Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials

A special issue of Nanomaterials (ISSN 2079-4991). This special issue belongs to the section "Inorganic Materials and Metal-Organic Frameworks".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 May 2023) | Viewed by 13060

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
Interests: nanoengineering of carbon and inorganic materials

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institut de Ciència de Materials de Barcelona (ICMAB-CSIC), Campus UAB, 08193 Bellaterra, Spain
Interests: design; synthesis and functionalization of 0D, 1D and 2D inorganic nanostructures with applications in magnetism; optoelectronics; energy storage, and catalysis; microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of inorganic nanostructures

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Inorganic materials comprise most of the Earth's crust and play a key role in our modern society in a wide range of sectors, including energy, electronics, and health, to name but a few. In fact, the need for some inorganic materials in specific applications has major geoeconomic effects worldwide. The term inorganic nanomaterials refers to inorganic materials at the nanoscale, which have novel properties and applications.

Inorganic nanomaterials can take different forms, such as nanoparticles, nanotubes, nanorods, layered materials, nanostructures, nanostructured surfaces, and so on, but they can also be employed in devices, form hybrid materials, and improve the performance of a wide range of materials through the creation of composites.

This Special Issue will present the latest advances in inorganic nanomaterials by collecting papers from leading researchers in this field. Both research articles and review papers reflecting the state of the art in this fast-evolving area are welcomed. Potential topics include, but are not limited to, synthesis, functionalization, processing, characterization, properties, performance, and the computational modelling of inorganic nanomaterials.

Dr. Gerard Tobías-Rossell
Dr. Stefania Sandoval
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Nanomaterials is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2900 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • inorganic nanomaterials
  • nanoparticles
  • nanostructures
  • hybrid materials
  • composites
  • devices
  • fillers
  • surfaces
  • layered compounds
  • 2D materials

Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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15 pages, 3960 KiB  
Article
The Effects of the Addition of Polyurethane–MgO Nanohybrids on the Mechanical Properties of Ordinary Portland Cement Paste
by Yu Fang, Weiqing Ning, Yuan Li, Fang Li, Reza Pournajaf and Bejan Hamawandi
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(22), 3978; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12223978 - 11 Nov 2022
Viewed by 1160
Abstract
One of the most important methods of controlling the properties of concrete and cement-based materials is to control the rate and kinetics of cement hydration. In the present study, novel flexible polyurethane-decorated MgO nanohybrids were synthesized using a simple chemical method, added to [...] Read more.
One of the most important methods of controlling the properties of concrete and cement-based materials is to control the rate and kinetics of cement hydration. In the present study, novel flexible polyurethane-decorated MgO nanohybrids were synthesized using a simple chemical method, added to cement paste in different amounts, and utilized as an effective mechanical performance-enhancing factor for cement paste. It was observed that by adding 3 wt% synthesized PU-MgO nanohybrids to cement paste, its mechanical properties were improved and its compressive strength and flexural strength were increased by up to 13% and 15%, respectively, compared to the plain cement, after 45 days. The effect mechanism of adding PU–MgO nanoparticles on the properties of the cement paste was investigated. The addition of PU–MgO nanohybrids increased the pozzolanic reactions and formed more C-S-H phases. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials)
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13 pages, 4181 KiB  
Article
Fabrication of Cu Micromembrane as a Flexible Electrode
by Bo-Yao Sun, Wai-Hong Cheang, Shih-Cheng Chou, Jung-Chih Chiao and Pu-Wei Wu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(21), 3829; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12213829 - 29 Oct 2022
Viewed by 1316
Abstract
A Cu micromembrane is successfully fabricated and validated as a porous flexible electrode. The Cu micromembrane is prepared by functionalizing individual polypropylene (PP) fibers in a polypropylene micromembrane (PPMM) using a mixture of polydopamine (PDA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The mixture of PDA and [...] Read more.
A Cu micromembrane is successfully fabricated and validated as a porous flexible electrode. The Cu micromembrane is prepared by functionalizing individual polypropylene (PP) fibers in a polypropylene micromembrane (PPMM) using a mixture of polydopamine (PDA) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). The mixture of PDA and PEI provides adhesive, wetting, and reducing functionalities that facilitate subsequent Ag activation and Cu electroless plating. Scanning electron microscopy reveals conformal deposition of Cu on individual PP fibers. Porometer analysis indicates that the porous nature of PPMM is properly maintained. The Cu micromembrane demonstrates impressive electrical conductivities in both the X direction (1.04 ± 0.21 S/cm) and Z direction (2.99 ± 0.54 × 10−3 S/cm). In addition, its tensile strength and strain are better than those of pristine PPMM. The Cu micromembrane is flexible and mechanically robust enough to sustain 10,000 bending cycles with moderate deterioration. Thermogravimetric analysis shows a thermal stability of 400 °C and an effective Cu loading of 5.36 mg/cm2. Cyclic voltammetric measurements reveal that the Cu micromembrane has an electrochemical surface area of 277.8 cm2 in a 1 cm2 geometric area (a roughness factor of 227.81), a value that is 45 times greater than that of planar Cu foil. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials)
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19 pages, 6139 KiB  
Article
Lanthanide (Eu, Tb, La)-Doped ZnO Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Whey as an Eco-Friendly Chelating Agent
by Carolina Picasso, Yolanda Salinas, Oliver Brüggemann, Markus Clark Scharber, Niyazi Serdar Sariciftci, Olavo D. F. Cardozo, Eriverton S. Rodrigues, Marcelo S. Silva, Andreas Stingl and Patricia M. A. Farias
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2265; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12132265 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1781
Abstract
Strategies for production and use of nanomaterials have rapidly moved towards safety and sustainability. Beyond these requirements, the novel routes must prove to be able to preserve and even improve the performance of the resulting nanomaterials. Increasing demand of high-performance nanomaterials is mostly [...] Read more.
Strategies for production and use of nanomaterials have rapidly moved towards safety and sustainability. Beyond these requirements, the novel routes must prove to be able to preserve and even improve the performance of the resulting nanomaterials. Increasing demand of high-performance nanomaterials is mostly related to electronic components, solar energy harvesting devices, pharmaceutical industries, biosensors, and photocatalysis. Among nanomaterials, Zinc oxide (ZnO) is of special interest, mainly due to its environmental compatibility and vast myriad of possibilities related to the tuning and the enhancement of ZnO properties. Doping plays a crucial role in this scenario. In this work we report and discuss the properties of undoped ZnO as well as lanthanide (Eu, Tb, and La)-doped ZnO nanoparticles obtained by using whey, a by-product of milk processing, as a chelating agent, without using citrate nor any other chelators. The route showed to be very effective and feasible for the affordable large-scale production of both pristine and doped ZnO nanoparticles in powder form. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials)
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11 pages, 6186 KiB  
Article
Breaking Down SERS Detection Limit: Engineering of a Nanoporous Platform for High Sensing and Technology
by Federico Scaglione, Livio Battezzati and Paola Rizzi
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(10), 1737; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12101737 - 19 May 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1222
Abstract
In this study, nanoporous gold (NPG) was synthesized by free corrosion dealloying of an amorphous precursor, Au20Cu48Ag7Pd5Si20 (at. %), in a mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acid, starting from amorphous melt-spun ribbons. NPG revealed [...] Read more.
In this study, nanoporous gold (NPG) was synthesized by free corrosion dealloying of an amorphous precursor, Au20Cu48Ag7Pd5Si20 (at. %), in a mixture of nitric and hydrofluoric acid, starting from amorphous melt-spun ribbons. NPG revealed a 3D nanoporous structure composed of pores and multigrain ligaments of an average size of 60 nm. NPG was further anodized in oxalic acid at 8 V vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode to obtain a bimodal morphology composed of ligaments disrupted in finer features. Both NPG and anodized samples (A-NPG) were found to be mechanically stable to bending and active for surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). SERS activity of samples was investigated using 4,4′-bipyridine as a probe molecule. A detection limit of 10−16 M was found for both samples, but in A-NPG, the signal was strongly enhanced. The extremely high enhancement obtained for A-NPG is attributed both to the small size of ligaments and crystals of which they are made, as well as to the nanometric features resulting from anodization treatment. Such a microstructure showed homogenous SERS response in terms of average enhancement all across the surface, as demonstrated by mapping measurements. Furthermore, NPG and A-NPG were tested as electrodes for electrocatalytic applications, showing good properties. The engineering steps from the amorphous precursor to A-NPG led us to obtain a high-sensing platform, with extremely low detection limit and intrinsic properties, that might significantly contribute to the cutting-edge technology of the future. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials)
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12 pages, 3336 KiB  
Article
Preparation of Novel Mesoporous LaFeO3-SBA-15-CTA Support for Syngas Formation of Dry Reforming
by Luming Li, Song Wu, Hongmei Li, Jie Deng and Junshan Li
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(9), 1451; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12091451 - 24 Apr 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1421
Abstract
A nanocomposite NiPt/5LSBA-160 catalyst comprised of highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles contacting intimately with Pt over novel mesoporous LaFeO3-SBA-15-CTA support with a high specific surface area (SSA) was successfully developed for the dry reforming of methane. Results revealed that the high SSA [...] Read more.
A nanocomposite NiPt/5LSBA-160 catalyst comprised of highly dispersed Ni nanoparticles contacting intimately with Pt over novel mesoporous LaFeO3-SBA-15-CTA support with a high specific surface area (SSA) was successfully developed for the dry reforming of methane. Results revealed that the high SSA mesoporous LaFeO3-SBA-15-CTA materials could first be synthesized by an in situ growth hydrothermal process and used as an excellent carrier candidate of Ni-based catalysts to achieve enhanced catalytic activity due to the strong interaction between LaFeO3 and Ni species. Moreover, the introduction of Pt over a Ni/5LSBA-160 catalyst would further promote the interaction between Ni and support, improve the dispersion of active Ni centers and obtain a higher syngas formation rate as well as tolerance to carbon coking than that of a Pt-free Ni/5LSBA-160 catalyst sample. This finding uncovers a promising prospect for high SSA mesoporous perovskite preparation and utilization in catalysis such as oxidation, hydrogenation, photocatalysis, energy conversion and so on. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials)
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Review

