Archives

A Cu2O-TiO2 photoelectrode is proposed for simultaneous solar light energy harvesting and storing of electrochemical energy in an adapted lithium coin cell. The p-type Cu2O semiconductor layer is the light harvester component of the photoelectrode and the TiO2 film performs as the capacitive layer. The rationale of the energy scheme shows that the photocharges generated […]

2D materials display exciting properties in numerous fields, but the development of applications is hindered by the low yields, high processing times, and impaired quality of current exfoliation methods. In this work we have used the excellent MW absorption properties of MoS2 to induce a fast heating that produces the near-instantaneous evaporation of an adsorbed, […]

The paper puts forward the concept of double redox electrochemical capacitor operating in an aqueous electrolyte. It combines the redox activity of sulphur from Bi2S3 nanocrystals combined with the reactions of iodides which take place at opposite electrode. This combination effectively boosts the capacitance (275 F g-1), and the energy density of the device thanks […]

Bioorthogonal metallocatalysis has opened up a xenobiotic route to perform nonenzymatic catalytic transformations in living settings. Despite their promising features, most metals are deactivated inside cells by a myriad of reactive biomolecules, including biogenic thiols, thereby limiting the catalytic functioning of these abiotic reagents. Here we report the development of cytocompatible alloyed AuPd nanoparticles with […]

In this work we have designed a bimetallic catalyst nanoparticle containing Cu and Fe species and we describe how homogeneous and heterogeneous processes involving gluthatione are coupled and fostered in the tumor microenvironment. Full article here. NFP Research Area: nanomedicine: catalysis against cancer

Pyrolysis of formamidinium halide salts (FAI, FABr) results in a new type of amorphous carbon nitride materials with a mass fraction of 40–50% nitrogen content. Pyrolysis temperature drives final chemical composition, morphology, optical and electrical properties of the material independently of the halide precursor and identi­fying triazine ring, instead of typical heptazine unit, as the […]

The main current challenges in oncology are (1) avoiding systemic side effects in therapy, and (2) developing alternative treatment strategies for metastatic tumours. Nanomedicine was assumed to provide answers to these issues, but delivering enough therapeutic nanoparticles (NPs) to tumours still remains a huge challenge in nanomaterials-based treatments. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role […]

Cu-based metal–organic framework (MOF) microdevices are applied in sampling and preconcentration of nerve agents (NAs) diluted in gaseous streams. Full article here. NFP Research Area: novel-catalysts-and-contactors: microconcentrators-for-compounds-at-trace-concentration-levels

Microwave (MW) heating has been applied to increase the selectivity to propylene in the oxidative dehydrogenation (ODH) of propane. The preferential heating of the solid monolith (made of SiC, a good microwave susceptor), allows working with a lower gas phase temperature, reducing the formation of undesired by-products in the gas phase via homogeneous reactions. Full […]

Emerging pollutants represent a new global problem for water quality. As these compounds get into the environment, they cause severe threats to aquatic environments and human health and are typically resistant to conventional wastewater treatments. Full article here. NFP Research Area: nanomaterials-for-energy-environment-and-safety: environmental-photocatalysis