2D materials such as graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs), phosphorene and hexagonal boron nitride(hBN) have been extensively surveyed for Electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding applications attributed to their modulatable dielectric and electric characteristics. Nano-engineering for these materials is facilitated by interface tailoring, structural design and surface modification to intensify electromagnetic (EM) attenuation. Nevertheless, challenges regarding mechanical integrity, scalable fabrication and impedance matching still persist. Moreover, MXenes are a rapidly expanding class of 2D transition metal carbides and nitrides that provide significant advantages owing to their hydrophilic surface terminations and metallic-conductivity. This review demonstrates recent breakthroughs in nano-engineering of MXene derived materials for EMI shielding. Strategies incorporating morphological, structural, interfacial and surface engineering are focused. Furthermore, the integrated effects of hybridization with carbon-nanomaterials, magnetic fillers and polymers are elucidated to improve shielding. Recent advances in additive manufacturing and AI accelerate the development of lightweight, absorption-dominant MXene nanocomposites for EMI shielding applications.
This paper investigates how filler size affects the elastic properties of a vinyl ester polymer nanocomposite reinforced with titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The interaction between the nanoparticles and polymer chains is modeled as nonbonded, comprising Lennard–Jones and Coulombic terms. The elastic properties of the pure polymer and the nanocomposites are evaluated under uniaxial tension, uniaxial compression, and torsion. The results show that decreasing the filler size improves the mechanical response, increasing the tensile, compressive, and shear moduli. A simple three-phase estimate then predicts higher effective moduli for smaller particles, consistent with our MD-derived non-bonded energetics and the measured tensile, compressive, and shear responses. The “dense three-phase” model is quantitatively supported by analyzing the local density profiles and Radial Distribution Functions (RDF) of the vinyl ester monomers around the TiO2 nanoparticles. This provides the physical basis for the observed stiffening effect.
The present study investigated the mechanical and tribological properties of bi-directional carbon fiber reinforced epoxy composites containing nanographene particles, produced by the hand lay-up technique. The various weight fractions of graphene at 0, 0.2, 0.5, 0.8 and 1.2 wt.% are added to the matrix in the proportion 50:50 by wt.% and evaluated for their mechanical and tribological characteristics. While the bi-directional carbon fiber reinforcement provides structural stability and anisotropic strength, the graphene filler, on the other hand, contributes to good wear resistance and better load transfer efficiency. The experimental results demonstrated significant enhancements in hardness and mechanical strength, as well as better wear resistance of the composites for optimal graphene loading. Furthermore, the work examines the effect of incorporating graphene into the epoxy matrix with carbon fabric reinforcement on the mechanical and wear damage features as observed through scanning electron microscopy.
The discharge of dye-containing industrial effluents into aquatic environments poses ecological risks due to the toxicity of synthetic dyes such as methylene blue (MB). Developing stable and reusable adsorbents remains a critical challenge in wastewater treatment. In this work, a reinforced Acrylamide/gum Arabic/carbon nanotube nanocomposite was synthesized via free-radical polymerization and evaluated for MB removal from aqueous solutions. The prepared nanocomposite was characterized by FTIR, FE-SEM and TGA, confirming effective crosslinking and homogeneous nanofiller dispersion. Adsorption experiments were conducted to examine the influence of pH, initial dye concentration, adsorbent dosage, and contact time. In optimized conditions (15 mg L−1 MB, pH = 7, 0.05 g adsorbent, 60 min at room temperature), a maximum removal efficiency of 80% was achieved. Equilibrium data were best fitted to the Freundlich isotherm, while kinetic analysis followed the pseudo-second-order, indicating heterogeneous multilayer adsorption governed predominantly by chemisorption. Thermodynamic parameters revealed that the process is spontaneous and exothermic.
