Metal ‐Free Electron Donor‐Acceptor Pair Enabled Long‐Term Stability of Li‐CO2 Battery
A bifunctional electron donor –acceptor pairs (D–A pairs) is proposed as active sites for highly efficient Li-CO2 battery. The cost-effective BCNT with adequate DO–AB pairs exhibited a fast kinetic process and long stability throughout the entire cycling with controllable growth mode of intermediates. Such a strategy the strategy of local structure regulation at the atomic scale. AbstractThe challenges of Lithium-carbon dioxide (Li-CO2) batteries for ensuring long-term cycling stability arise from the thermodynamically stable and electrically insulating discharge products (e.g., Li2CO3), which primarily rely on their...
Source: Small - April 9, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Zhihao Liu, Xingwu Zhai, Tianchen Wei, Yuchun Liu, Zhixin Sun, Jing Zhang, Honghe Ding, Yujian Xia, Min Zhou Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Enhancing Endogenous Hyaluronic Acid in Osteoarthritic Joints with an Anti ‐Inflammatory Supramolecular Nanofiber Hydrogel Delivering HAS2 Lentivirus
Degradation of the HAS2@DexP-Gel results in the release of the HAS2 lentivirus and DexP molecules. Transfected FLS shows increased endogenous HA production facilitated by the HAS2 lentivirus. Furthermore, DexP molecules inhibit M1 macrophages through modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1 α pathway. Synergistic effects of HAS2@DexP-Gel collectively suppress synovitis and delay cartilage degeneration. AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) management remains challenging because of its intricate pathogenesis. Intra-articular injections of drugs, such as glucocorticoids and hyaluronic acid (HA), have certain limitations, including the r...
Source: Small - April 9, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Feng Zhou, Muchao Chen, Yufan Qian, Kai Yuan, Xuequan Han, Weishan Wang, Jiong Jiong Guo, Qian Chen, Bin Li Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

MXene ‐Bimetallic Hybrids via Mixed Molten Salts Etching for Kinetics‐Enhanced and Dendrite‐Free Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
An asymmetric separator (CACNM@PP), composed of Co-Ni/MXene (CNM) on the cathode and Cu –Ag/MXene (CAM) on the anode for high-performance Li–S batteries is reported. CNM provides strong chemical interactions and fast conversion kinetics for polysulfides. CAM lowers the nucleation barrier of Li and stabilizes the Li anode. Therefore, the assembled cells with the CACNM@PP separators harvest excellent electrochemical performance. AbstractLithium –sulfur (Li–S) batteries with high theoretical energy density (2600 Wh kg−1) are considered to be one of the most promising secondary batteries. However, the practical app...
Source: Small - April 9, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Yilun Ren, Libing Hu, Shaozhong Chang, Yujie Ma, Biao Wang, Hao Wu, Fengqi Li, Yurong Yang, Shaochun Tang, Xiangkang Meng Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Separation of Mono ‐/Divalent Ions via Controlled Dynamic Adsorption/Desorption at Polythiophene Coated Carbon Surface with Flow‐Electrode Capacitive Deionization
Switching from different interfacial behavior on cathode and anode, dynamic adsorption and desorption of mono-/divalent ions can be achieved via flow-electrode capacitive deionization. Owing to strong interaction with electrode surface, divalent ions get enriched in the Helmhotlz layer, thus realizing high selectivity towards divalent ions. AbstractCapacitive deionization for selective separation of ions is rarely reported since it relies on the electrostatic attraction of oppositely charged ions with no capability to distinguish ions of different valent states. Using molecular dynamic simulation, a screening process ident...
Source: Small - April 9, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Jingjing Xiong, Wenkai Ye, Liwen Mu, Xiaohua Lu, Jiahua Zhu Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Constructing Directional Electrostatic Potential Difference via Gradient Nitrogen Doping for Efficient Oxygen Reduction Reaction
The directional electrostatic potential difference ( ΔEESP) between carbon layers is successfully constructed by the gradient nitrogen doping. The directional ΔEESP regulates the work function and density of state of carbon-encapsulated cobalt nanoparticles catalysts, and finally realizes the excellent ORR performance of the catalysts. This work provides an effective gradient nitrogen doping strategy to optimize the ORR activity. AbstractNitrogen doping has been recognized as an important strategy to enhance the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) activity of carbon-encapsulated transition metal catalysts (TM@C). However, pr...
Source: Small - April 9, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Zhijie Qi, Zhenjie Lu, Xiangjie Guo, Jun Jiang, Shujun Liu, Jingwen Sun, Xin Wang, Junwu Zhu, Yongsheng Fu Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Near Room Temperature Production of Segregated Network Composites of Carbon Nanotubes and Regolith as Multifunctional, Extra ‐Terrestrial Building Materials
Future space missions will need to fabricate building materials on the moon or Mars from local soil or regolith. Here it is shown that carbon nanotubes can be used as a binder to convert fine sand as well as lunar and Martian regolith simulants into solid “bricks” with excellent mechanical properties. This paves the way for nanotubes to be used to fabricate structural materials in extraterrestrial environments. AbstractConstructing a semi-permanent base on the moon or Mars will require maximal use of materials found in situ and minimization of materials and equipment transported from Earth. This will mean a heavy relia...
Source: Small - April 9, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: James Garcia, Eoin Caffrey, Luke Doolan, Dominik V. Horvath, Tian Carey, Cian Gabbett, Jonathan N. Coleman Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Recent Advancements on Spin Engineering Strategies for Highly Efficient Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution Reactions
In this review, the state-of-the-art research progress on spin-dependent effects in OER will be briefed. Spin engineering strategies, such as strain, crystal surface engineering, crystal doping, etc., will be introduced. The related mechanism for spin manipulation to boost OER activity will also be discussed. Finally, the challenges and prospects for the development of spin catalysis are presented. AbstractOxygen evolution reaction (OER) is a widely employed half-electrode reaction in oxygen electrochemistry, in applications such as hydrogen evolution, carbon dioxide reduction, ammonia synthesis, and electrocatalytic hydro...
Source: Small - April 9, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Wenli Zhao, Jieyu Yang, Fenghua Xu, Baicheng Weng Tags: Review Source Type: research

