Recent Advances in Ultrathin Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials

Since the discovery of mechanically exfoliated graphene in 2004, research on ultrathin two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials has grown exponentially in the fields of condensed matter physics, material science, chemistry, and nanotechnology. Highlighting their compelling physical, chemical, electronic, and optical properties, as well as their various potential applications, in this Review, we summarize the state-of-art progress on the ultrathin 2D nanomaterials with a particular emphasis on their recent advances. First, we introduce the unique advances on ultrathin 2D nanomaterials, followed by the description of their composition and crystal structures. The assortments of their synthetic methods are then summarized, including insights on their advantages and limitations, alongside some recommendations on suitable characterization techniques. We also discuss in detail the utilization of these ultrathin 2D nanomaterials for wide ranges of potential applications among the electronics/optoelectronics, electrocatalysis, batteries, supercapacitors, solar cells, photocatalysis, and sensing platforms. Finally, the challenges and outlooks in this promising field are featured on the basis of its current development.

Three-Dimensional Rebar Graphene

Free-standing robust three-dimensional (3D) rebar graphene foams (GFs) were developed by a powder metallurgy template method with multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) as a reinforcing bar, sintered Ni skeletons as a template and catalyst, and sucrose as a solid carbon source. As a reinforcement and bridge between different graphene sheets and carbon shells, MWCNTs improved the thermostability, storage modulus (290.1 kPa) and conductivity (21.82 S cm^-1) of 3D GF resulting in a high porosity and structurally stable 3D rebar GF. The 3D rebar GF can support >3150× the foam's weight with no irreversible height change, and shows only a ∼25% irreversible height change after loading >8500× the foam's weight. The 3D rebar GF also shows stable performance as a highly porous electrode in lithium ion capacitors (LICs) with an energy density of 32 Wh kg^-1. After 500 cycles of testing at a high current density of 6.50 mA cm^-2, the LIC shows 78% energy density retention. These properties indicate promising applications with 3D rebar GFs in devices requiring stable mechanical and electrochemical properties.

Synthesis and performance of antifouling and self-cleaning polyethersulfone/graphene oxide composite membrane functionalized with photoactive semiconductor catalyst

This study was performed to synthesize membranes of polyethersulfone (PES) blended with graphene oxide (GO) and PES blended with GO functionalized with photoactive semiconductor catalyst (TiO₂ and ZnO). The antifouling and self-cleaning properties of composite membranes were also investigated. The GO was prepared from natural graphite powder by oxidation method at low temperature. TiO₂ and ZnO nanopowders were synthesized by anhydrous sol-gel method. The surface of TiO₂ and ZnO nanopowders was modified by a surfactant (myristic acid) to obtain a homogeneously dispersed mixture in a solvent, and then GO was functionalized by loading with these metal oxide nanopowders. The PES membranes blended with GO and functionalized GO into the casting solution were prepared via phase inversion method and tested for their antifouling as well as self-cleaning properties. The composite membranes were synthesized as 14%wt. of PES polymer with three different concentrations (0.5, 1.0, and 2.0%wt.) of GO, GO-TiO₂, and GO-ZnO. The functionalization of membranes improved hydrophilicity property of membranes as compared to neat PES membrane. However, the lowest flux was obtained by functionalized membranes with GO-TiO₂. The results showed that functionalized membranes demonstrated better self-cleaning property than neat PES membrane. Moreover, the flux recovery rate of functionalized membranes over five cycles was higher than that of neat membrane.

Self-assembling Ni(OH)2/α-Fe2O3 composites for pseudocapacitors with excellent electrochemical performance

Novel two-dimensional (2D) nanostructured Ni(OH)₂ nanosheet/α-Fe₂O₃ nanoplate composites (NFCs) were successfully synthesized by a simple two-step solvothermal method where the proportion of α-Fe₂O₃ nanoplates was found to be controllable. These composites achieved excellent performance in aqueous electrolyte due to the synergistic effect between Ni(OH)₂ nanosheets and α-Fe₂O₃ nanoplates, such as high specific capacitance and long-term cycle stability. The obtained NFC8 possessed a maximum mass specific capacitance of 1745.33F g^-1 at a current density of 2 A g^-1, and with 84.28% retention after 3000 cycles galvanostatic charge/discharge at a high current density of 20 A g^-1. The above results show that these novel 2D nanostructured Ni(OH)₂/α-Fe₂O₃ composites are promising electrode materials for pseudocapacitors.