Microscopy is routinely applied to characterize nanomaterials and nanocomposites. Optical microscopy (OM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are frequently adopted for their simple sample preparation and efficient image acquisition. The majority of literature analyses rely on 2D surface imaging or cross-sectional imaging, often at a single magnification, although they may not be representative, due to the multiscale nature of the structures, as well as preparation and projection artifacts. This paper presents a comprehensive 3D imaging workflow combining serial sectioning OM and SEM to obtain realistic volumetric nanocomposite structures. The relationship between SEM acceleration voltage, electron penetration depth, and image contrast is investigated to enhance sub-surface imaging. Correlative OM and SEM characterization is achieved through multimodal imaging and landmark-based registration. Multiscale reconstruction is demonstrated on three representative ‘graphene’ nanocomposite systems, providing rich datasets on dispersion, distribution, orientation, and morphology. The methodology presented is broadly applicable to other nanocomposites and hierarchical systems.
Carbon dots (CDs), a novel class of nanomaterials, have gained significant attention owing to their remarkable properties, such as strong fluorescence, biocompatibility, and environmental friendliness. Since their discovery in 2004, CDs have evolved into versatile platforms with applications spanning bioimaging, sensing, photocatalysis, and energy storage. This review explores diverse synthesis methods for CDs, including top-down and bottom-up approaches, and emphasizes their cost-effectiveness, scalability, and tunability. Key characterization techniques such as TEM, FTIR, and XRD are discussed to highlight the structure-property relationship in CDs. Furthermore, the manuscript delves into the functional versatility of CDs, highlighting their role in bioimaging, chemical sensing, supercapacitors, and photocatalysis. The ability to tailor CDs for specific applications through doping and surface modification underscores their transformative potential in science and technology. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of CDs and bridge fundamental insights into real-world applications for sustainable development.
We present a novel metamaterial-based terahertz biosensor integrated with AI for rapid isoquercitrin detection in herbal medicines. The sensor, optimized through COMSOL simulations, delivers exceptional sensitivity (300 GHzRIU-1) and detects refractive index changes as small as 0.05 RIU. Its precision is validated by a near-perfect linear correlation (R2 = 99.73%) and stable performance metrics, including a 0.015 THz FWHM and Quality Factor of similar to 47. Uniquely, a one-dimensional convolutional neural network augments predictive capability, achieving R2 values up to 1.00 across diverse conditions. This synergistic approach-combining terahertz spectroscopy, metamaterial-enhanced signal amplification, and AI-driven modeling-offers a transformative solution for standardizing and quality-controlling botanical therapeutics. By enabling fast, accurate, and scalable quantification of bioactive compounds, the system sets a new benchmark for analytical methodologies in natural product research.
This research examines the mechanical properties of poly-vinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nanocomposite fibers produced via electrospinning and reinforced with graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO). Using a fork-shaped copper target, individual fibers were collected and characterization through nanotensile testing. The incorporation of 0.5 wt% of GO enhanced Young’s modulus by 20% and yield strength by 47%, while reducing strain at failure and toughness by 43% and 9%. No reinforcement was observed with unfunctionalized graphene. An analogy is drawn between the fibers’ microscale and multiple necking observed in macroscopic polypropylene drinking straws. Their shared geometrical slenderness enables energy dissipation through stable, localized necking. Electrospun PVDF fibers reached 400% strain at break and 85 J/g toughness, comparable to the properties of straws. Based on this analogy, a new constitutive model is proposed to predict the stress-strain response of electrospun fibers, supporting their integration into engineered products such as textile, ropes, and ballistic materials.
The increasing emphasis on product durability and the sustainable utilization of residual biomass has motivated the development of enhanced paper materials from agricultural byproducts. This study investigates barley and wheat straw soda pulps reinforced with nanocellulose derived from the same feedstocks. The aim was to enhance mechanical properties of paper by incorporating natural, compatible nanocellulose suspensions. Tensile and burst index were evaluated as key parameters. The highest tensile index was achieved for barley pulp treated with a Cadoxen-based nanocellulose suspension, reaching nearly 20 N·m·g−1, even at a lower basis weight than the untreated reference sheets. The burst index also showed a significant increase compared with the control samples. These results demonstrate the potential of nanocellulose derived from cereal straw as a sustainable additive for improving the strength of paper products made from agricultural residues.
