Publications

The great success of graphene throws new light on discovering more two-dimensional (2D) layered nanomaterials that stem from atomically thin 2D sheets. Compared with a single element of graphene, emerging graphene-like 2D materials composed of multiple elements that possess more versatility, greater flexibility and better functionality with a wide range of potential applications. In this review, we provide insights into the rapidly emerging 2D materials and their biosensing and bioimaging applications in recent three years, including 2D transition metal nanomaterials, graphitic nitride materials, black phosphorus, and emerging 2D organic polymers. We first briefly highlight their unique 2D morphology and physicochemical properties and then focus on their recent applications in electrochemical biosensing, optical biosensing and bioimaging. The challenges and some thoughts on future perspectives in this field are also addressed.

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

An entry from the Cambridge Structural Database, the world’s repository for small molecule crystal structures. The entry contains experimental data from a crystal diffraction study. The deposited dataset for this entry is freely available from the CCDC and typically includes 3D coordinates, cell parameters, space group, experimental conditions and quality measures.

This article explains how composite thin films, that are made of both cross‐linked poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and reinforced with multi‐walled carbon nanotube (CNTs), are designed, fabricated and developed for selective cationic sensing applications. The C‐PMMA‐CNTs a‐e nanocomposites were prepared by in situ cross‐linking reaction technique using 4,4′‐diaminobiphenyl (DABP) as the cross‐linking agent. Variable loading of CNTs varied from 2 to 40 wt% was utilized during the cross‐linking process. The nanocomposite films have been structurally characterized by Fourier transform infrared and XRD and the results confirm the incorporation of CNTs in the C‐PMMA matrix, while the dispersion of CNTs in C‐PMMA was characterized using SEM and TEM. The dispersion of CNTs in the composites was excellent, even at high CNTs loading as indicated by SEM and TEM. TEM images of C‐PMMA‐CNTs nanocomposites reveal a core‐shell structure in which CNTs as the core and C‐PMMA as the shell. The thermal features of the nanocomposite films were investigated through their TGA and DTG data. The results confirmed the importance of CNTs content in enhancing the thermal stability of the nanocomposite. The desired yttrium (Y 3+ ) cation sensor was fabricated using glassy carbon electrode coating with a thin uniform layer of synthesized C‐PMMA‐CNTs e nanocomposite. A calibration curve was plotted as current vs. concentration of Y 3+ ion. The resulted calibration curve is found linear over linear dynamic range of 0.1 nM–0.1 mM. The slope of calibration curve is used to measure the sensitivity (27.2943 μA μM −1 cm −2 ), limit of detection (3.48 ± 0.17 pM), and limit of quantification (LOQ; 11.6 ± 0.57 pM) of Y 3+ cation. It is also found as reliable sensor to detect Y 3+ ion in real environmental samples. Considering the contamination of environment, this research might be reliable way for the development of future prospective cationic sensor for the safety of healthcare and ecological fields. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1673–E1684, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

A series of defective graphenes containing or not containing N, B, S and other heteroatoms exhibited general activity as metal-free catalysts for the hydrogenation of CC double bonds by hydrazine in the presence of oxygen.

To synthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) adopting a green approach and evaluate their toxicological potential against housefly Musca domestica which is responsible for spreading a number of fatal diseases. In the present work, AgNPs were synthesized by consuming secondary metabolites present in the fresh aqueous extract of melon. While the toxicity of the synthesized materials were recorded against house fly via feeding deterrence protocol. Surface plasmon resonance was observed at 430 nm and the average crystallite size calculated from powder X ray diffraction was (18 ± 6) nm. Significant results were observed at different concentrations in the range of 2–10 mg/mL. Fresh melon extract resulted in a simple one-step formation of AgNPs with better control over the size of the material and the noteworthy insecticidal activity was displayed. This study proved the insecticidal potential of AgNPs against Musca domestica and its candidacy for replacing commercially available insecticides (organic/inorganic) which are synthesized in nature.

The photovoltaic stability of nonencapsulated cells containing Cs_x(FAMAGua)_1−x (<italic>x</italic> = 0.1; <italic>x</italic> = 0.2; <italic>x</italic> = 0.3) stored in the dark under air conditions for 4000 h (a), and devices under continuous light soaking at MPP tracking (b).

As a carbon-neutral alternative to the Haber-Bosch process, electrochemical N2 reduction enables environment-friendly NH3 synthesis at ambient conditions but needs active electrocatalysts for the N2 reduction reaction. Here, we report that conductive metal—organic framework Co3(hexahydroxytriphenylene)2 (Co3HHTP2) nanoparticles act as an efficient catalyst for ambient electrochemical N2-to-NH3 fixation. When tested in 0.5 M LiClO4, such Co3HHTP2 achieves a large NH3 yield of 22.14 µg·h−1mg−1cat. with a faradaic efficiency of 3.34% at −0.40 V versus the reversible hydrogen electrode. This catalyst also shows high electrochemical stability and excellent selectivity toward NH3 synthesis.

Seawater electrolysis driven by renewable electricity is deemed a promising and sustainable strategy for green hydrogen production, but it is still formidably challenging. Here, we report an iron-doped NiS nanosheet array on Ni foam (Fe-NiS/NF) as a high-performance and stable seawater splitting electrocatalyst. Such Fe-NiS/NF catalyst needs overpotentials of only 420 and 270 mV at 1000 mA cm^-2 for the oxygen evolution reaction and hydrogen evolution reaction in alkaline seawater, respectively. Furthermore, its two-electrode electrolyzer needs a cell voltage of 1.88 V for 1000 mA cm^-2 with 50 h of long-term electrochemical durability in alkaline seawater. Additionally, in situ electrochemical Raman and infrared spectroscopy were employed to detect the reconstitution process of NiOOH and the generation of oxygen intermediates under reaction conditions.

Abstract Developing low cost and efficient anode and cathode materials toward electrocatalysis are regarded as one of the most desirable yet challenging research directions, which are intimately related to the pressing energy, environmental and human health issues. Currently, 3 D foam (such as Ni foam, Cu foam, and graphene foam) based heterogeneous catalysts have been intensively explored for actively catalyzing the electrode reactions. Their inherent characteristics of stereo‐network structure, high specific area and large pore volume not only provide better mass transport of reactants to electrode surfaces, but also pave 3 D electron transport pathways. Herein, recent significant progress and rational design of foam‐based electrocatalysts are reviewed. In addition, some insights into current challenges and future directions of foams for efficient electrocatalysis are proposed and discussed.