Themed collection Spotlight on Materials and Nano Research from Indian institutes

Peptide-based nanomaterials and their diverse applications
The supramolecular self-assembly of peptides offers a promising avenue for both materials science and biological applications.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 279-313
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00371C
Employing nano-enabled artificial intelligence (AI)-based smart technologies for prediction, screening, and detection of cancer
AI enabled imaging technology advances the precision, early detection, and personalizes treatment through analysis and interpretation of medical images.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 5458-5486
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR05648A
Electric field-assisted resonance frequency tuning in free standing nanomechanical devices for application in multistate switching using a phase change material
Remarkable multi-stable switching response in VO2-based suspended microstring resonator.
Nanoscale Horiz., 2025,10, 549-560
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NH00463A
Granular memristors with tunable stochasticity
This study explores dynamics of silver-based memristors under steadybias, revealing current fluctuations with power-law distribution. This is analyzed using Marcus-Tang theory. This has implications for encryption and computing.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1238-1245
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02899F

Energy augmentation of triboelectric nanogenerators using PDMS–MWCNT composites and their applications in IoT and HMI sensing
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have become viable self-powered systems, with great potential to satisfy the increasing demand for portable and adaptable power sources.
RSC Appl. Polym., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D5LP00076A

‘Vitrimer nanocomposites’ derived from graphene oxide and post-consumer recycled polypropylene
Post-consumer recycled polypropylene (PCR PP) is promising for sustainable applications, yet its limitations in electrical conductivity and mechanical properties require modifications.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025,7, 2904-2915
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00904E
Orotic acid-capped Tb(III)-doped calcium sulphate nanorods for the selective detection of tryptophan
This study presents a luminescence sensor using orotic acid-capped Tb3+-doped CaSO4 nanorods for the selective detection of tryptophan, with a LOD of 0.61 μM, showcasing potential for biomedical applications.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 20679-20688
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02774D
Evidence of carrier diffusion between emission states in CdSe/ZnS core–shell quantum dots: a comprehensive investigation combining fluorescence lifetime correlation spectroscopy (FLCS) and single dot photoluminescence studies
At low excitation power, band-edge trap states cause blinking in CdSe/ZnS QDs, showing linear FLID plot. At high power, blinking is driven by both Auger and band-edge recombination, leading to a complex FLID pattern.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18444-18454
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02221A
First Cu-nanostar as a sustainable catalyst realized through synergistic effects of bowl-shaped features and surface activation of sporopollenin exine
The bowl-shaped outer surface of biomass-derived sporopollenin has been combined with polyethyleneimine functionalization to develop CuO nanostars for the first time that show efficient triazole formation under sustainable conditions.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 18356-18364
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR00390J
Asymmetric contact-induced selective doping of CVD-grown bilayer WS2 and its application in high-performance photodetection with an ultralow dark current
Asymmetric lateral doping in CVD-grown bilayer WS2via contact engineering and its application for high performance photodetection.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 8583-8596
https://doi.org/10.1039/D3NR06118C
About this collection
We are excited to share a curated collection of outstanding articles from some of the Indian institutes; INST Mohali, IISER Mohali, IISER Kolkata, IISc, CeNS, NISER, IIT Guwahati and IIT Delhi. The articles are handpicked by our editorial team from the nano and materials portfolios based on our recent visits and engaging sessions at these institutes. The collection aims to highlight the advancements made in the area of nano and materials from these institutes. Hope you enjoy reading them.