In order to optimize the performance of g-C3N4 for environmental and energy-related applications, its modification is highly essential. In this study, CN was modified with TiO2 via a wet-chemical method to fabricate its composite (i.e. TiO2/CN). Various characterization techniques such as UV spectroscopy, FT-IR, SEM, EDX and TGA/DSC were employed to investigate the physicochemical properties of the as-synthesized TiO2/CN. The as-synthesized samples were employed in supercapacitor and photocatalytic applications. The TiO2/CN nanocomposite electrode achieved a notable specific capacitance of 287.7 F/g in supercapacitor applications. Moreover, the TiO2/CN revealed superior activity for degradation of Basic Blue 3 dye (BB3) i.e. degraded 99.68% of the BB3 dye in 240 min. Similarly, the effect of different parameters including time, dye concentration, temperature, pH, dose, and some oxidants was also studied. The composite revealed favorable kinetics of both PFO and PSO and was found stable with good recycling ability up to 5 cycles.
Aim To design and fabricate composite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), Fe3O4@Au(Cy5.5)-DOPE/PNPO-siRNA, for the diagnosis and treatment of ovarian cancer (adenocarcinoma cells).Materials and methods Fe3O4@Au(Cy5.5)-DOPE/PNPO-siRNA nanoparticles were synthesized using seed growth and chemical reduction methods. The fabricated Fe3O4@Au nanoparticles were systematically characterized and evaluated. For in vitro studies, the anti-tumor effects were assessed in naturally resistant SKOV3 ovarian adenocarcinoma cells. Cellular uptake, gene-silencing efficiency, and cytotoxicity assays were conducted to determine their therapeutic potential. For in vivo studies, a xenograft mouse model harboring SKOV3 tumors was established to evaluate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast enhancement and biosafety of nanoparticles. MRI was performed using T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) to monitor tumor accumulation and signal changes. The biosafety was further examined through histopathological analysis of major organs.Results We successfully designed and fabricated Fe3O4@Au composite magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) encapsulated with surface lipids, which exhibited excellent biocompatibility and safety. These Fe3O4@Au composite MNPs effectively delivered PNPO-siRNA into SKOV3 cells, enabling both ovarian cancer treatment and MRI. In vivo MRI of SKOV3 tumor-bearing mice showed effective tumor accumulation of nanoparticles. T2WI revealed a peak signal reduction of approximately 17% at 3h post-injection (ANOVA, compared to the pre-injection group, ***p < 0.001), followed by gradual recovery over time. These findings indicate that Fe3O4@Au MNP can serve as effective negative MRI contrast agent to enhance ovarian cancer detection. For therapeutic evaluation, Fe3O4@Au(Cy5.5)-DOPE/PNPO-siRNA nanoparticles significantly inhibited SKOV3 cell proliferation in vitro. Furthermore, biosafety assessments demonstrated no significant toxicity in major organs, supporting their potential for as a safe and effective platform for the treatment of ovarian cancer.Conclusion Fe3O4@Au(Cy5.5)-DOPE/PNPO-siRNA composite magnetic MNPs demonstrate significant potential as dual-function agents, serving both as MRI tracers and as molecular therapeutic platforms for ovarian cancer in vivo.
Sulfur-activated PLA composites have been prepared and characterized to determine the effects of various sulfur contents on their structure, morphology, and thermal characteristics. Wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD) profiles of the composites showed that sulfur has a non-significant effect on the lattice structures of PLA. Polarized optical microscope (POM) showed an increase in the nucleation of several PLA spherulites in the presence of sulfur. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed that sulfur influences the arrangement of PLA .The crystallization kinetics and thermal stability of the composites by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were appreciably improved in the presence of sulfur. The Avrami model was used to analyze the thermal data. The theories of Kissinger and Arrhenius were used to calculate the activation energy (Delta E). A faster crystallization rate and higher Delta E values were observed for the sulfur-activated composites compared to pristine PLA.
