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The combination of chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy has emerged as a promising strategy for cancer therapy due to its synergistic effects. In this work, PEGylated silver nanoparticles decorated with graphene quantum dots (Ag-GQDs) were tested as a platform to deliver a chemotherapy drug and a photosensitizer, simultaneously, in chemo-photodynamic therapy against HeLa and DU145 cancer cells in vitro. Ag-GQDs have displayed high efficiency in delivering doxorubicin as a model chemotherapy drug to both cancer cells. The Ag-GQDs exhibited a strong antitumor activity by inducing apoptosis in cancer cells without affecting the viability of normal cells. Moreover, the Ag-GQDs exhibited a cytotoxic effect due to the generation of the reactive singlet oxygen upon 425 nm irradiation, indicating their applicability in photodynamic therapy. In comparison with chemo or photodynamic treatment alone, the combined treatment of Ag-GQDs conjugated with doxorubicin under irradiation with a 425 nm lamp significantly increased the death in DU145 and HeLa. This study suggests Ag-GQDs as a multifunctional and efficient therapeutic system for chemo-photodynamic modalities in cancer therapy.

Transition metal oxides are considered to be highly promising anode materials for high-energy lithium-ion batteries. While carbon matrices have demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing the electrical conductivity and accommodating the volume expansion of transition metal oxide-based anode materials in lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), achieving an optimized utilization ratio remains a challenging obstacle. In this investigation, we have devised a straightforward synthesis approach to fabricate CuO nano powder integrated with carbon matrix. We found that with the use of a sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) based binder and fluoroethylene carbonate additives, this anode exhibits enhanced performance compared to acrylonitrile multi-copolymer binder (LA133) based electrodes. CuO@CMC electrodes reveal a notable capacity ~1100 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 following 170 cycles, and exhibit prolonged cycling stability, with a capacity of 450 mA h g−1 at current density 300 mA g−1 over 500 cycles. Furthermore, they demonstrated outstanding rate performance and reduced charge transfer resistance. This study offers a viable approach for fabricating electrode materials for next-generation, high energy storage devices.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs, ~11-nm cores) were PEGylated without anchoring groups and studied as efficient MRI T contrast agents (CAs). The ether group of PEG is efficiently and directly linked to the positively charged surface of SPIONs, and mediated through a dipole-cation covalent interaction. Anchor-free PEG-SPIONs exhibit a spin-spin relaxivity of 123 ± 6 mM s , which is higher than those of PEG-SPIONs anchored with intermediate biomolecules, iron oxide nanoworms, or Feridex. They do not induce a toxic response for Fe concentrations below 2.5 mM, as tested on four different cell lines with and without an external magnetic field. Magnetic resonance phantom imaging studies show that anchor-free PEG-SPIONs produce a significant contrast in the range of 0.1-0.4 [Fe] mM. Our findings reveal that the PEG molecules attached to the cores immobilize water molecules in large regions of ~85 nm, which would lead to blood half-life of a few tens of minutes. This piece of research represents a step forward in the development of next-generation CAs for nascent-stage cancer detection. Contrast-probed anchor-free PEGylated iron oxide contrast agent.

Silicon (Si) has attracted worldwide attention for its ultrahigh theoretical storage capacity (4200 mA h g−1), low mass density (2.33 g cm−3), low operating potential (0.4 V vs. Li/Li+), abundant reserves, environmentally benign nature, and low cost. It is a promising high-energy-density anode material for next-generation lithium-ion batteries (LIBs), offering a replacement for graphite anodes owing to the escalating energy demands in booming automobile and energy storage applications. Unfortunately, the commercialization of silicon anodes is stringently hindered by large volume expansion during lithiation–delithiation, the unstable and detrimental growth of electrode/electrolyte interface layers, sluggish Li-ion diffusion, poor rate performance, and inherently low ion/electron conductivity. These present major safety challenges lead to quick capacity degradation in LIBs. Herein, we present the synergistic effects of nanostructured silicon and SrTiO3 (STO) for use as anodes in Li-ion batteries. Si and STO nanoparticles were incorporated into a multiwalled carbon nanotube (CNT) matrix using a planetary ball-milling process. The mechanical stress resulting from the expansion of Si was transferred via the CNT matrix to the STO. We discovered that the introduction of STO can improve the electrochemical performance of Si/CNT nanocomposite anodes. Experimental measurements and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy provide evidence for the enhanced mobility of Li-ions facilitated by STO. Hence, incorporating STO into the Si@CNT anode yields promising results, exhibiting a high initial Coulombic efficiency of approximately 85%, a reversible specific capacity of ~800 mA h g−1 after 100 cycles at 100 mA g−1, and a high-rate capability of 1400 mA g−1 with a capacity of 800 mA h g−1. Interestingly, it exhibits a capacity of 350 mAh g−1 after 1000 lithiation and delithiation cycles at a high rate of 600 mA hg−1. This result unveils and sheds light on the design of a scalable method for manufacturing Si anodes for next-generation LIBs.

