Effect of Facet on Local Electron Density of Oxygen Vacancy in Catalysts for Nitrogen Electro ‐Reduction
R(111)-TiO2/HGO with Ov anchored in hierarchically porous graphite oxide (HGO) nanofilms exhibits excellent electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR) performance, attributed to the positive effect of the crystal facet (111) on regulating the local electron density and promoting the π-back-donation, minimizing the eNRR barrier, and transforming the rate determination step to*NNH →*NNHH. AbstractOxygen-vacancy (Ov) engineering is an effective strategy to manipulate the electronic configuration of catalysts for electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (eNRR). The influence of the stable facet on the electronic ...
Source: Small - April 11, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Wenjing Cheng, Yunpeng Liu, Xiaohui Yang, Shuhao Yan, Gaosheng Huang, Hong Zhang, Zhiyong Tang, Huiqiong Zhou Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Modulating 3d Charge State via Halogen Ions in Neighboring Molecules of Metal –Organic Frameworks for Improving Water Oxidation
A series of metal –organic frameworks X─FeNi-MOFs (X = Br, Cl, and F) with different coordination microenvironments are constructed by halogen ion to optimize oxygen evolution reaction (OER) activity. The upshift of the Ni-3d band center and O-2p band center in X─FeNi-MOFs can improve OER performance by increas ing the adsorption ability between catalytic sites and reaction intermediates. AbstractModulating the coordination environment of the metal active center is an effective method to boost the catalytic performances of metal –organic frameworks (MOFs) for oxygen evolution reaction (OER). However, little attenti...
Source: Small - April 11, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Yitian Hu, Yalei Fan, Lili Li, Jing Zhou, Zhiwei Hu, Jian ‐Qiang Wang, Juncai Dong, Shenlong Zhao, Linjuan Zhang Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Decreased Electrically and Increased Ionically Conducting Scaffolds for Long ‐Life, High‐Rate and Deep‐Capacity Lithium‐Metal Anodes
A 3D scaffold with decreased lithium-ion transport resistance and increased electric resistance is designed to regulate the lithium deposition spot from the top to the bottom of the scaffold, achieving bottom-up lithium deposition with suppressed dendritic formations. AbstractLithium (Li) metal batteries are deemed as promising next-generation power solutions but are hindered by the uncontrolled dendrite growth and infinite volume change of Li anodes. The extensively studied 3D scaffolds as solutions generally lead to undesired “top-growth” of Li due to their high electrical conductivity and the lack of ion-transportin...
Source: Small - April 11, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Chuanfa Li, Jiaqi Wang, Qian Ye, Pengzhou Li, Kun Zhang, Jiaxin Li, Yanan Zhang, Lei Ye, Tianbing Song, Yue Gao, Bingjie Wang, Huisheng Peng Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Construction of Hierarchical Conductive Networks for LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 Cathode toward Stable Cycling at High Areal Mass Loadings
This study develops a hierarchical conductive network structure for constructing high-performance NMC811 (LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2) cathode toward stable cycling at high areal mass loadings. The hierarchical conductive networks are composed of a Li+/e− mixed conducting interface (lithium polyacrylate/hydroxyl-functionalized multiwalled carbon nanotubes) on NMC811 particles, and a segregated network of single-walled carbon nanotubes in the electrode, without any additional binders or carbon black. Such strategy endows the NMC811 cathode (up to 250  µm and 50 mg cm−2) with low porosity/tortuosity, ultrahigh Li+/e- conducti...
Source: Small - April 11, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Lu Wei, Hongyuan Wu, Songtao Liu, Yuyu Zhou, Xin Guo Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Scaling Supercapacitive Swing Adsorption of CO2 Using Bipolar Electrode Stacks
Supercapacitive swing adsorption modules can be scaled via the stacking of bipolar electrodes. The increase in the number of cells within the stack leads to a decrease in energy consumption without negatively influencing the adsorptive performance. AbstractSupercapacitive swing adsorption (SSA) modules with bipolar stacks having 2, 4, 8, and 12 electrode pairs made from BPL 4 × 6 activated carbon are constructed and tested for carbon dioxide capture applications. Tests are performed with simulated flue gas (15%CO2 /85%N2) at 2, 4, 8, and 12  V, respectively. Reversible adsorption with sorption capacities (≈58 mmol kg...
Source: Small - April 11, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Jiajie Li, Muhammad Bilal, Kai Landskron Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Dual ‐Track Multifunctional Bimetallic Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Antibiotic Enrichment and Detection
The proposed approach in this study introduces a dual-track bimetallic metal –organic frameworks strategy aimed at achieving the enrichment, separation, and detection of antibiotics. Investigation into the mechanisms of various functionalities is conducted. This strategy is of paramount significance in the prevention and control of antibiotics and their derivatives' advers e effects. AbstractThe improper use and overuse of antibiotics have led to significant burdens and detrimental effects on the environment, food supply, and human health. Herein, a magnetic solid-phase extraction program and an optical immunosensor base...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Yiming Dong, Niu Feng, Puyue Liu, Qiaoling Wei, Xuewen Peng, Feng Jiang, Yiping Chen Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