In Situ Engineering Multifunctional Active Sites of Ruthenium –Nickel Alloys for pH‐Universal Ampere‐Level Current‐Density Hydrogen Evolution
Ru –Ni alloy nanoparticles anchored on reduced graphene oxide papers are developed as robust and pH-universal electrocatalysts for hydrogen evolution reaction by making use of surface reconstructions to form multisite surface of Ru-Ni(OH)2 or monometallic Ru in nonacidic or acidic environment. The pH self-adaptivity enlists Ru –Ni alloy to exhibit outstanding electrocatalysis towards alkaline and acidic hydrogen evolution reactions. AbstractDeveloping robust non-platinum electrocatalysts with multifunctional active sites for pH-universal hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is crucial for scalable hydrogen production thro...
Source: Small - April 8, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Yang Liu, Hang Shi, Tian ‐Yi Dai, Shu‐Pei Zeng, Gao‐Feng Han, Tong‐Hui Wang, Zi Wen, Xing‐You Lang, Qing Jiang Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

SPOOC (Sensor for Periodic Observation of Choline): An Integrated Lab ‐on‐a‐Spoon Platform for At‐Home Quantification of Choline in Infant Formula
SPOOC, a fast, accurate, and wireless device, quantifies choline in infants' formulas in home settings. It utilizes laser-induced graphene as a platform for choline potentiometric detection and features a detachable potentiometric device that wirelessly transmits data to nearby smartphones. This device assists parents in ensuring infants receive sufficient choline, promoting better neural and muscular health. AbstractCholine is an essential micronutrient for infants' brain development and health. To ensure that infants receive the needed daily dose of choline, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has set requirement...
Source: Small - April 8, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Abdulrahman Al ‐Shami, Farbod Amirghasemi, Ali Soleimani, Sina Khazaee Nejad, Victor Ong, Alara Berkmen, Alar Ainla, Maral P.S. Mousavi Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