This study addresses the persistent challenge of polysulfide dissolution in lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries by introducing magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles as a novel additive. MgO was integrated with sulfur using a scalable process involving solid-state melt diffusion treatment followed by planetary ball milling. XRD measurements confirmed that sulfur (S8) retains its orthorhombic crystalline structure (space group Fddd) following the MgO incorporation, with minimal peak shifts indicating slight lattice distortion, while the increased peak intensity suggests enhanced crystallinity due to MgO acting as a nucleation site. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy demonstrated sulfur’s characteristic vibrational modes consistent with group theory (point group D2h) and highlighted multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT′s) D, G, and 2D bands, with a low ID/IG ratio (0.47), which indicated low defects and high crystallinity in the prepared cathode. The S–MgO composite cathode exhibited superior electrochemical behavior, with an initial discharge capacity (950 mA h g−1 at 0.1 C), significantly improved compared to pristine sulfur’s. The presence of MgO effectively mitigated the polysulfide shuttle effect by trapping polysulfides, leading to enhanced stability over 400 cycles and the consistent coulombic efficiency of over 99.5%. After 400 cycles, EDS and SEM analyses confirmed the structural integrity of the electrode, with only minor fractures and slight sulfur content loss. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy further confirmed the enhanced performance.

Filtration has emerged as a critical technology to reduce waterborne diseases caused by poor water quality. Filtration technology presents key challenges, such as membrane selectivity, permeability and biofouling. Nanomaterials can offer solutions to these challenges by varying the membranes' mechanical and bactericidal properties. This research uses nanodiamond particles with facile surface functionality and biocompatibility properties that are added to membranes used for filtration treatments. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) were performed to study the membrane surface. FTIR spectra confirms an increase in oxygen functional groups onto the ultradispersed diamond's (UDD) surface following acid treatment. SEM images show particle deagglomeration of functionalized UDD at the membrane surface. Tensile strength tests were done to measure the UDD mechanical properties and Coliscan membrane filtration characterization was performed to determine the filter effectiveness. Polyether sulfone (PES) and polyvinylidene (PVDF) membranes expressed a change in their yield point when UDD was incorporated into the porous matrix. A significant microorganism reduction was obtained and confirmed using t-test analysis at a 95% level of confidence. UDD-embedded membranes exhibit a significant bactericidal reduction compared to commercial membranes suggesting these membranes have the potential to enhance current membrane filtration systems.

Iron oxide nanoparticles (IONPs) were synthesized via a block copolymer-assisted hydrothermal method and the phase purity and the crystal structure were investigated by X-ray diffraction. The Rietveld analysis of X-ray diffractometer spectra shows the hexagonal phase symmetry of α-Fe2O3. Further, the vibrational study suggests Raman active modes: 2A1g + 5Eg associated with α-Fe2O3, which corroborates the Rietveld analysis and orbital analysis of 2PFe. The superparamagnetic behavior is confirmed by magnetic measurements performed by the physical properties measurement system. The systematic study of the Congo red (CR) interaction with IONPs using a UV-visible spectrophotometer and a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry system equipped with a triple quadrupole mass analyzer and an electrospray ionization interface shows effective adsorption. In visible light, the Fe2O3 nanoparticles get easily excited and generate electrons and holes. The photogenerated electrons reduce the Fe3+ ions to Fe2+ ions. The Fe2+/H2O2 oxidizes CR by the Fenton mechanism. The strong adsorption ability of prepared nanoparticles towards dyes attributes the potential candidates for wastewater treatment and other catalytic applications.

In the original publication [...]

Amidst the swift expansion of the electric vehicle industry, the imperative for alternative battery technologies that balance economic feasibility with sustainability has reached unprecedented importance. Herein, we utilized Perovskite-based oxide compounds barium titanate (BaTiO3) and strontium titanate (SrTiO3) nanoparticles as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries from straightforward and standard carbonate-based electrolyte with 10% fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) additive [1M LiPF6 (1:1 EC: DEC) + 10% FEC]. SrTiO3 and BaTiO3 electrodes can deliver a high specific capacity of 80 mA h g−1 at a safe and low average working potential of ≈0.6 V vs. Li/Li+ with excellent high-rate performance with specific capacity of ~90 mA h g−1 at low current density of 20 mA g−1 and specific capacity of ~80 mA h g−1 for over 500 cycles at high current density of 100 mA g−1. Our findings pave the way for the direct utilization of perovskite-type materials as anode materials in Li-ion batteries due to their promising potential for Li+ ion storage. This investigation addresses the escalating market demands in a sustainable manner and opens avenues for the investigation of diverse perovskite oxides as advanced anodes for next-generation metal-ion batteries.

The engineering of materials with controlled magnetic properties by means other than a magnetic field is of great interest in nanotechnology. In this study, we report engineered magnetic graphene oxide (MGO) in the nanocomposite form of iron oxide nanoparticles (IO)-graphene oxide (GO) with tunable core magnetism and magnetic resonance transverse relaxivity (r 2 ). These tunable properties are obtained by varying the IO content on GO. The MGO series exhibits r 2 values analogous to those observed in conventional single core and cluster forms of IO in different size regimes—motional averaging regime (MAR), static dephasing regime (SDR), and echo-limiting regime (ELR) or slow motion regime (SMR). The maximum r 2 of 162 ± 5.703 mM −1 s −1 is attained for MGO with 28 weight percent (wt%) content of IO on GO and hydrodynamic diameter of 414 nm, which is associated with the SDR. These findings demonstrate the clear potential of magnetic graphene oxide for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) applications.