γ‐MnO2 as an Electron Reservoir for RuO2 Oxygen Evolution Catalyst in Acidic Media
In this study, the electronic reservoir regulation strategy is proposed to promote the performance of acidic water oxidation via constructing a RuO2/MnO2 heterostructure supported on carbon cloth (CC) (abbreviated as RuO2/MnO2/CC). Theoretical and experimental results reveal that MnO2 acts as an electron reservoir for RuO2. It facilitates electron transfer from RuO2, enhancing its activity prior to OER, and donates electrons to RuO2, improving its stability after OER. Consequently, RuO2/MnO2/CC exhibits better performance compared to commercial RuO2, with an ultrasmall overpotential of 189  mV at 10 mA cm−2 and no sign...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Wenqi Jia, Xuejie Cao, Xiaojie Chen, Hongye Qin, Licheng Miao, Qinglun Wang, Lifang Jiao Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Controlled Synthesis of Preferential Facet ‐Exposed Fe‐MOFs for Ultrasensitive Detection of Peroxides
Facet-engineered Fe-MOFs exhibiting enhanced catalytic activity for Fenton reaction are explored by modulating the ratio of metal precursors to ligands, enabling a dual-mode platform for ultrasensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide and triacetone triperoxide. Robust selectivity against a wide range of common substances, and the further precise differentiation of highly oxidizing agents by incorporating a deep learning architecture are achieved. AbstractExposing different facets on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) is highly desirable to enhance the performance for various applications, however, exploiting a concise and effe...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Yuquan Wu, Da Lei, Jiawen Li, Ying Luo, Yuwan Du, Shi Zhang, Baiyi Zu, Yuhong Su, Xincun Dou Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Robust Hydrogel Actuators Functioning in Multi ‐Environments Enabled by Thermo‐Responsive Polymer Nanoparticle Coatings on Hydrogel Surfaces
This study introduces a novel method for crafting hydrogel actuators with anisotropic structures, enhancing adaptability across diverse environments. The thin PNIPAm nanoparticle layer, synthesized via interfacial precipitation polymerization, ensures exceptional structural stability. This versatile approach enables programmable 3D actuation, offering a pathway for advanced hydrogel applications. AbstractHydrogel actuators with anisotropic structures exhibit reversible responsiveness upon the trigger of various external stimuli, rendering them promising for applications in many fields including artificial muscles and soft ...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Mengnan Zhang, Haokun Shen, Karen Hakobyan, Zhen Jiang, Kang Liang, Jiangtao Xu Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Defect Engineering Simultaneously Regulating Exciton Dissociation in Carbon Nitride and Local Electron Density in Pt Single Atoms Toward Highly Efficient Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
The nitrogen defects act as electron trapping sites, enhancing exciton dissociation into charge carriers. As a result, abound free electrons accumulate around Pt single atoms. The formation of high electron density of Pt sites significantly improves the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity. AbstractThe high exciton binding energy (Eb) and sluggish surface reaction kinetics have severely limited the photocatalytic hydrogen production activity of carbon nitride (CN). Herein, a hybrid system consisting of nitrogen defects and Pt single atoms is constructed through a facile self-assembly and photodeposition strategy. Du...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Dongjie Liu, Chunyang Zhang, Jinwen Shi, Yuchuan Shi, Ta Thi Thuy Nga, Maochang Liu, Shaohua Shen, Chun ‐Li Dong Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Vertical Cross ‐Alignments of 2D Semiconductors with Steered Internal Electric Field for Urea Electrooxidation via Balancing Intermediates Adsorption
Cross-alignment of in situ vertically grown Ni(OH)2 nanosheets on 2D semiconductor g-C3N4 forms the steered internal electric field to enhance adsorption of urea, thus efficiently avoid poisoning of strongly adsorbed OH− during urea oxidation reaction (UOR). The balanced adsorption of urea and OH− results in accelerated reaction kinetics and excellent selectivity for UOR, even at high potentials. AbstractSingle-component electrocatalysts generally lead to unbalanced adsorption of OH− and urea during urea oxidation reaction (UOR), thus obtaining low activity and selectivity especially when oxygen evolution reaction (O...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Hanxiao Du, Huashuai Hu, Xunlu Wang, Nian Ran, Wei Chen, Hongbo Zhu, Yin Zhou, Minghui Yang, Jiacheng Wang, Jianjun Liu Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

