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Emerging Multifunctional Nanostructures and their Applications

2024; Wiley; Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/smll.202311330

1613-6829

Gurwinder Singh, Prashant Kumar, Kavitha Ramadass, Jang Mee Lee, Ajayan Vinu,

Nanotechnology research and applications

There's plenty of room at the bottom, an idea initially proposed by American physicist Richard Feynman in 1959, was officially coined as "nanotechnology" by Japanese scientist Norio Taniguchi in 1974. Subsequently, in 1986, K. Eric Drexler published the pioneering book "Engines of Creation: The Coming Era of Nanotechnology" marking a significant milestone in the field's history. Since then, nanotechnology has experienced continuous evolution, with the spotlight shifting to innovative and advanced nanomaterials in various research applications. The impact of nanomaterials on our daily lives is immeasurable, as these emerging advanced materials show great promise across diverse applications. Transformative changes in electronics, drug delivery, energy storage, aerospace engineering, pollutant removal, sensing, and others are praiseworthy. Global initiatives that gather the expertise of esteemed nanotechnologists through conference-based programs are crucial for fostering the exchange of innovative ideas. This collaboration is essential for advancing nanomaterials and, ultimately, benefiting society. In alignment with these endeavors, the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) at the University of Newcastle (UON), Australia, orchestrated the fifth edition of the International Conference on Emerging Advanced Nanomaterials (ICEAN) from October 17th to 21st in 2022. This conference featured the presence of two Nobel laureates: Prof. Andre Geim and Jean-Marie Lehn, alongside a cohort of other highly intelligent minds including 14 plenary, 32 keynote, 185 invited talks, 50 oral presentations, and > 100 posters. The conference brought together more than 450 participants from 20 different countries who shared their ideas and knowledge covering advanced nanomaterials and their applications in energy, environment, and health. The ICEAN 2022 event served as a platform for the exchange of novel and unique ideas in the field of nanomaterials which helped to create new collaborations for solving major global issues together. Through this event, the young school children from the Hunter region of Australia also got the opportunity to listen to the lectures of Nobel Laureates, the president of the Australian Academy of Science, and other top scientists and further to have direct conversations with them. The interaction with the students significantly inspired them to pursue science. This impact on young minds has played a crucial role in attracting them to the world of science. The unique special issue of Small, titled "Emerging Multifunctional Nanostructures and their Applications," showcases 19 research articles, 6 review articles, and 1 perspective article. These contributions cover a diverse spectrum of advanced nanomaterials, spotlighting novel breakthroughs in their synthesis, characterization, and application perspectives. This special issue has garnered widespread attention from accomplished researchers hailing from esteemed institutions worldwide. The contributors represent a global network, including institutions such as Flinders University, Curtin University, University of Queensland, University of Newcastle, Queensland University of Technology, Monash University, University of Technology Sydney, RMIT University, Griffith University, University of Wollongong, The University of Sydney, University of New South Wales, Australian National University, University of Adelaide, Charles Sturt University, ANSTO Australian Synchrotron in Australia. Internationally, participants from Technical University of Munich in Germany, Elettra-Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A., SS14-Km163.5 in Area Science Park, Italy, European Spallation Source Partikelgatan, Sweden, Universidade de Vigo in Spain, Donostia-San Sebastián, Gipuzkoa, Spain, Universidade do Minho in Portugal, Ludong University, Wuhan University of Technology, Central South University, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Tianjin University of Technology, Hefei University of Technology, Central South University, Hunan, Zhejiang University Hangzhou in China, National Isotope Centre, GNS Science, The University of Auckland, Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics RAS in Russia, National Institute of Materials Sciences, and University of Tokyo in Japan, have significantly enriched the global perspective. Furthermore, participants from the University of South Carolina, Columbia in the USA, Sungkyunkwan University, Dankook University, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology (KRIBB), Jeongeup, in Korea, and the National University of Singapore, as well as the Agency for Science, Technology and Research in Singapore, have added valuable insights and diversity to this collaborative international effort. The research presented in this special issue encompasses a diverse array of advanced nanomaterials. These include high shear thin films, few atomic layered black phosphorous nanoflakes, graphene-coated steel, defective carbon nitride, core-shell mesoporous silica nanoparticles, ultra-fine metal carbide nanoparticles, customized holey graphene oxide, metal/metal oxide layered structures, flexible graphene oxide nanogenerator, metal oxide anodes, COVID-19 antiviral nanohybrid, 3D printing nanostructured materials, graphene-coated metal-based alloys, polypyrrole-MWCNT composite, plasma-activated Mxene, biomass-based bioactive coating, and plexcitonic nanorattles. A diverse array of applications was explored, encompassing drug delivery, corrosion, hydrogen production, cancer therapy, elastofluidics, energy storage, magnetization, transistors, water splitting, water electrooxidation, fuel cells, wound healing, and SERS tags. The review articles concentrated on highlighting recent advancements in various areas, including liquid-liquid interfaces, atomic-scale electrocatalysts for water splitting, MXenes for energy storage, negative capacitance field-effect transistors, polymer-based micro elastofluids, thermochemical conversion of biomass, and silanol conjugates for drug delivery. The key findings from notable studies in this special issue are outlined. In one instance, Raston and co-workers (2300577) reported the development of a scalable method to produce thin gallium/indium sheets from an eutectic melt, utilizing a vortex fluidic device. These sheets, reducing to 10 nm thickness, exhibit partially oxidized characteristics. Applied to silicon-based devices, they effectively decrease contact resistance, allowing for enhanced control of Si surface properties and facilitating integration with new materials at the nanoscale. Golberg and the team (2302455) utilized in situ TEM analysis to characterize few-atomic-layer black phosphorus nanoflakes, unveiling their adjustable band gap. The study showcased consistent infrared photocurrent responses and band structure changes during deformation, providing valuable insights for optimized optoelectronic applications. Singh Raman and his colleagues (2302498) employed chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to apply a graphene coating onto mild steel. The resulting coating exhibited significant corrosion resistance and holds potential applicability to various other alloys. Su and colleagues (2302500) have introduced a novel dual-solvent-assisted approach for fabricating defect-engineered carbon nitride, resulting in a significant increase in the hydrogen evolution rate compared to pristine carbon nitride. The group of van Embden and colleagues (2302721) investigated the growth of (001) oriented antimony chalcogenide (Sb2Se3) thin films and found that the nanostructure of the substrate plays a crucial role in influencing the growth of these thin films. Vinu and his team (2303269) demonstrated that core-shell silica nanoparticles with tunable pore size and controllable morphology are ideal materials for the effective loading of carbazitaxel for the treatment of prostate cancer. Kennedy and his group (2304118) advanced electrocatalysis by creating ultrafine molybdenum carbide through techniques like ion beam implantation, offering the potential for the development of more advanced nanomaterials. Huang and the team (2305117) discuss an innovative electrochemical process that streamlines the creation of silver closo dodecaborate (Ag2B12H12) films, offering adjustable particle sizes and showcasing substantial potential in the field of hydrogen evolution reaction. Advanced nanomaterials have demonstrated significant potential in contributing to the global effort to combat COVID-19, as exemplified by Choy and their team (2305148). Their innovative work involves the fabrication of niclosamide-based inorganic hybrid nanomaterials, positioning them as the next generation of antiviral nanomaterials for addressing COVID-19. Plasma activation was effectively employed by Bo and colleagues (2305383) to create compelling electrode nanomaterials from MXenes, exhibiting noteworthy performance. Vasilev's team (2305469) investigated the utilization of an argon atmospheric plasma jet to convert biomass into a bioactive coating. These methodologies serve as foundational elements for the success of nanomaterials and extending their application beyond these studies holds the promise of yielding further benefits. The examples presented in this special issue, along with other articles, eloquently delineate the profound impact of advanced nanomaterials across various fields. These instances vividly showcase the pivotal role that advanced nanomaterials currently play and can potentially assume in addressing some of the most significant challenges facing human society. We would like to express our gratitude to all the speakers including the Nobel Laureates, attendees, school children, teachers, and industry participants for making this conference a huge success. We would also like to extend a special appreciation to the authors who contributed to this special issue, which authentically encapsulates the essence of emerging and advanced nanomaterials in terms of their synthesis, characterization and application perspectives. The captivating breadth of nanomaterials applications featured in this special issue is sure to engage and inspire researchers worldwide towards even more advanced nanomaterials. Last but not least, Dr. Aron Urbatsch, as a member of the editorial team for Small, truly deserves special applause for his outstanding efforts and support in ensuring the success of this special issue. We also acknowledge the continuous support of Dr. Esther Levy who has been a strong supporter of the ICEAN events since 2012. The authors declare no conflict of interest. Gurwinder Singh works as a research fellow at the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) at the University of Newcastle, Australia. He earned his Ph.D. in materials science from the University of South Australia. His ongoing research focuses on the design and synthesis of micro/mesoporous materials for applications in carbon capture/conversion, energy storage, and diverse environmental contexts. Prashant Kumar works as a senior lecturer at the Global Innovative Center for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN), University of Newcastle. He has grossly been involved in understanding the evolution of crystallographic phases of 2D materials under exotic thermodynamic conditions. His research interests include ground and electric field/light excited quantum states in atomic sheets, their doped and hybrid nanosystems, and their exploitation for various frontline applications. Kavitha Ramadass received her Ph.D. degree in 2011 from the Centre for Environmental Risk Assessment and Remediation at the University of South Australia. She is currently working as a research fellow at GICAN. Her research interests focus on the design of multifunctional nanoporous materials for a broad range of energy and environmental applications. Jangmee Lee received her B.S. degree in chemistry (2011), M.S. degree (2013), and Ph.D. degree from Ewha Womans University, Korea. Currently, she is working as a Research Fellow at RMIT, Melbourne. Her research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of low-dimensional inorganic nanosheet-based nanohybrids for a diverse range of energy-related applications including CO2 capture, photocatalysis, Li/Na-ion batteries, supercapacitors, and electrocatalysis. Ajayan Vinu is the Global Innovation Chair professor and director of the Global Innovative Centre for Advanced Nanomaterials (GICAN) at the University of Newcastle. He introduced a new field of research on nanoporous nitrides and de-veloped novel methods for making nanoporous materials culminating in multiple reports of the world's first mesoporous carbon nitride, boron nitrides, boron carbon nitrides, biomolecules, and fullerenes for applications in sensing, energy storage, fuel cells, adsorption and separation, and catalysis.