface/volume ratio and porosity, Metal-organic Frameworks (MOFs) show promise in several areas, including catalysis, delivery, and storage. The potential to increase the applicability of these magic compounds might be achieved by taking advantage of the inherent flexibility in design and synthesis, and optical characteristics of MXenes. Thus, coupling MOF with Ti3C2 MXenes to construct hybrid composites is considered promising in a variety of applications, including energy conversion and storage. This paper presents a systematic discussion of current developments in Ti3C2 MXenes/MOF composites for photocatalytic reduction of CO2, and production of hydrogen through water splitting. Initially, the overview and characteristics of MXenes and MOFs are independently discussed and then a detailed investigation of efficiency enhancement is examined. Different strategies such as engineering aspects, construction of binary and ternary composites and their efficiency enhancement mechanism are deliberated. Finally, different strategies to explore further in various other applications are suggested. Although Ti3C2 MXenes/MOF composites have not yet been thoroughly investigated, they are potential photocatalysts for the production of solar fuel and ought to be looked into further for a range of applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Artificial membranes with ion‐selective nanochannels for high‐efficiency mono/divalent ion separation are of great significance in water desalination and lithium‐ion extraction, but they remain a great challenge due to the slight physicochemical property differences of various ions. Here, the successful synthesis of two‐dimensional TpEBr‐based covalent organic framework (COF) nanosheets, and the stacking of them as consecutive membranes for efficient mono/divalent ion separation is reported. The obtained COF nanosheet membranes with intrinsic one‐dimensional pores and abundant cationic sites display high permeation rates for monovalent cations (K+, Na+, Li+) of ≈0.1–0.3 mol m−2 h−1, while the value of divalent cations (Ca2+, Mg2+) is two orders of magnitude lower, resulting in an ultrahigh mono/divalent cation separation selectivity up to 130.4, superior to the state‐of‐the‐art ion sieving membranes. Molecular dynamics simulations further confirm that electrostatic interaction controls the confined transport of cations through the cationic COF nanopores, where multivalent cations face i) strong electrostatic repulsion and ii) steric transport hindrance since the large hydrated divalent cations are retarded due to a layer of strongly adsorbed chloride ions at the pore wall, while smaller monovalent cations can swiftly permeate through the nanopores. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The development of cost-effective and high-performance electrocatalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) would be beneficial to future renewable energy storage. Herein, sulfate modified Fe(OH) x nanosheets grown on nickel foam (S–Fe(OH) x /NF) with rich undercoordinated atom centers and oxygen vacancies were fabricated through a facile hydrothermal method. The optimal sample S 2 –Fe(OH) x /NF exhibits outstanding OER activity with an ultralow overpotential of 261 mV to obtain a current density of 200 mA cm−2. The impressive catalytic activity is primarily attributed to the introduction of the undercoordinated atom (Fe) center, which offer rich active sites, as well as the creation of oxygen vacancies (Vo) that enhance the electron density and the intrinsic conductivity. This work opens up an in-depth understanding of transition metal oxides for OER mechanism by sulfate-decorated and a new prospect for designing highly efficient electrocatalysts. [Display omitted] • The facile solvothermal approach is adopted to achieve the SO 4 2- modified Fe(OH) x /NF nanosheets. • The prepared electrode showed an overpotential of only 261 mV at a current density of 200 mA cm−2. • The impressive catalytic activity is primarily attributed to the introduction of the undercoordinated atom (Fe) centers and Vo. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The precise control of size and morphology of photocatalysts through solvothermal methods is a challenge in the basic research of 3‐D titanium dioxide (TiO2) hierarchical structures. This study utilizes the solvothermal method to synthesize N‐involved TiO2 nanoflowers with nanosheet‐assembled structures ranging from microscale (1.3 µm ± 0.2 µm) to nanoscale (200 nm ± 50 nm), achieved by varying the volume fraction (percentage by volume, vol%) of N‐N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) from 0% to 75% in a mixed solution of DMF and isopropanol (IPA). The synthesized TiO2:VFDMF = 0–75% catalyst exhibits good monodispersity and uniform particle size. With increasing DMF volume percentage, the size of TiO2:VFDMF = 0–75% decreased regularly, and the number of nanosheets constructed with a single TiO2:VFDMF = 0–75% particle decreased without any stacking or reassembly occurring. This study monitors the solvothermal processes of DMF 5% and DMF 75%, revealing the changing rules of nanoparticle size and morphology. Furthermore, the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange shows that TiO2:VFDMF = 50% and TiO2:VFDMF = 75% are structurally stable and exhibit good photocatalytic activity without any noble metal doping. The degradation efficiency reaches 99.9%, and after repeated use, the catalysts demonstrate excellent degradation performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Generating electricity from salinity‐gradient waters with nanofluidic structures is a promising approach for achieving zero‐emission energy goals and addressing escalating energy crises. However, the ingenious design and development of biomass membranes that satisfy the requirements of sustainability, low‐cost, long‐term stability, and high output power density is a crucial challenge. This work reports two‐dimensional (2D) hierarchical‐structured chitin nanosheets (2D H‐CNS) with abundant micro‐/nano‐pore structures through chemical modification, acid vapor treatment, and ultrasound‐assisted exfoliation. The results showed that surface charge modification not only promotes the loosening and controllable exfoliation of the dense chitin structure into ultra‐thin 2D H‐CNS (1.34 nm) but also increases the porosity and enhances the ion transport flux and selectivity of the nanosheets. Furthermore, experimental and simulation confirm that hierarchical ion transport in nanosheet‐assembled membranes (2D‐HM) substantially enhances ion transport performance, with an 18.5 times improvement in ion conductance over dense nanosheet‐assembled membranes (2D‐DM). Furthermore, 2D‐HM embedded in an energy harvesting system achieved an output power density of 2.59 W m−2, 2.51 times that of 2D‐DM. This study promotes the development of all‐biomass materials with high‐performance osmotic energy harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The dynamic magnetic field was harnessed for the quick growth of the MoO3 nanosheet. We set a magnetic channel by coupling the dynamic magnetic fields with nonmagnetic molecules for realizing a quick and stable transport and collection of gas molecules, instead of the diffusion way. Motivated mainly by the forces arising from the dynamic magnetic field, the quality α-MoO3 nanosheets are aligned along the direction of the magnetic fields, where their growth speed can reach as high as 2–3 orders of magnitude compared to the diffusion driven by concentration gradients alone. The final obtained α-MoO3 nanosheets exhibit good crystalline properties and ultrathin thickness along the (010) orientation. Angle-resolved polarization Raman spectroscopy confirms that α-MoO3 nanosheets have strong Raman anisotropy, where the Ag mode can be used to identify the crystal orientation of α-MoO3. Our findings can be adopted as a highly efficient method to prepare nanosheets of high-quality two-dimensional materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fe-incorporated BiOCl-nanosheet assembled rods (FBC-NSR) based photoactive materials were synthesized using a simple sol–gel process to degrade tetracycline (TC) pharmaceuticals compound (PCs) under solar irradiation. The as-prepared FBC-NSR-based photoactive materials