The Nanoscale Structure and Stability of Organic Photovoltaic Blends Processed with Solvent Additives
Using small angle neutron scattering (SANS), the influence of solvent additives on the nanoscale structure and stability of organic photovoltaic blend films is explored. Distinct differences in the morphological evolution of fullerene and non-fullerene acceptor systems are revealed, providing new insights into the relationships between film processing, structure, and stability. AbstractControlling the nanomorphology in bulk heterojunction photoactive blends is crucial for optimizing the performance and stability of organic photovoltaic (OPV) technologies. A promising approach is to alter the drying dynamics and consequentl...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Rachel C. Kilbride, Emma L. K. Spooner, Stephanie L. Burg, B árbara L. Oliveira, Ana Charas, Gabriel Bernardo, Robert Dalgliesh, Stephen King, David G. Lidzey, Richard A. L. Jones, Andrew J. Parnell Tags: Research Article Source Type: research

Nanosafety: a Perspective on Nano ‐Bio Interactions
This perspective addresses some of the key lessons learned in nanosafety research during the past 15  years with an emphasis on nano-bio interactions (interactions of nanomaterials with biological systems), in particular, the bio-corona and eco-corona. The authors also present a bibliometric survey of nanotoxicological research (2000–2022). AbstractEngineered nanomaterials offer numerous benefits to society ranging from environmental remediation to biomedical applications such as drug or vaccine delivery as well as clean and cost-effective energy production and storage, and the promise of a more sustainable way of life....
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Bengt Fadeel, Arturo A. Keller Tags: Perspective Source Type: research

Anionic Coordination Control in Building Cu ‐Based Electrocatalytic Materials for CO2 Reduction Reaction
This review represents a powerful tool for constructing talent CO2RR electrocatalyst via anionic coordination control. The roles of anion coordination are divided into two categories: modulating active sites and regulating structural reconstruction. It gives an organized body of knowledge and a new perspective in methodology for designing and developing new-type materials. AbstractRenewable energy-driven conversion of CO2 to value-added fuels and chemicals via electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) technology is regarded as a promising strategy with substantial environmental and economic benefits to achieve carbon ...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Hanxia Chen, Pengpeng Mo, Junpeng Zhu, Xiaoxue Xu, Zhixiang Cheng, Feng Yang, Zhongfei Xu, Juzhe Liu, Lidong Wang Tags: Review Source Type: research

Water ‐Capture Filter Paper Separator Realizing Ambient Li–Air Battery
In this study, cellulose-based filter paper (FP) is utilized as a separator for ambient Li– air batteries to suppress dendrite growth and prevent H2O crossover. Thermogravimetric analysis and molecular spectrum reveal that FP enables ambient Li –air battery operation due to its surface functional groups derived from cellulose. The oxygen-enriched surface of cellulose not only enhances ion conductivity but also captures water and confines solvent molecules, thereby mitigating anode corrosion and side reactions. Compared with commercial gl assfiber (GF) separator, this cellulose-based FP separator is cheaper, renewable, ...
Source: Small - April 10, 2024 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Haonan Jiang, Siqi Meng, Rui Gao, Dongxue Chu, Ze Gao, Jiaqi Hu, Hongji Xu, Ming Feng Tags: Research Article Source Type: research