Recent Advances in NIR-II Emitting Nanomaterials: Design and Biomedical Applications of Lanthanide Complexes and Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles (MSNs)
Review Article
Re-engineering luminol: new frontiers in chemiluminescence chemistry
Luminol and its derivatives have emerged as powerful chemiluminescent agents with broad applications in biomedical diagnostics, forensic science, and environmental monitoring.
Study on mechanisms of two-step hydrogen sorption in a MgH2–TiCrMnFeZr high-entropy alloy composite
Benefiting from the effective catalytic effect of the TiCrMnFeZr HEA and the protective effect of MgH2, the MgH2-40 wt% TiCrMnFeZr composite exhibits superior hydrogen sorption in two steps.
Slippery Mush-Infused Surfaces with Effective and Durable Anti-Icing and Water Harvesting Performance
SSP–CG scaffolds: a synergistic approach to enhance wound healing and tissue repair
Schematic illustration depicting the synthesis of the SSP-CG scaffold and its application in wound healing.
Facile fabrication of MOF and natural polymer-derived carbon-aerogels with multiscale porosity for persulfate activation in water treatment
Heteroatom-doped carbon materials have attracted significant attention as efficient catalysts for sulfate radical-based advanced oxidation processes (SR-AOPs).
Engineering redox-active benzo[1,2-b:4,5-b′]dithiophene-based conjugated polymers: tuning porosity and linker architecture for high-performance supercapacitors
DTDO-based porous polymers with tailored linkers were synthesized; the Ph-DTDO polymer showed outstanding capacitance and energy density due to the synergistic effects of high porosity and phenyl linker-enhanced ion diffusion and charge transport.
Triggered by light and magnetism: smart foam PLLA/HAP/Fe3O4 scaffolds for heat-controlled biomedical applications
Foams containing PLLA, HAP, and Fe3O4 were obtained using TIPS technique with high responsiveness toward AMF and NIR stimulation.
Lithium extraction from low-grade brines via strain-induced electronic structure modulation of MnO2 nanorods through Mg incorporation
FLA-MnO2 features flattened [MnO6] octahedra, suppressing J–T distortion and enhancing Li+ reversibility. It delivers 619 F g−1 capacitance and high capacity retention. In Li+ capture, it shows 82%/100 cycle stability and high Li+ selectivity.
A poly(naphthalene-co-biphenyl piperidinium)-based highly conductive and durable anion exchange membrane for electrochemical energy devices
A cost-effective poly(naphthalene-co-biphenyl piperidinium) (QPNBM) anion exchange membrane exhibits high ionic conductivity, superior durability, and excellent electrolysis performance, making it ideal for energy conversion and storage.
Oxygen vacancy engineering in MXenes for sustainable electrochemical energy conversion and storage applications
Ever-increasing global energy requirements and environmental pollution have directed major research focus on developing sustainable energy conversion and energy storage technologies.
A dual-constrained assembly strategy of highly aligned two-dimensional montmorillonite membranes for efficient proton transport
A dual-constrained assembly strategy that enhances the electrostatic confinement effect between nanosheets and offers a capillary force compensation effect is proposed to construct highly aligned nanofluidic channels for efficient proton transport.
Paper
Polyphosphate coacervate gels for manufacturing of manganese loaded glass powders and fibres: structural, cytocompatibility and surface bioactivity study
Sustainable production of phosphate glass powders and fibres for bone regeneration. Bioactivity tests demonstrate deposition of a new nanophase.
Paper
Grain boundaries in periodic vs. in aperiodic crystals composed of colloids with preferred binding angles
Grain boundaries for systems composed of patchy colloids with a periodic order and in aperiodic structures.
Energy storage behavior of side chain-engineered Si-bridged redox-active donor–acceptor conjugated polymers operated in organic electrolytes
Asymmetric hybrid supercapacitors using Si-bridged redox-active conjugated polymeric anodes.
Titanium dioxide/graphene oxide blending into polyethersulfone hollow fiber membranes improves biocompatibility and middle molecular weight separation for bioartificial kidney and hemodialysis applications
Titanium dioxide and graphene oxide, integrated into polyethersulfone HFMs, synergistically boost hydrophilicity, biocompatibility (including kidney cells attachment), and toxin separation—a next-generation biomaterial.
Covalent photo-crosslinking of diketopyrrolopyrrole based polymeric layers for cutting-edge near-IR absorption and DSSC performance
Two novel photo-crosslinkable polymers based on diketopyrrolopyrrole with extended NIR light absorption up to 1100 nm utilized DPP-OCT-CBZ-C barrier layers to achieve 18.2% and 7.28% PCE in DSSCs at 800 lux and 1 sun, respectively.
A functional 2D MXene–DNA hybrid hydrogel for portable detection of blood disorder biomarker thrombin in human plasma
A schematic representation of the workflow of the thrombin detection system. The addition of a sample containing thrombin to the MXene–DNA hydrogel leads to specific resistance after applying it to the Pt-printed button circuit.