A nanocrystalline structured NiO/MnO2@nitrogen-doped graphene oxide hybrid nanocomposite for high performance supercapacitors

A nanocrystalline NiO@MnO₂/NGO hybrid composite electrode showed specific capacitance of 1490 Fg⁻¹ at a current density of 0.5 Ag⁻¹ and retains 98% up to 2000 cycles indicating its good cyclic stability.

Tailoring of enhanced interfacial polarization in WO3 nanorods grown over reduced graphene oxide synthesized by a one-step hydrothermal method

In the present report, well-defined WO₃ nanorods (NRs) and a rGO–WO₃ composite were successfully synthesized using a one-pot hydrothermal method.

Tuning the surface chemistry of graphene flakes: new strategies for selective oxidation

One-step selective oxidation strategies towards the rational tuning of the surface chemistry of graphene flakes are presented.

Dendritic unzipped carbon nanofibers enable uniform loading of surfactant-free Pd nanoparticles for the electroanalysis of small biomolecules

Illustration of the mechanisms of SCNF and preparation of Pd/GNF composites and Pd/GNF sensors for the simultaneous determination of small biomolecules.

Surface chemistry and catalysis confined under two-dimensional materials

Interfaces between 2D material overlayers and solid surfaces provide confined spaces for chemical processes, which have stimulated new chemistry under a 2D cover.

Electrodeposition of PtNPs on the LBL assembled multilayer films of (PDDA-GS/PEDOT:PSS)n and their electrocatalytic activity toward methanol oxidation

In the present work, PDDA-functionalized graphene sheets (PDDA-GS) were prepared by reduction with hydrazine hydrate in situ in the presence of poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA).

Applications of graphene-based composite hydrogels: a review

Graphene-based hydrogels, which utilize graphene as a filler to blend with various molecules, have been widely applied in many fields such as drug delivery, water purification, and energy storage.

Influence of NO and (NO)2 adsorption on the properties of Fe-N4 porphyrin-like graphene sheets

Fe-N4 porphyrin-like graphene catalysis and spin filter characteristics toward NO and (NO)₂ dimer adsorption.

Hierarchical porous MnO/graphene composite aerogel as high-performance anode material for lithium ion batteries

MnO/graphene composite anode material with hierarchical pore structure shows high capacity, excellent rate capability and stability.

Luminol and gold nanoparticle-co-precipitated reduced graphene oxide hybrids with long-persistent chemiluminescence for cholesterol detection

Luminol and AuNP dual-functionalized rGO hybrids (rGO/AuNP/luminol) have been synthesized to generate long-persistent chemiluminescence, which can be used as a chemiluminescent biosensing platform for the detection of cholesterol.

Nano-Inclusions Applied in Cement-Matrix Composites: A Review

Research on cement-based materials is trying to exploit the synergies that nanomaterials can provide. This paper describes the findings reported in the last decade on the improvement of these materials regarding, on the one hand, their mechanical performance and, on the other hand, the new properties they provide. These features are mainly based on the electrical and chemical characteristics of nanomaterials, thus allowing cement-based elements to acquire "smart" functions. In this paper, we provide a quantitative approach to the reinforcements achieved to date. The fundamental concepts of nanoscience are introduced and the need of both sophisticated devices to identify nanostructures and techniques to disperse nanomaterials in the cement paste are also highlighted. Promising results have been obtained, but, in order to turn these advances into commercial products, technical, social and standardisation barriers should be overcome. From the results collected, it can be deduced that nanomaterials are able to reduce the consumption of cement because of their reinforcing effect, as well as to convert cement-based products into electric/thermal sensors or crack repairing materials. The main obstacle to foster the implementation of such applications worldwide is the high cost of their synthesis and dispersion techniques, especially for carbon nanotubes and graphene oxide.