were characterized using various characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescent (PL) spectroscopic analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The structural changes were observed upon doping of Fe metals within the FBC-NSR-based photoactive materials. Intriguingly, the band gap value decreased from ~ 1.81 eV to ~ 1.29 eV with increasing the amount of Fe metals (0.5 g, and 1.0 g) within the FBC-NSR named as FBC-NSR-2 and FBC-NSR-3-based photoactive materials, respectively. The lower band gap value favors the photodegradation of environmental pollution. The synthesized FBC-NSR-3 shows the highest degradation ~ 97% and ~ 72.1% at 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L TC antibiotic, respectively. The photodegradation was higher at pH 10, indicating •OH radicals play a major role in the photodegradation of TC molecules. PL spectra confirm the higher oxygen vacancy, improved transfer of electrons, and separation efficiency of photo-induced electron hole-pairs, thereby high photodegradation efficiency. Therefore, the preparation of FBC-NSR-based photoactive materials is simple, cost-effective, and promising semiconductor materials for the removal of environmental pollution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Supercapacitors, distinguished by their high power density, rapid charge‐discharge rates, and prolonged cycle life, hold significant promise in various technological applications. However, limited lower energy density still hinder their practical application. Enhancing intrinsic conductivity by smart choice of elemental combination along with design of nanostructures has the potential to significantly improve the electrochemical performance. Herein, a self‐template method was used for the synthesis of Zn‐doped hydrolyzed NiCo‐glycerate nanosphere (ZnNiCo−G−H) electrode material, assembled with a large number of nanosheets by simple hydrothermal reaction, which can provide abundant active sites and thus achieve superior electrochemical performance. The optimized electrode material displayed a specific capacitance of 1145 F g−1 at 1 A g−1. The fabricated asymmetric supercapacitor, composed of ZnNiCo−G−H and activated carbon as two electrodes, delivered excellent cycling performance with a capacitance retention of 93.8 % after 5000 cycles at the current density of 5 A g−1 and a high energy density of 40 Wh kg−1 at 825 W kg−1, offering great potential as a qualified candidate for the electrochemical energy storage devices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An electrochemical aptasensor was established for the fast and sensitive determination of tetracycline based on the synergistic effect of MoS2-thionine nanocomposite and aptamer. The glassy carbon electrode was coated with MoS2 nanosheets of thionine to immobilize the tetracycline aptamer. In the absence of tetracycline, large quantities of thionin were loaded on the surface of the MoS2 nanosheet to serve as the electrochemical probe. After tetracycline was added to the surface of the electrode, an aptamer analyte complex was produced on the modified electrode. Through intercalation and electrostatic interactions, the complex was substantially adsorbed onto thionine, and the peak currents of the redox signal of thionine decreased. Therefore, the concentration of tetracycline was monitored by the change in signal intensity. Under optimized conditions, the developed electrochemical strategy with MoS2-thionine composite and aptamer exhibited an excellent linear detection range of 1.0 nM–1.0 μΜ and a low detection limit of 0.6 nM with suitable selectivity and stability. Therefore, the fabricated platform offers great potential for food safety, medical detection, and drug analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: One effective method to combat bacterial infections is by using bacteria itself as a weapon. Lactobacillus is a type of fermenting bacterium that has probiotic properties and has demonstrated antimicrobial benefits against other bacteria. Cyclodipeptides (CDPs), present in the supernatant of Lactobacillus, possess several antimicrobial properties. Methods: In this study, the CDP fraction was isolated from the supernatant of Lactobacillus plantarum (L. plantarum). This fraction was then loaded onto graphene oxide nanosheets (GO NSs). The study assessed the substance’s ability to inhibit bacterial growth by using the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) method on A. baumannii and S. aureus strains that were obtained from clinical samples. To determine the substance’s impact on biofilm formation, the microtiter plate method was used. Moreover, the checkerboard technique was employed to explore the potential synergistic effects of these two substances. Results and discussion: According to the study, the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the desired compound was found to be 1.25  mg/ mL against S. aureus and 2.5  mg/mL against A. baumannii. Furthermore, at a concentration of 10  mg/mL, the compound prevented 81.6% (p  <  0.01) of biofilm production in A. baumannii, while at a concentration of 1.25  mg/mL, it prevented 47.5% (p  <  0.05) of biofilm production in S. aureus. The study also explored the synergistic properties of two compounds using the checkerboard method. Conclusion: In general, we found that GO NSs possess antimicrobial properties and enhance cyclodipeptides’ activity against S. aureus and A. baumannii. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, NiCo2S4 nanosheet-decorated Cu7S4 hollow microcubes were synthesized by electroless deposition and hydrothermal techniques for electrochemical determination of glucose in human serum. First, Cu2O cubes were synthesized at room temperature by electroless deposition, while the NiCo precursors (NiCo2O4 nanosheets) were grown using the hydrothermal process. Afterward, a Cu7S4–NiCo2S4 composite was synthesized via one-step vulcanization of Cu2O and NiCo2O4 using Na2S. The crystal structure, elemental valence state, and morphology of the synthesized Cu7S4–NiCo2S4 composite were investigated using X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron energy spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Note that the hollow-structured Cu7S4 can not only serve as the substrate for NiCo2S4 nanosheets to enhance the specific surface area but also promote the electron transfer and improve the electrocatalytic activity of the Cu7S4–NiCo2S4 composite. By optimizing the experimental parameters of the applied potential, the amount of Cu7S4–NiCo2S4 composite, and the concentration of NaOH solution, the Cu7S4–NiCo2S4-modified glassy carbon electrode demonstrates a good linear relationship with glucose concentrations in the ranges of 0.002–0.3 and 0.3–20 mM, with sensitivities of 430 and 162 μA mM–1 cm–2, respectively. The detection limit is 0.4 μM (S/N = 3). The proposed sensor exhibits remarkable performance in detecting the glucose content in human serum, implying its immense practical potential. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A novel microwave‐assisted intercalation (MAI) strategy is proposed for fast and efficient intercalation of layered MXene to prepare large‐size single‐layer MXene. After LiF‐HCl etching of Ti3AlC2, the as‐prepared multi‐layer Ti3C2Tx (M‐T) are intercalated with Li3AlF6 as an intercalator and ethylene glycol (EG) as a solvent under microwave irradiation for 5 min. Furthermore, the dispersed high‐quality large‐sized single‐layer Ti3C2Tx (S‐T) nanosheets with a thickness of 1.66 nm and a large lateral size over 20 µm are achieved with a yield of over 60% after a further ultrasonic delamination followed by electrostatic precipitation, acid washing, and calcination. In addition, Pd/S‐T composite catalyst, which is constructed with Pd nanoparticles supported on the as‐prepared S‐T nanosheets, exhibits an excellent performance for rapid and efficient selective hydrogenation of nitroarenes with H2 under a mild condition. At room temperature, full conversion of nitrobenzene and 100% aniline selectivity are achieved over Pd/S‐T catalyst in 20 min with 0.5 MPa of H2 pressure. This work provides a novel method for facile, fast, and large‐scale preparation of single‐layer MXene and develops a new approach for constructing efficient nanocatalytic systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Disordered carbon is the state of the art anode material for Na‐ion batteries due to their increased interlayer spacing and good electronic conductivity. However, its practical application is hindered by average specific capacity, poor rate performance, low coulombic efficiency and limited cycling stability. Herein, we report the superior pseudocapacitance enhanced Na‐ion storage of in situ surface functionalized carbon nanosheets. Anodes composed of ultrathin (~15 nm) carbon nanosheets demonstrated excellent reversible specific capacity (375 mAh/g at 25 mA/g), rate performance (150 mAh/g at 2 A/g), long‐term cycling performance (1000 cycles at 1 A/g) and coulombic efficiency (~100 %). Considerably higher pseudocapacitance (up to ~78 %) is also identified in this case compared to amorphous carbon particles. Spectroscopic and electrochemical studies proved Na‐ion intercalation in to the disordered carbon and pseudocapacitive storage driven by oxygen‐containing surface functional groups. Outstanding electrochemical performance is credited to the synergy between diffusion limited intercalation and pseudocapacitive surface Na‐ion storage. The demonstrated synthetic method of in situ functionalized carbon nanosheets is inexpensive and scalable. The strategy of functional group and morphology induced pseudocapacitive Na‐ion storage offer new prospects to design high‐performance Na‐ion battery electrodes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, x(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)benzonitrile; where x = ortho or para were used to synthesize boehmite composites using one‐pot electrochemical method in the presence of NaCl as an electrolyte. The prepared composites were characterized using UV–vis, XRD, SEM, and BET. The measurements showed that the type of substituents (ortho, para) had an effect on the resulting nanostructure of the composites, which appeared in the form of nanosheets and nanoballs. The composites were used as materials to store hydrogen at different temperatures (77, 173, 223, and 273 K) under different pressures (10–90 bar) in order to determine the equilibrium pressure for each nanocomposite. The study demonstrated that the composite boehmite‐ortho‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)benzonitrile nano balls has a storage capacity of 3.82 wt% at an equilibrium pressure of 75 bar, while the composite boehmite‐para‐(1H‐indol‐2‐yl)benzonitrile nanosheets have the highest storage capacity of 4.49 wt% and an equilibrium pressure of 45 bar. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here, Ce-doped ZnO flower-like nanosheets are prepared by one-step hydrothermal method. The sensor based on Ce–ZnO composite exhibits excellent gas-sensing properties to acetone. Compared with pure ZnO, the response of Ce–ZnO composite is increased by 5.5 times, and the optimum operating temperature is reduced by 60 °C. The gas-sensing properties of the sensor to acetone under different humidity conditions are investigated. The redox reaction of Ce element increases the anti-humidity of Ce–ZnO sensor. Finally, the gas sensing mechanism of Ce–ZnO nanomaterial and anti-humidity principle are discussed in detail. The result can provide a new material for develop high sensitivity acetone sensor and a new anti-humidity strategy for designing gas sensing materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Methanol oxidation stands out as a pivotal solution in addressing the global energy crisis and environmental pollution, owing to its practical applicability, high current density, and the ready availability of methanol as a fuel source. To effectively catalyze methanol oxidation, an electrocatalyst is imperious to overcome the activation energy barrier. Herein, a three‐dimensionally arranged NiSe2 nanosheet‐based electrocatalyst is synthesized through a facile solvothermal followed by an annealing method. The catalyst's porous structure enhances catalytic efficiency by providing a substantial electrochemical surface area (ECSA) equivalent to 0.121 mF cm−2. Notably, the electrocatalyst exhibits a remarkable response of 21.58 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 1.70 V vs RHE, accompanied by the lowest Tafel slope recorded at 39.14 mV dec−1. The electronic circuit, represented by Rs(Qf(RfW(QdlRct)), aligns well with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy data, elucidating the reaction path and intrinsic properties. Furthermore, the catalytic performance is elucidated concerning ECSA and weight, revealing current densities of 5.60 mA cm−2 and 71.34 mA mg−1, respectively. Impressively, the catalyst demonstrates exceptional resistance to poisoning and sustained stability over a continuous 3600‐s operation. This comprehensive study underscores the promising potential of the NiSe2 nanosheet‐based electrocatalyst for efficient methanol oxidation, providing valuable insights for advancing clean energy technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ZnS is a II-VI semiconductor with a wide bandgap. ZnS-based nanomaterials have been produced in a variety of morphologies with unique properties and characteristic features. An extensive collection of research activities is available on various synthetic methodologies to produce such a wide variety of ZnS-based nanomaterials. In this comprehensive review, we thoroughly covered all the different synthetic techniques employed by researchers across the globe to produce zero-dimensional, one-dimensional, two-dimensional, and three-dimensional ZnS-based nanomaterials. Depending on their morphologies and properties, ZnS-based nanomaterials have found many applications, including optoelectronics, sensors, catalysts, batteries, solar cells, and biomedical fields. The properties and applications of ZnS-based nanostructures are described, and the scope of the future direction is highlighted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Humidity sensors are commonly utilized in a variety of fields. However, present humidity detection devices have many liabilities, such as narrow ranges, poor repeatability, and short lifespans. Therefore, it is essential to explore new humidity sensors with high sensitivity. Here, a new humidity sensor based on ZnO microspheres (MS) decorated with graphene (GR) is introduced. The sensing range of the ZnO MS/GR sensor has been measured to be 20–95% relative humidity (RH). The ZnO MS/GR sensor achieves a large change in resistance of over 4 orders of magnitude, which is 1–2 orders larger than ZnO or GR humidity sensors. The enhanced humidity-sensing performance of the ZnO MS/GR nanocomposite is attributed to the Grotthuss mechanism and the combined effect of the heterojunction at the ZnO/GR interface. This work demonstrates a new humidity sensor with high performance based on a ZnO MS/GR nanocomposite, which may impact future humidity-sensing fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND: The brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, is one of the most destructive pests of rice. Owing to the rapid adaptation of BPH to many pesticides and resistant varieties, identifying putative gene targets for developing RNA interference (RNAi)‐based pest management strategies has received much attention for this pest. The glucoprotein papilin is the most abundant component in the basement membranes of many organisms, and its function is closely linked to development. RESULTS: In this study, we identified a papilin homologous gene in BPH (NlPpn). Quantitative Real‐time PCR analysis showed that the transcript of NlPpn was highly accumulated in the egg stage. RNAi of NlPpn in newly emerged BPH females caused nonhatching phenotypes of their eggs, which may be a consequence of the maldevelopment of their embryos. Moreover, the transcriptomic analysis identified 583 differentially expressed genes between eggs from the dsGFP‐ and dsNlPpn‐treated insects. Among them, the 'structural constituent of cuticle' cluster ranked first among the top 15 enriched GO terms. Consistently, ultrastructural analysis unveiled that dsNlPpn‐treated eggs displayed a discrete and distorted serosal endocuticle lamellar structure. Furthermore, the hatchability of BPH eggs was also successfully reduced by the topical application of NlPpn‐dsRNA‐layered double hydroxide nanosheets onto the adults. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that NlPpn is essential to maintaining the regular structure of the serosal cuticle and the embryonic development in BPH, indicating NlPpn could be a potential target for pest control during the egg stage. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Novel Er-based electrodes including Er(OH)3 or Er2O3 material were introduced and synthesized via facile steps to present novel supercapacitor electrodes. Herein, the hexagonal Er(OH)3 crystals were designed as small particles having a micro size in their diameters and nano size in their width. Additionally, the cubic Er2O3 material was prepared as a clear nanoscale-size particle. The difference in the morphology in both Er-oxide and hydroxide could be due to the preparation strategy which uses traditional calcination to prepare Er2O3 and the hydrothermal strategy for Er(OH)3. Interestingly, around 55% of the Er-oxide particles have around 14 nm, and others have a size from 3 to 22 nm. After that, the designed Er(OH)3 or Er2O3 materials were targeted as working electrodes for supercapacitor usage. Cyclic voltammetry, charge-discharge, and impedance analysis were used for such investigations. The specific capacitance (Cs) data of the Er2O3 electrode show better capacitance characteristics if compared with Er(OH)3 electrode. At 5 mV/s, the Cs were found at 822.99 F/g and 783.42 F/g for Er2O3 and Er(OH)3 electrodes, respectively. This enhancement was observed at low scan rates such as 0.005 V/s and high scan rates (0.08 V/s). This behavior could be due to the superior characteristics and morphology of Er2O3 material to what is found in the case of Er(OH)3. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Photosynthesis is a dynamic, complex, photo‐catalytic process that plays a key role in the growth and development of plants. It converts solar energy to chemical energy by precise organisation of light harvesting molecules in the photosynthetic system. Artificially imitating such systems is difficult due to the complexity of different cascades associated with photosynthesis. Nanoparticle mediated photocatalytic complexes have been shown to improve photosynthesis efficiency. Nanomaterials, such as molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) efficiently capture sunlight and assist in photosynthesis enhancement and nanosheets offer an additional advantage of increased surface area for sunlight harnessing. Foliar nutrition supplementation provides high yield potential to crops and their application in small doses improves the photosynthesis and elevates the plant performance. This study aims at mapping the efficiency of facile one‐pot hydrothermally synthesized MoS2 nanosheets in enhancing the photosynthetic ability of tomato plants. The treatments included the supplementation and absence of molybdenum source to plants. Physiological features (root length, shoot length, biomass), biochemical parameters (antioxidant activity), photosynthesis parameters (carbon assimilation, stomatal conductance, transpiration rate, water use efficiency, chlorophyll and carotenoid content), uptake and translocation of MoS2 nanosheets were evaluated. Increases of 22.07 %, 49.95 % and 18.56 % in net photosynthetic rate, water use efficiency and chlorophyll content respectively, were observed in MoS2_Nano treated plants compared with untreated plants. These nanosheets improved plant photosynthesis parameters and enhanced photosystem efficiency without inducing phytotoxicity. This study demonstrates the promise of such approaches towards enhanced plant photosystem efficiency, leading to improved agricultural productivity, particularly in the regions with less sunlight. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the present study, we are able to synthesize flakes of the 3R‐polytypes of MoS2 and WS2 from sodium molybdate and sodium tungstate in the presence of H2S gas by solid‐state reaction. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and X‐ray diffraction are utilized to characterize the morphology, structure, and chemical composition of the 3R‐MoS2 and 3R‐WS2 flakes. The electrocatalytic and photocatalytic activities of 3R‐MoS2 and 3R‐WS2 flakes have been measured in hydrogen evolution reactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bi2O2CO3 is undoubtedly one of the best anode materials for Li-powered batteries on the market. However, its pronounced capacity fading and poor cycle performance are significant obstacles to its commercialization. At present, the Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets are prepared via a simple one-step hydrothermal method from bismuth nitrate and sodium carbonate. The nanosheets have a smooth surface and a preferred (110) plane orientation. The optimal mole ratio of Bi3+/CO32– is definitively proven to be lower than 1:2. The as-prepared Bi2O2CO3 nanosheets exhibit a decent lithium-ion storage performance, with a high specific capacity (up to 309.3 mA h g–1 at 1.0 A g–1), good cycling stability (nearly 100% capacity retention referenced to the 20th cycle after 400 cycles), superior rate capability (232.6 mA h g–1 at 3.0 A g–1), and quick diffusion kinetic property (the Li-ion diffusion coefficient is 2.78 × 10–15 cm2 s–1), where the Faradaic reaction is the dominant contribution. These promising results open possibilities for exploring Bi2O2CO3 and related materials in energy storage applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen (H2) is considered to be a future fuel because of its high energy density and could replace fossil fuels. It can be produced in a greener way by using abundant solar light and saline water and applying a photoelectrochemical (PEC) pathway. To produce green H2, WO3 2D nanosheets are developed, and their performance in saline water splitting is studied under PEC conditions. WO3 is very efficient in absorbing visible light from solar irradiation; however, it suffers from low charge-transfer rates, which inhibits its PEC performance. To increase the charge transportation ability, WO3 is sensitized with sulfur/nitrogen-codoped carbon dots (SNCDs). Impedance analysis indicates an enhanced charge transportation ability of the formed heterostructure. The best-obtained heterostructure of WO3 and SNCDs exhibits nearly 1.62 times more photocurrent density than bare WO3. Bare WO3 nanosheets can produce a photocurrent density of 1.59 mA/cm2 at 1.39 V vs Ag/AgCl. The best-obtained heterostructure of WO3 and SNCDs can produce photocurrent density of 2.57 mA/cm2 at 1.39 V vs Ag/AgCl. A type II staggered heterostructure of WO3/SNCDs leads to improved PEC activity. Enhanced carrier density and lowered charge-transfer resistances are observed from Mott–Schottky and PEC impedance analyses, respectively. The carrier density increases nearly 84 times in the heterostructure. The heterostructure exhibits effective photostability under uninterrupted illumination for 2 h. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developing novel catalysts with high activity and high stability for the methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) is of great importance for the ever-broader applications of methanol fuel cells. Herein, we present a facile technique for synthesizing Au10Pt1@MnO2 catalysts using a wet chemical method and investigate their catalytic performance for the MOR. Notably, the Au10Pt1@MnO2-M composite demonstrated a significantly high peak mass activity of 15.52 A mg(Pt)−1, which is 35.3, 57.5, and 21.9 times greater than those of the Pt/C (0.44 A mg(Pt)−1), Pd/C (0.27 A mg(Pt)−1), and Au10Pt1 (0.71 A mg(Pt)−1) catalysts, respectively. Comparative analysis with commercial Pt/C and Pd/C catalysts, as well as Au10Pt1 HSNRs, revealed that the Au10Pt1@MnO2-M composite exhibited the lowest initial potential, the highest peak current density, and superior CO anti-poisoning capability. The results demonstrate that the introduction of MnO2 nanosheets, with excellent oxidation capability, not only significantly increases the reactive sites, but also promotes the reaction kinetics of the catalyst. Furthermore, the high surface area of the MnO2 nanosheets facilitates charge transfer and induces modifications in the electronic structure of the composite. This research