Evaluation of laser-induced graphene for skeletal muscle tissue engineering applications
This study assesses laser-induced graphene (LIG) materials for musculoskeletal tissue engineering, by studying LIG's materials and surface properties, biocompatibility, and potential for enhancing cell adhesion and differentiation.
Functionalized 3D-printed scaffolds for enhanced osteogenesis and guided bone regeneration
In this study, we introduced an innovative approach to guided bone regeneration (GBR) that effectively addresses the challenges of treating large bone defects.
Structural engineering of bimetallic NiMoO4 for high-performance supercapacitors and efficient oxygen evolution reaction catalysts
Advancing energy storage and conversion research on 2D nanostructures hinges on the critical development of bifunctional electrodes capable of effectively catalyzing oxygen evolution reactions and facilitating charge storage applications.
EMI shielding performance of PPy/Fe-WS2 nanocomposites in the Ku band
PPy/Fe-WS2 nanocomposites have been synthesized via in situ chemical oxidative polymerization, resulting in well-integrated Fe-WS2 within the polypyrrole matrix, and show a maximum EMI shielding effectiveness value of 36.12 dB in the Ku-band.
Sustainable synthesis of a PtNPs@rGO nanohybrid for detection of toxic fluoride ions using hand-made screen-printed electrodes in aqueous medium
An illustrative diagram outlining the ex situ PtNPs@rGO nanohybrid synthesis using Ficus religiosa leaf extract and PtNPs@rGO/SPCE development employing a drop-casting approach for F− determination is shown.
Biomimetic CuO/ZTF-8 nanozyme-based neoteric sensor for the selective detection of superoxide anions
CuO/ZTF-8 nanocomposite with Cu–Zn superoxide dismutase-mimicking activity has been designed, and a nanozyme-modified electrode has been fabricated and employed for electrochemical detection of superoxide anion radicals at a low potential of −0.2 V.
Evaluation of a chitosan/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel loaded with graphene oxide and nano TiO2 for bone defect reconstruction in a dog model
Implantation of bone defects with the CS/PVA/GO/nano TiO2 hydrogel represents a promising bone graft substitute for accelerating bone healing.
Room temperature operated flexible MWCNTs/Nb2O5 hybrid breath sensor for the non-invasive detection of an exhaled diabetes biomarker
Flexible gas/breath sensors have emerged as a transformative solution in personalized healthcare, offering innovative approaches for remote, non-invasive, and continuous monitoring of health indicators from breath samples.
In situ developed NiCo2O4–Ti3C2Tx nanohybrid towards non-enzymatic electrochemical detection of glucose and hydrogen peroxide
NiCo2O4–Ti3C2Tx nanohybrid based electrochemical sensor was prudently designed, which afforded abundant electrocatalytic sites, enhanced conductivity and impressive analytical performances at applied potentials of +0.5 and −0.25 V for glucose and H2O2.
High-throughput screening and an interpretable machine learning model of single-atom hydrogen evolution catalysts with an asymmetric coordination environment constructed from heteroatom-doped graphdiyne
Exploring high-activity and low-cost electrocatalysts for the hydrogen evolution reaction is the key to developing new energy sources, but it faces major challenges.
About this collection
As we navigate the challenges of the 21st century, the engineering of soft materials will undoubtedly continue to play a crucial role in shaping a healthier, more sustainable, and resilient world. The rapid advancement of science and technology has brought unprecedented opportunities and challenges in various sectors, particularly in healthcare, energy, and the environment. Among the myriad of innovations, the engineering of soft materials stands out as a field of immense potential and transformative impact.
In the realm of healthcare, soft materials have revolutionized drug delivery systems, tissue engineering, and medical devices. Their biocompatibility, flexibility, and tunable properties enable the creation of innovative solutions that improve patient outcomes and quality of life. Energy sustainability is another critical area where soft materials play a pivotal role. From flexible solar cells and energy storage systems to smart grids and energy-efficient devices, the applications are vast and varied. This is the time to explore how the unique characteristics of soft materials contribute to the development of sustainable and renewable energy technologies, paving the way for a greener future. Environmental challenges, such as pollution and resource depletion, require innovative approaches for mitigation and management. Soft materials offer promising solutions for water purification, air filtration, and waste management.
This collection, spanning Journal of Materials Chemistry A, Journal of Materials Chemistry B, Biomaterials Science, and Molecular Systems Design & Engineering, focuses on the engineering of soft materials for advanced science and technology in healthcare, energy, and the environment, aiming to create a better world for future generations. The scope of this collection also aligns with the 6th International Conference on Soft Materials held at Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain during November 17-20, 2024 and is guest edited by Kamlendra Awasthi (MNIT Jaipur, India), Eduard Llobet Valero (Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain), Anjali Awasthi (University of Rajasthan, Jaipur, India) and Fatima Ezahra (Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain).