Themed collection Synthesis, physical properties and applications of advanced nanocrystalline materials

Advancements in framework materials for enhanced energy harvesting
Energy harvesting, the process of capturing ambient energy from various sources and converting it into usable electrical power, has attracted a lot of attention due to its potential to provide long-term and self-sufficient energy solutions.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1790-1811
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04570J

Photocatalytic deposition of noble metals on 0D, 1D, and 2D TiO2 structures: a review
In recent years, extensive research on noble metal–TiO2 nanocomposites has demonstrated their crucial role in various applications such as water splitting, self-cleaning, CO2 reduction, and wastewater treatment.
Nanoscale Adv., 2024,6, 6096-6108
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00623B

Facile integration of single crystalline phthalocyanine nanowires and nanotrees as photoenhanced conductometric sensors
Nanoscale, 2025, Accepted Manuscript
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR04761C
Exploring piezoelectric and piezophototronic properties of nanostructured LN-ZnSnS3 for photoresponsive vibrational energy harvesting
Piezoelectric and piezophototronic properties are reported from solution-processed LN-type ZnSnS3 nanocrystals for light-induced self-powered mechanical energy harvesting.
Nanoscale, 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR05246C

Investigating the thin film growth of [Ni(Hvanox)2] by microscopic and spectroscopic techniques
Thin films with thicknesses ranging from 16 to 336 nm of [Ni(Hvanox)2] were prepared via organic molecule evaporation and analyzed using SEM, AFM, TEM, XPS, and XRD, revealing rough surfaces with nanocrystals, including an initial seeding layer.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025, Advance Article
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA01021C
Superparamagnetic nanoparticles as potential drug delivery systems for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
This study aims to use superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), specifically magnetite (Fe3O4), to deliver deflazacort (DFZ) and ibuprofen (IBU) to Duchenne muscular dystrophy-affected (DMD).
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3752-3767
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03407D

Preparation of novel lithiated high-entropy spinel-type oxyhalides and their electrochemical performance in Li-ion batteries
Compositionally complex doping of spinel oxides toward high-entropy oxides and oxyhalides enhances their electrochemical performance substantially.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 3739-3751
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03918A
Self-powered triboelectric sensor using GaN nanowires and stress concentration structure
A self-powered triboelectric sensor with GaN nanowires using a nanoridge structure inspired by the structure of the human epidermis and dermis.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 1326-1333
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03260H

Symmetry breaking enhances the catalytic and electrocatalytic performance of core/shell tetrametallic porous nanoparticles
Spherical and symmetry-broken Au core particles are used to synthesize tetrametallic (Au@mPdPtIr) porous nanocatalysts. Symmetry breaking of the core significantly improves the catalytic activity in various catalytic and electrocatalytic reactions.
Nanoscale, 2025,17, 261-275
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03589E

Optimized hot injection and HCl purification for high quality Cu2ZnSnS4 nanoparticles
Cu2ZnSnS4 (CZTS) is a narrow band gap, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly semiconductor with important properties for photovoltaic and electro-/photo-catalytic applications.
Nanoscale Adv., 2025,7, 250-260
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NA00843J
Stretchable photosensors with InN nanowires operating at a wavelength of 1.3 μm
Stretchable photosensors, which operate in the wavelength window of 1.3 μm, were fabricated with InN nanowires (NWs) and graphene to serve as a light-absorbing medium and carrier channel, respectively.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 22201-22208
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03257H

Nanoengineering steel's durability: creating gradient nanostructured spheroidal carbides and lath-shaped nano-martensite via ultrasonic shot peening
Surface nanoengineering can significantly improve the mechanical properties and performance of metals, such as strength, hardness, fatigue, wear resistance, etc.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 20570-20588
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR02994A
Dual-mode detection for the total antioxidant capability of skincare products based on porous CuS@CdS@Au nanoshells
In this work, porous CuS@CdS@Au nanoshells were created with outstanding photoconversion ability, which enabled the construction of a dual-mode detection strategy for quantifying the TAC in skincare products without complex pretreatments.
Nanoscale, 2024,16, 19239-19244
https://doi.org/10.1039/D4NR03313B
About this collection
Guest Edited by Aurora Rizzo (University of Salento – CNR NANOTEC, Italy), Ermelinda M. S. Macoas (University of Lisbon, Portugal), Raghvendra Singh Yadav (Tomas Bata University in Zlin, Czech Republic), Renjie Chen (Beijing Institute of Technology, China), and Tayebeh Ameri (University of Kiel, Germany). This collection celebrates fundamental and applied works including process-structure-property relationships of advanced nanocrystalline materials exhibiting efficient magnetic, luminescent, optical, electrical, dielectric, thermoelectric, piezoelectric and other physical characteristics. Loosely connected to the Spring E-MRS 2024 Symposium by the same name (more information here).