In Situ Formation of Heterojunction in Composite Lithium Anode Facilitates Fast and Uniform Interfacial Ion Transport
A heterojunction of CeO2 and Ce2O3 is designed in the three-dimension composite Li anode, which offering reduced Li-ion migration barriers and facilitating rapid diffusion. This composite Li anode enables high stable and long-term cycling performance of Li-metal battery. AbstractLithium metal is a highly promising anode for next-generation high-energy-density rechargeable batteries. Nevertheless, its practical application faces challenges due to the uncontrolled lithium dendrites growth and infinite volumetric expansion during repetitive cycling. Herein, a composite lithium anode is designed by mechanically rolling and pre...
Source: Small - April 8, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Shan Fang, Huasong Wang, Shangquan Zhao, Miaomiao Yu, Xiang Liu, Yong Li, Fanglin Wu, Wenhua Zuo, Naigen Zhou, Gregorio F. Ortiz Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Gd3+ Encapsulation on 2D ‐g‐C3N4 Nanostructure for Spintronics and Ultrasound Assisted Photocatalytic Applications: First‐Principles and Experimental Studies
The research demonstrates the synthesis of Gd3+/2D-g-C3N4 NS via chemisorption methodology to enhance defect-enriched magnetism and catalytic properties. Spin asymmetry polarizations near the Fermi level, analyzed through PDOS evaluations, confirm the magnetic nature of the synthesized material, validating the room temperature ferromagnetism ascertained using a VSM. The recyclable catalyst exhibits a 98% remediation efficiency for US assisted visible-light-driven photodegradation of methyl orange. AbstractAtomically thin two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors have high potential in optoelectronics and magneto-optics appliance...
Source: Small - April 8, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Saikat Kumar Kuila, Deepak Kumar Gorai, Sandeep Agarwal, Ranjini Sarkar, Chandra Sekhar Tiwary, Tarun Kumar Kundu Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Additives for Aqueous Zinc ‐Ion Batteries: Recent Progress, Mechanism Analysis, and Future Perspectives
The roles of anode additives may be summed up as follows: modify the electric double layer, create the solid-electrolyte interface, regulate the zinc facet, and modulate the electric field. Rebuilding the solvation sheath and strengthening the hydrogen bond network are the two main ways that the activities of altering the electrolyte environment can be summed up. AbstractAqueous zinc-ion batteries (ZIBs) stand out as a promising next-generation electrochemical energy storage technology, offering notable advantages such as high specific capacity, enhanced safety, and cost-effectiveness. However, the application of aqueous e...
Source: Small - April 8, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Jianghui Cao, Fang Zhao, Weixin Guan, Xiaoxuan Yang, Qidong Zhao, Liguo Gao, Xuefeng Ren, Gang Wu, Anmin Liu Tags: Review Source Type: research

Nanoscale Helical Optical Force for Determining Crystal Chirality
In this study, a novel approach is presented to facilitate chirality modulation through chiral crystallization using a helical optical force field originating from localized nanogap surface plasmon resonance. The force field emerges near a gold trimer nanogap and is propelled by linear and angular momentum transfer from the incident light to the resonant nanogap plasmon. By employing Gaussian and Laguerre –Gaussian incident laser beams, notable enantioselectivity is achieved through low-power plasmon-induced chiral crystallization of an organic compound–ethylenediamine sulfate. The findings provide new insights into ch...
Source: Small - April 8, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: An ‐Chieh Cheng, Christophe Pin, Yuji Sunaba, Teruki Sugiyama, Keiji Sasaki Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Colon Targeting pH ‐Responsive Coacervate Microdroplets for Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
A biocompatible coacervate microdroplets, which loaded emodin and coated with eudragit S100 (EMO@EU-Coac) can achieve stability in gastric acid after oral administration and targets colon lesions. And EMO@EU-Coac can achieve effective treatment of UC through anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, repair of the intestinal epithelial barrier, and regulation of intestinal microbiota balance. AbstractUlcerative colitis (UC), an immune-mediated chronic inflammatory disease, drastically impacts patients' quality of life and increases their risk of colorectal cancer worldwide. However, effective oral targeted delivery and rete...
Source: Small - April 6, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Yinmei Tian, Qian Hu, Zhengjun Sun, Yulin Yu, Xiaonan Li, Tianyi Tian, Xinying Bi, Yang Li, Boning Niu, Zhiping Zhang Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Enhancing Carrier Transport in 2D/3D Perovskite Heterostructures through Organic Cation Fluorination
In this study, the carrier transport dynamics in 2D/3D perovskite heterostructures through a variety of time-resolved spectroscopic measurements is systematically investigated. Time-resolved photoluminescence results reveal nanosecond hole transfer from the 3D to 2D perovskites, with enhanced efficiency through the introduction of fluorine atoms on the phenethylammonium (PEA) cation. Transient absorption measurements unveil the ultrafast picosecond electron and energy transfer from 2D to 3D perovskites. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that the positioning of fluorination on the PEA cations effectively regulates the efficie...
Source: Small - April 5, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Haoran Pang, Shijie Du, Junpeng Deng, Wei Kong, Yilun Zhao, Bohong Zheng, Lin Ma Tags: Research Article Source Type: research