This article refers about a synthesis of trimetallic nanoclusters (TNCs) consisting of Au, Ag, Fe ions capped by bovine serum albumin (BSA). Manufactured TNCs and their/its bimetallic and monometallic siblings were characterised by fluorescence spectroscopy; and the quantum yield (QY). Changes in secondary protein structure, charge, and size of BSA for each type of metal ions were investigated using circular dichroism (CD), zeta-potential, and dynamic light scattering (DLS) . This is the first full report analysing the effect of the aforementioned metal ions on BSA via microwave assisted synthesis. Finally, the as-prepared TNCs underwent biocompatibility tests by the Alamar Blue assay performed on the Hep G2 carcinoma cell line to determine the limit concentrations of TNCs cell toxicity. We presume as-synthesised TNCs may potentially serve as a fluorescence and MRI bimodal probes due to their good tolerance by the Hep G2 cell line at relatively high metal concentrations.
The demand for antibiotic-free silver nanoparticle (AgNP) colloids is rising due to concerns over antibiotic resistance. However, conventional synthesis lacks control over AgNP size, dispersibility and stability, limiting their biomedical applications. In this study, cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) served as green reductants and dispersants to controllably synthesize CNF/AgNP colloids under UV irradiation. The process was well-described by fitting curve equations with relative standard deviations below 4.5%. The resulting colloids exhibited excellent stability, with no precipitation after 30 days and a 96.26% Ag(+ )reduction rate. The zeta potential remained between -61.7 and -50.3 mV, indicating strong colloidal stability. The colloids also showed outstanding biocompatibility (cell viability >100%) and strong antibacterial activity (>99.99% inhibition of E. coli and S. aureus). Long-term release studies indicated a sustained Ag+ release potential of up to 126 days. This green and controllable method offers a promising route for developing high-performance AgNP colloids for biomedical and antimicrobial applications.
This work presents the synthesis of CQD decorated TiO2 nanotubes (CQDs/TNTs) from CQD-decorated TiO2 (CQDs/TiO2) using the hydrothermal method. UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV-DRS) reveals that TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) have a band gap of 3.02 eV, while CQDs/TNTs exhibit a band gap of 2.89 eV. Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis shows that the CQDs/TNTs composite exhibits an increased surface area, average pore diameter, and a greater number of active sites, thus enhancing its photocatalytic efficiency. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) results are consistent with the X-ray spectroscopy (XPS), and the Raman studies confirm that the CQDs are decorated on TiO2 TNTs, significantly improving the crystallinity. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results suggest that the decoration of CQDs onto TiO2 TNTs significantly hinders crystalline growth. The composites show excellent photocatalytic activity against methylene blue (MB) and tetracycline (TC) as model pollutants. Kinetic analysis indicates that the photodegradation follows pseudo-second-order kinetics.
Antimicrobial resistance is a severe global threat, compromising existing antibiotics’ effectiveness, making infections harder to treat, and increasing illness duration, healthcare costs, and death rates. This highlights the need for novel antimicrobial drugs. Nanomaterials, with their improved stability and bioavailability, offer a promising alternative for treating bacterial infections. This study investigates the synthesis of chitosan-Mg2+ nanocomposites (CS-Mg NC), where Mg2+ is functionalized with chitosan at three different concentrations, and their physicochemical properties are characterized. The nanocomposites’ spherical structure and active binding sites enable Mg2+ ions’ surface functionalization. Density functional theory reveals the interaction between CS and Mg2+, showing changes in binding energy and mechanical strength. Functionalizing Mg2+ with chitosan nanostructures improves the formulation’s cytocompatibility. The synthesized CS-Mg NC efficiently enhances the synergistic effect of nanocomposites and antibiotics against MDR clinical isolates.
In this work, we report a novel, facile, and eco-friendly method to fabricate antibacterial cotton surfaces. This involved pre-modification of cotton fibers (CFs) with plasma treatment, followed by composting with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs). Composite sheets of CFs loaded with AgNPs (CFs@AgNPs) were morphologically and structurally characterized using Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Atomic force microscope (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). The optical features of the AgNPs were confirmed with UV-Vis spectroscopy (UV-Vis). Maximal absorbance of the functionalized AgNPs was at 426 nm with an average size of 41 nm. These small spherically shaped particles are suitable for antibacterial applications. All CFs@AgNPs composite sheets had highly effective antibacterial properties against both Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus. The antimicrobial durability of the composite sheets was also tested under 10, 20, and 30 repeated washings. After 30 washings, the antimicrobial performance was only slightly changed.