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23 pages, 8114 KiB  
Review
Noble Metal-Based Catalysts with Core-Shell Structure for Oxygen Reduction Reaction: Progress and Prospective
by Chao Wang, Cuihua An, Chunling Qin, Hassanien Gomaa, Qibo Deng, Shuai Wu and Ning Hu
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(14), 2480; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12142480 - 19 Jul 2022
Cited by 26 | Viewed by 3138
Abstract
With the deterioration of the ecological environment and the depletion of fossil energy, fuel cells, representing a new generation of clean energy, have received widespread attention. This review summarized recent progress in noble metal-based core–shell catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in proton [...] Read more.
With the deterioration of the ecological environment and the depletion of fossil energy, fuel cells, representing a new generation of clean energy, have received widespread attention. This review summarized recent progress in noble metal-based core–shell catalysts for oxygen reduction reactions (ORRs) in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). The novel testing methods, performance evaluation parameters and research methods of ORR were briefly introduced. The effects of the preparation method, temperature, kinds of doping elements and the number of shell layers on the ORR performances of noble metal-based core–shell catalysts were highlighted. The difficulties of mass production and the high cost of noble metal-based core–shell nanostructured ORR catalysts were also summarized. Thus, in order to promote the commercialization of noble metal-based core–shell catalysts, research directions and prospects on the further development of high performance ORR catalysts with simple synthesis and low cost are presented. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials)
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28 pages, 14096 KiB  
Review
Lead(II)-Azido Metal–Organic Coordination Polymers: Synthesis, Structure and Application in PbO Nanomaterials Preparation
by Jaber Dadashi, Mohammad Khaleghian, Younes Hanifehpour, Babak Mirtamizdoust and Sang Woo Joo
Nanomaterials 2022, 12(13), 2257; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/nano12132257 - 30 Jun 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2220
Abstract
The current study aims to explain recent developments in the synthesis of Pb(II)-azido metal-organic coordination polymers. Coordination polymers are defined as hybrid materials encompassing metal-ion-based, organic linkers, vertices, and ligands, serving to link the vertices to 1D, 2D, or 3D periodic configurations. The [...] Read more.
The current study aims to explain recent developments in the synthesis of Pb(II)-azido metal-organic coordination polymers. Coordination polymers are defined as hybrid materials encompassing metal-ion-based, organic linkers, vertices, and ligands, serving to link the vertices to 1D, 2D, or 3D periodic configurations. The coordination polymers have many applications and potential properties in many research fields, primarily dependent on particular host–guest interactions. Metal coordination polymers (CPs) and complexes have fascinating structural topologies. Therefore, they have found numerous applications in different areas over the past two decades. Azido-bridged complexes are inorganic coordination ligands with higher fascination that have been the subject of intense research because of their coordination adaptability and magnetic diversity. Several sonochemical methods have been developed to synthesize nanostructures. Researchers have recently been interested in using ultrasound in organic chemistry synthetics, since ultrasonic waves in liquids accelerate chemical reactions in heterogeneous and homogeneous systems. The sonochemical synthesis of lead–azide coordination compounds resulted from very fantastic morphologies, and some of these compounds are used as precursors for preparing nano lead oxide. The ultrasonic sonochemistry approach has been extensively applied in different research fields, such as medical imaging, biological cell disruption, thermoplastic welding, food processing, and waste treatment. CPs serve as appropriate precursors for preparing favorable materials at the nanoscale. Using these polymers as precursors is beneficial for preparing inorganic nanomaterials such as metal oxides. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Latest Advances in Inorganic Nanomaterials)
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