provides a straightforward and effective strategy for the design of efficient electrocatalytic nanostructures for MOR applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Doping and morphology tailoring in metal sulfides up to nanoscale plays a vital role for better performance in various applications. Herein hydrothermally synthesized Co-doped nickel sulfide (NiS 2) nanostructures have been transformed from nano-rods to nano-sheets up to optimal doping concentration of 3 %. The phase changes, morphological modifications and elemental investigations have been analyzed by SEM, TEM, HRTEM, SAED, EDS, XRD and FTIR. The morphology transitions revealed that NiCo 3 S exhibited sophisticated morphology of flower like structures formed by nano-sheet patterns. NiCo 3 S electrode possesses an auspicious capacitance of 1242 Fg_1 at 1 Ag_1 within potential window range of 0.1–0.8 V. In accordance with GCD study, CV and EIS study confirmed that NiCo 3 S is more electroactive and less resistive showing excellent stability up to 92 % after 5000 cycles. The power law (b = 0.71) showed the capacitive nature of the NiCo 3 S. The capacitive and diffusive behavior calculated by Dunn's relationship confirmed the pseudocapacitive charge storage behavior of NiCo 3 S electrode making this a potential candidate for electrochemical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Heterogeneous photocatalysis is a convenient and effective tool for eliminating toxic organic effluents from the textile and pharmaceutical industries. The analogous photocatalytic properties of polyoxometalates (POMs) with metal oxide-based semiconductors make them applicable for photocatalytic wastewater treatment applications. However, the high aqueous solubility and low coverage of the visible solar spectrum limit the wider applicability of traditional POMs as heterogeneous photocatalysts. Herein, we report, for the first time, the hydrothermal transformation of a UV-active polyoxometalate precursor, (C16H36N)4[Mo8O26] abbreviated as TBA-Mo8, into a visible light active photocatalytic carbon-doped Bi2MoO6 nanosheets (C-BMO) in the presence of a Bi3+ salt and studied its catalytic activities toward the degradation of a dye pollutant, malachite green (MG), and a pharmaceutical pollutant, ciprofloxacin (CF). For comparison purposes, an undoped Bi2MoO6 (U-BMO) nanosheet was also prepared under identical conditions starting from an in situ generated POM precursor H4[Mo8O26]. The successful transformation of TBA-Mo8 and H4[Mo8O26] into Bi2MoO6 photocatalysts under hydrothermal conditions was confirmed through a series of analytical and spectroscopic techniques, including Fourier transform infrared, Raman, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron spectroscopy, high-resolution transmission electron spectroscopy, and other analyses. The results of the photocatalytic experiments revealed superior catalytic activities of C-BMO compared to U-BMO and the parent cluster TBA-Mo8 under visible light irradiation. C-BMO achieved 70 and 87% degradation of MG and CF under visible light irradiation against the 29 and 35% degradation, respectively, shown by U-BMO. A plausible reason for the higher photocatalytic activity of C-BMO is its better charge separation due to the band gap modification resulting from carbon doping. The detailed pathways of MG and CF degradation have also been proposed based on scavenger studies and ESI-MS analyses of the photocatalytic degradation products. This work, therefore, summarizes how simple polyoxometalate can serve as precursors for developing better and more efficient visible light active photocatalysts under milder experimental procedures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Glycerol, a significant byproduct of biodiesel manufacturing, offers the potential for conversion into valuable substances such as formic acid (FA), glyceric acid (GLA), and glycolic acid (GCA). The selective oxidation of glycerol, especially into FA, is both economically crucial and technically challenging. While precious metals like gold (Au) and platinum (Pt) have conventionally served as catalysts, there is growing interest in nonprecious alternatives. In this context, we explored the use of complex metal oxide, cerium vanadate nanosheets (CeVO4 NS), as a catalyst for the electrochemical oxidation of glycerol to FA. The higher surface area (compared to the 3D structure) coupled with the redox-active nature and electric properties of CeVO4 NS facilitate the electrocatalytic performance. The glycerol oxidation with the CeVO4 NS electrocatalyst exhibited a highly selective formation of FA with a high Faradaic efficiency of 91.5%. The reaction is also kinetically more facile than competing reactions, and the performance is better than the reported catalysts. The mechanistic investigation revealed that the formation of FA involves GCA as an intermediate. Alternately, selective and efficient sensing of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) is of paramount importance in industries for environmental monitoring and clinical uses. Owing to its beneficial structural and electronic features, the CeVO4 NS were also employed for electrochemical nonenzymatic H2O2 sensing. The CeVO4 NS exhibited high sensitivity (175 μA mM–1·cm–1) toward electrochemical H2O2 sensing with a detection limit of 5.6 μM. Importantly, the CeVO4 NS sensor system is reusable and stable. The superior glycerol oxidation and H2O2 sensing performance establish the enormous potential of CeVO4 NS as a multifunctional material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The scale-up of photoelectrochemical water splitting and CO 2 reduction is currently hindered by the excessive band gap of metal oxide photoanodes. Metal sulfides 2D nanostructured morphology offer improved optoelectronic properties and catalytic capabilities in the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). This study demonstrates for the first time visible spectra absorption capabilities of Sn x S y photoanodes, fabricated by facile non-vacuum techniques and post-annealed in a sulfur atmosphere, yielding SnS 2 multilayer nanosheets with visible-light absorption down to 900 nm wavelengths. Optimal annealing (500 °C) resulted in >1 V photovoltages, photocurrents surpassing 1.6 mA/cm2 at 1.23V RHE , incident photon-to-current conversion efficiency (IPCE) of 75% at 330 nm. Photon conversion in the 500–900 nm range (down to 1.37 eV) is correlated with phase transformation from orthorhombic α-SnS to Sn 2 S 3 and further hexagonal SnS 2. IPCE is key for describing effective phase transformation and photon conversion at wavelengths below the dominant direct band gap for the SnS 2 , suggesting potential indirect transitions or confinement in the low-dimensional nanosheets. SnS 2 nanosheets fabricated by solution-processed means, hold great potential for large-scale, cost-effective, and efficient photoelectrochemical devices. [Display omitted] • 1.06 V and 1.6 mA/cm2 are photogenerated, converting 75% of 330 nm photons. • Crystallographic phase transition α-SnS to Sn 2 S 3 and SnS 2 creates 2D nanosheets. • 2D SnS 2 nanosheets have photoelectrochemical conversion in the visible range. • Maximum performance is obtained by 2D SnS 2 nanosheets. • Photon conversion below the direct band gap is attributed to indirect transitions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, nickel oxide (NiO) peculiar nanosheets with a thickness of less than 50 nm were produced via a low-cost, one-step, safe hydrothermal process. The reaction was conducted with two concentrations of Ni (NO 3 ) 2 ⋅ 6H2O (0.01 and 0.03) at 120 ∘ C for 3 h. Methylene Blue (MB) dye was used to examine the photoactivity of NiO nanosheet films under sunlight. The prepared NiO nanosheet films were evaluated using XRD, FE-SEM, EDX and UV-visible techniques. Accordingly, (FE-SEM) images confirm that the films synthesized by a hydrothermal method were flower-like nanosheets with a diameter of 33.4–52.7 nm, and the thickness of the NiO film is about 3.629 μ m. The average particle size and crystalline structures were estimated using XRD Analysis. However, both films were then exposed to direct sunshine for 80 min. The respective photocatalytic efficiencies of films were calculated to be 85% and 88%. The effectiveness of the photocatalytic degradation for eliminating Methylene Blue (MB) depends on the concentration, proving that the efficiency can be improved by increasing the concentration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The uncertain movement and high recombination of photo-generated charges lead to a low conversion efficiency for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution. The path to address such problem is to construct a high-efficiency organic/inorganic heterojunction. Quasi-2D (PEA)2SnBr4 has the better charge transport characteristics and more negative reduction potential compared with CdS. Herein, a CdS@(PEA)2SnBr4 heterojunction is firstly constructed via in-situ loading CdS nanoparticles on the surface of (PEA)2SnBr4 nanosheets. The interaction between CdS and (PEA)2SnBr4 can effectively separate photo-generated carriers via controlling the carriers of the interface migration to retain the high-energy photo-generated electrons and holes, respectively. Under the simulated sunlight, the CdS@(PEA)2SnBr4 heterojunction with optimum proportion attains a high photocatalytic hydrogen production rate of 13.38 mmol/g/h, up to 2.89 times compared with CdS. More importantly, the CdS@(PEA)2SnBr4 heterojunction possesses a beneficial stability after recycling four times. This work offers a new design thought for the construction of the photocatalytic heterojunction to the inorganic/organic system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Detecting lipopolysaccharide (LPS) using electrochemical methods is significant because of their exceptional sensitivity, simplicity, and user-friendliness. Two-dimensional metal–organic framework (2D-MOF) that merges the benefits of MOF and 2D nanostructure has exhibited remarkable performance in constructing electrochemical sensors, notably surpassing traditional 3D-MOFs. In this study, Cu[tetrakis(4-carboxylphenyl)porphyrin] (Cu-TCPP) and Cu(tetrahydroxyquinone) (Cu-THQ) 2D nanosheets were synthesized and applied on a glassy carbon electrode (GCE). The 2D-MOF nanosheets, which serve as supporting layers, exhibit improved electron transfer and electronic conductivity characteristics. Subsequently, the modified electrode was subjected to electrodeposition with Au nanostructures, resulting in the formation of Au/Cu-TCPP/GCE and Au/Cu-THQ/GCE. Notably, the Au/Cu-THQ/GCE demonstrated superior electrochemical activity because of the 2D morphology, redox ligand, dense Cu sites, and improved deposition of flower-like Au nanostructure based on Cu-THQ. The electron transfer specific surface area was increased by the improved deposition of Au nanostructures, which facilitates enriched binding of LPS aptamer and significantly improved the detection performance of Apt/Au/Cu-THQ/GCE electrochemical aptasensor. The limit of detection for LPS reached 0.15 fg/mL with a linear range of 1 fg/mL − 100 pg/mL. The proposed aptasensor demonstrated the ability to detect LPS in serum samples with satisfactory accuracy, indicating significant potential for clinical diagnosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, a simple hydrothermal method was used to prepare pure SnWO 4 nanostructures and composite ZnO/SnWO 4 nanostructures. The micromorphology, combination method, specific surface area, pore size distribution and element distribution of SnWO4 and ZnO/SnWO 4 materials were tested through XRD, SEM, TEM, BET, XPS and other characterization methods. The results show that we successfully synthesized uniformly distributed SnWO4 nanosheets and ZnO/SnWO 4 nanospheres. Two samples were applied to gas sensing tests. Experiments have shown that SnWO 4 nanosheets with a hydrothermal time of 12 h have optimal gas-sensing properties. However, compared with pure SnWO 4 material, ZnO/SnWO 4 composite material shows better gas-sensing properties to triethylamine (increased from 18.58 to 118.54), faster response and recovery time (from 18 s to 11 s–13 s and 9 s), and the optimal temperature closer to room temperature (from 240 °C to 160 °C). In summary, the nanomaterials prepared in this article have great application potential in sensor applications and their future development, and this experiment also provides a convenient method to reduce the operating temperature of the sensor and improve the response value. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials have shown promise as antimicrobial nanoscale agents to overcome antimicrobial resistance. Recently, studies investigating the biological activity of antimicrobial monoelemental 2D nanomaterials such as graphene, borophene, and germanene in biomedical applications have gained momentum. In this study, the silicene nanosheet was fabricated using a simple high-energy sonication method. The silicene nanosheets were characterized by various techniques such as HRTEM, XRD, and FTIR. According to the characterization results, the silicene nanosheet had unique morphology and structure with nano-size, crystallinity, ultra-thin shape, and stability. In particular, microbiological results of the nanostructure showed that it had efficient antibacterial and antifungal activities against various pathogens such as Gram-positive strains, Gram-negative bacteria, and fungal strains. The cytotoxicity study performed by MTT assay indicates the cytocompatibility of silicene nanosheets. This work has shown that the hexagonal honeycomb silicene nanosheet exhibits excellent antibacterial and antifungal activities with good biocompatibility and thus could be developed as a novel strategy for use in biomedical applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, a facile chemical bath deposition process was used to prepare nanorods, nanosheets, and cauliflower PbO thin films from various cation molar concentrations. After being prepared at different molar concentrations, the as-deposited PbO thin films were annealed in a furnace at 400 °C. Subsequently, the PbO thin films were characterized using a variety of techniques. The XRD result demonstrates the presence of the β-PbO and α-PbO phases, with the β-PbO phase predominating. The average crystallite size of PbO thin film deposited at 0.1 M, 0.15 M, 0.2 M, and 0.25 M molar concentrations was 36.51 nm, 41.22 nm, 37.28 nm, and 40.38 nm, respectively. The UV–Vis spectroscopy result indicated that the optical bandgap of PbO thin films increased from 3.14 to 3. 81 eV as the lead molar concentrations varied from 0.1 to 0.25 M. The strong green emission band at the 523 nm region was shown by the PL spectroscopy. The coexistence of hexagonal nanorods, cauliflower, and networked nanosheet structures coated on the substrate's surface is confirmed by the SEM surface morphology analysis. The existence of both Pb and O elements is confirmed by EDX analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Low-dimensional yttrium oxide (Y2O3) nanostructures have garnered significant research interest due to their intriguing properties arising from the dimensional effect and the modulation of the band structure. However, the simple preparation of Y2O3 nanosheets is rarely investigated due to the inherent limitations posed by the counterpart bulk cubic or monoclinic crystal structure. Herein, the low-dimensional layered Y2O3 nanosheets are prepared by a facile route of rapid heating followed by centrifugation, in which its corresponding hydrous-chloride compound is used as the sole reagent. The formation stages of layered Y2O3 nanosheets and corresponding mechanisms are elucidated in detail. The x-ray diffraction results confirm that the intermediate product after rapid heating is yttrium oxychloride (YOCl), which converts to the single-phase Y2O3 with a 2D layered phase after centrifugation. In addition, the obtained Y2O3 nanosheets possess a direct optical bandgap of 5.49 eV, and thus may hold promise for use in electronic applications. This research provides a facile and low-cost method for the preparation of other low-dimensional nanosheets with similar structures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights Innovative synthesis method for nanoscale-based perovskites with enhanced stability and efficiency. Novel application of nanoscale-based perovskites in optoelectronics with superior performance metrics. Comprehensive analysis of the structure–property relationships in perovskite nanomaterials.

Abstract Fe-incorporated BiOCl-nanosheet assembled rods (FBC-NSR) based photoactive materials were synthesized using a simple sol–gel process to degrade tetracycline (TC) pharmaceuticals compound (PCs) under solar irradiation. The as-prepared FBC-NSR-based photoactive materials were characterized using various characterization techniques including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction (XRD), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS), photoluminescent (PL) spectroscopic analysis, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The structural changes were observed upon doping of Fe metals within the FBC-NSR-based photoactive materials. Intriguingly, the band gap value decreased from ~ 1.81 eV to ~ 1.29 eV with increasing the amount of Fe metals (0.5 g, and 1.0 g) within the FBC-NSR named as FBC-NSR-2 and FBC-NSR-3-based photoactive materials, respectively. The lower band gap value favors the photodegradation of environmental pollution. The synthesized FBC-NSR-3 shows the highest degradation ~ 97% and ~ 72.1% at 1 mg/L and 10 mg/L TC antibiotic, respectively. The photodegradation was higher at pH 10, indicating •OH radicals play a major role in the photodegradation of TC molecules. PL spectra confirm the higher oxygen vacancy, improved transfer of electrons, and separation efficiency of photo-induced electron hole-pairs, thereby high photodegradation efficiency. Therefore, the preparation of FBC-NSR-based photoactive materials is simple, cost-effective, and promising semiconductor materials for the removal of environmental pollution.

This study focused on enhancing the electrical conductivity of metal oxide nanosheet films by increasing the size of the nanosheets to promote the electron flow in the desired in-plane direction. We developed a method for increasing the size of RuO2 metal oxide nanosheets, a 2D material, by controlling the heat-treatment process. The size of the RuO2 nanosheets increased from 0.7 to 3.5 μm by modifying the heat-treatment conditions of KxRuO2, which was used as the precursor material. As a consequence, the electrical conductivity of the large-sized-RuO2 nanosheet-coated films was eight times higher than that of their small-sized counterparts. This lower resistance was attributed to the minimal number of contacts required for electron flow; the contact resistance between the nanosheets being higher than the intrinsic resistance. The proposed approach for enhancing the conductivity of metal oxide 2D materials is very promising and is expected to significantly contribute to the development of advanced flexible electronic devices.

[Display omitted] • MOF nanosheets reconfigured by electrostatic coupling and interfacial conditioning strategies. • PEDOT:PSS and MOF nanosheets with interoperable conductive network and excellent interfacial properties. • MOF nanosheets attenuate the entanglement of PEDOT:PSS. • Homogeneous ink prepared using solution engineering for flexible supercapacitor preparation. Two-dimensional metal – organic frameworks (2D MOFs) hold great promise as electrochemically active materials. However, their application in MOF nanocomposite electrodes in solution engineering is limited by structural self-stacking and imperfect conductive pathways. In this study, we used meso -tetra(4-carboxyphenyl) porphine (TCPP) with off-domain π-bonds to reconstitute Zn-TCPP (ZMOF) and poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS) through an interfacial modulation strategy involving electrostatic coupling and hydrogen bonding, creating a conductive composite with a nanosheet structure. The negatively charged PSS and ZMOF formed a three-dimensional interconnected conductive network with excellent interfaces. The positively charged PEDOT, fine tuned with the lamellar structure, established strong π-π stacking interactions between the porphyrin and thiophene rings. ZMOF also induced changes in the PEDOT chain structure, weakening PSS entanglement and enhancing charge-transport properties. The specific capacitance of the prepared supercapacitor was as high as 967.8 F g−1. Flexible supercapacitors produced on a large scale using dispensing printing technology exhibited an energy density of 1.85 μWh cm−2 and a power density of 7.08 μW cm−2. This interfacial modulation strategy also exhibited excellent wearable properties, with 96 % capacitance retention at a 180° bending angle and stable cycling performance. This study presented a significant advancement in the functionalization of 2D materials, highlighting their potential for device-grade capacitive architectures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

[Display omitted] • The CeNi QDs/Ni-MOL nanosheets robust heterojunction construction was successfully fabricated. • The strong interaction between the two components accelerated charges transfer and efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. • CeNi QDs provide reactive sites for photocatalytic CO 2 RR and enable the catalysts enhanced adsorption strength of key intermediate CO 2 * and COOH*. • Mechanistic studies with in situ DRIFTS experiment and the DFT calculation, indicate the photocatalyst favors CO 2 absorption and CO desorption. Since the intensification of global environmental pollution and energy shortages, photocatalytic CO 2 reduction reaction (CO 2 RR) has emerged as a promising strategy to convert solar energy into clean chemical energy. Herein, we construct a robust and efficient heterojunction construction photocatalyst for CO 2 RR, composed of the highly reactive CeNi quantum dots (CeNi QDs) and nickel metal–organic layer (Ni-MOL) ultrathin nanosheets. This design facilitates the rapid separation of photogenerated charge carriers, as confirmed by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) and other characterizations. Mechanistic studies with in situ diffuse reflectance Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (in situ DRIFTS) and the d-band center calculation indicate that the propensity of photocatalyst for CO 2 absorption and CO desorption, leading to high performance and selectivity. The optimized loading amount of CeNi quantum dots and modified structure result in a CO yield of 30.53 mmol·g−1 within 6 h under irradiation. This work not only paves a new and convenient way for developing high-activity quantum dot materials for CO 2 RR but also exploits novel avenues to fabricate more heterojunction composites for solar energy conversion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) exhibit considerable potential as a promising technology, particularly when addressing the challenge of replacing the costly Platinum (Pt) counter electrode (CE) with economically viable and chemically stable CE materials. This study examines the use of two-dimensional hexagonal-shaped nickel oxide nanosheets substituted with varying mol% of lithium (1, 3, and 5 %) (Li (1–5%)-NiO NSs) as the counter electrodes (CEs) for DSSCs. The facile hydrothermal method was employed for the preparation of NiO and Li (1–5 mol%)-NiO samples. The BET analysis of NiO and Li (1–5%)-NiO indicates that higher concentrations of Li1+ ions in Ni2+ ions sites lead to an increase in the overall surface area of NiO. This leads to an elevated number of exposed electrocatalytic active sites which resulted in enhancing the rate of reduction of I 3 − ions. The cyclic voltammetry (CV) result of 5 mol% of Li substituted NiO (5-LNO) shows outstanding electrocatalytic activity towards the redox reaction of I 3 − / I − redox mediator among the as-prepared CEs. The DSSCs assembled with 5-LNO CE show an excellent power conversion efficiency (η) of 5.84 % with short-circuit current (J s c) of 18.76 mAcm−2, and open-circuit voltage (V o c) of 0.80 V which is higher than Pt-based CE (η of 4.05 % with J s c of 10.16 mAcm−2, and V o c of 0.69 V). The DSSCs fabricated with 5-LNO CE exhibit excellent photovoltaic performance because of their high active surface area and enhanced electrical conductivity. The 5-LNO CE has low cost, significant electrocatalytic activity, less toxicity, and superior device efficiency than NiO, other Li (1–3%)-NiO, and Pt CEs, making it a suitable candidate for Pt-free DSSCs application. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, we present a novel approach for the exfoliation of titanium nitride (TiN) powders utilizing a rapid, facile, and environmentally friendly non-thermal plasma method. This method involves the use of an electric arc and nitrogen as the ambient gas at room temperature to generate ionized particles. These ionized species interact with the ceramic crystal of TiN, resulting in a pronounced structural expansion. The exfoliated TiN products were comprehensively characterized using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. Remarkably, the cubic crystal structure of TiN was effectively retained, while the (200) crystal plane d-spacing increased from 2.08 to 3.09 Å, accompanied by a reduction in crystallite size and alterations in Raman vibrational modes. Collectively, these findings provide compelling evidence for the successful exfoliation of TiN structures using our innovative non-thermal plasma method, opening up exciting possibilities for advanced material applications.

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are two‐dimensional, crystalline porous framework materials with numerous scopes for tunability, such as porosity, functionality, stability and aspect ratio (thickness to length ratio). The manipulation of π‐stacking in COFs results in truly 2D materials, namely covalent organic nanosheets (CONs), adds advantages in many applications. In this Minireview, we have discussed both top‐down (COFs→CONs) and bottom‐up (molecules→CONs) approaches with precise information on thickness and lateral growth. We have showcased the research progress on CONs in a few selected applications, such as batteries, catalysis, sensing and biomedical applications. This Minireview specifically highlights the reports where the authors compare the performance of CONs with COFs by demonstrating the impact of the thickness and lateral growth of the nanosheets. We have also provided the possible scope of exploration of CONs research in terms of inter‐dimensional conversion, such as graphene to carbon nanotube and future technologies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trigonal Fe2Si nanosheets, which are promising candidates for spintronic nanodevices, were synthesized at the Fe/amorphous (a-)-SiOx thin film interface using electron irradiation. The formation of nanoscale silicide was confirmed at 90 K as well as at 298 K. Such a low-temperature synthesis of Fe2Si can be attributed to the dissociation of a-SiOx induced by electronic excitation; Si-O bonds dissociate through Auger decay of core-holes generated by electronic excitation, and then, dissociated Si atoms form Fe-Si bonds. The amount of Fe2Si formed at room temperature was greater than that at 90 K, suggesting that the atomic migration induced by electronic excitation involves a contribution of thermal energy. The amount of Fe2Si nanosheets produced indicates that the Si-O bonds are more easily dissociated by electronic excitation in a-SiOx rather than in a-SiO2. Formation of the Fe2Si nanosheets found in this study differs from the formation of an equiatomic FeSi phase predicted by thermodynamic models assuming diffusion at a planar Fe/Si interface. We propose a versatile route to selectively form metal silicide nanosheets in an electron irradiated area at temperatures below room temperature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Metal-free, low-cost, organic photocatalytic graphitic carbon nitride (g-C3N4) has become a promising and impressive material in numerous scientific fields due to its unique physical and chemical properties. As a semiconductor with a suitable band gap of ~2.7 eV, g-C3N4 is an active photocatalytic material even after irradiation with visible light. However, information regarding the toxicity of g-C3N4 is not extensively documented and there is not a comprehensive understanding of its potential adverse effects on human health or the environment. In this context, the term "toxicity" can be perceived in both a positive and a negative light, depending on whether it serves as a benefit or poses a potential risk. This review shows the applications of g-C3N4 in sensorics, electrochemistry, photocatalysis, and biomedical approaches while pointing out the potential risks of its toxicity, especially in human and environmental health. Finally, the future perspective of g-C3N4 research is addressed, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of the toxicity of this material to provide safe and effective applications in various fields. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Creatures, such as Venus flytrap and hummingbirds, capable of rapid predation through snap‐through transition, provide paradigms for the design of soft actuators and robots with fast actions. However, these artificial "snappers" usually need contact stimulations to trigger the flipping. Reported here is a constrained anisotropic poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) hydrogel showing fast snapping upon light stimulation. This hydrogel is prepared by flow‐induced orientation of nanosheets (NSs) within a rectangular tube. The precursor containing gold nanoparticles is immediately exposed to UV light for photopolymerization to fix the ordered structure of NSs. Two ends of the slender gel are clamped to form a buckle with bistability nature, which snaps to the other side upon laser irradiation. Systematic experiments are conducted to investigate the influences of power intensity and irradiation angle of the laser, as well as thickness and buckle height of the gel, on the snapping behaviors. The fast snapping is further used to kick a plastic bead and control the switch state. Furthermore, synergetic or oscillated snapping of the gel with two buckles of opposite directions is realized by inclined irradiation of a laser or horizontal irradiation with two lasers, respectively. Such light‐steered snapping of hydrogels should merit designing soft robots, energy harvests, etc. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]