Graphene in Photocatalysis: A Review

In recent years, heterogeneous photocatalysis has received much research interest because of its powerful potential applications in tackling many important energy and environmental challenges at a global level in an economically sustainable manner. Due to their unique optical, electrical, and physicochemical properties, various 2D graphene nanosheets-supported semiconductor composite photocatalysts have been widely constructed and applied in different photocatalytic fields. In this review, fundamental mechanisms of heterogeneous photocatalysis, including thermodynamic and kinetics requirements, are first systematically summarized. Then, the photocatalysis-related properties of graphene and its derivatives, and design rules and synthesis methods of graphene-based composites are highlighted. Importantly, different design strategies, including doping and sensitization of semiconductors by graphene, improving electrical conductivity of graphene, increasing eloectrocatalytic active sites on graphene, strengthening interface coupling between semiconductors and graphene, fabricating micro/nano architectures, constructing multi-junction nanocomposites, enhancing photostability of semiconductors, and utilizing the synergistic effect of various modification strategies, are thoroughly summarized. The important applications including photocatalytic pollutant degradation, H₂ production, and CO₂ reduction are also addressed. Through reviewing the significant advances on this topic, it may provide new opportunities for designing highly efficient 2D graphene-based photocatalysts for various applications in photocatalysis and other fields, such as solar cells, thermal catalysis, separation, and purification.

Synthesis of Ultrathin WS2 Nanosheets and Their Tribological Properties as Lubricant Additives

In this paper, ultrathin WS₂ nanosheets with thickness of about 5 nm were successfully prepared by a facile solid phase reaction method. The as-synthesized samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). On the basis of experimental results obtained under different reaction durations, a possible formation mechanism of WS₂ nanosheets is proposed. The tribological performance of ultrathin WS₂ nanosheets as additives in the 500SN base oil was tested by an UMT-2 ball-on-disc tribotester, and the worn surface of the steel disc was investigated by a non-contact optical profile testing instrument and SEM. The results showed that the friction coefficient and anti-wear property of base oil can be improved strikingly by adding ultrathin WS₂ nanosheets. Especially, when the concentration of WS₂ nanosheets was 1.0 wt.%, the corresponding lubricating oil exhibited the best tribological properties. Moreover, according to the investigation of the wear scar, an anti-friction and anti-wear mechanism is proposed. It is believed that the reduction of friction and wear must come from the addition of ultrathin WS₂ nanosheets which can penetrate and enter the friction interface and form a continuous tribofilm on the rubbing face.

The Potential Role of Graphene in Developing the Next Generation of Endomaterials

Graphene is the first 2-dimensional material and possesses a plethora of original properties. Graphene and its derivatives have exhibited a great potential in a number of fields, both medical and nonmedical. The aim of this review is to set the theoretical basis for further research in developing graphene-based endovascular materials. An extensive search was performed in medical and bioengineering literature. Published data on other carbon materials, as well as limited data from medical use of graphene, are promising. Graphene is a promising future material for developing novel endovascular materials. Certain issues as biocompatibility, biotoxicity, and biostability should be explored further.

Nano-Engineered Biomimetic Optical Sensors for Glucose Monitoring in Diabetes

Diabetes is a rapidly growing disease that can be monitored at an individual level by controlling the blood glucose level, hence minimizing the negative impact of the disease. Significant research efforts have been focused on the design of novel and improved technologies to overcome the limitations of existing glucose analysis methods. In this context, nanotechnology has enabled the diagnosis at the single cell and molecular level with the possibility of incorporation in advanced molecular diagnostic biochips. Recent years have witnessed the exploration and synthesis of various types of nanomaterials with enzyme-like properties, with their subsequent integration into the design of biomimetic optical sensors for glucose monitoring. This review paper will provide insights on the type, nature and synthesis of different biomimetic nanomaterials. Moreover, recent developments in the integration of these nanomaterials for optical glucose biosensing will be highlighted, with a final discussion on the challenges that must be addressed for successful implementation of these nano-devices in the clinical applications is presented.

A sensitive electrochemical sensor for in vitro detection of parathyroid hormone based on a MoS2-graphene composite

This paper reports a biosensor based on a MoS2-graphene (MG) composite that can measure the parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentration in serum samples from patients. The interaction between PTH and MG was analysed via an electrochemical sensing technique. The MG was functionalized using l-cysteine. Following this, PTH could be covalently immobilized on the MG sensing electrode. The properties of MG were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy, high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. Following optimization of immobilized materials-such as MG, PTH, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)-the performance of the MG sensor was investigated via cyclic voltammetry, to assess its linearity, repeatability, and reproducibility. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy was performed on graphene oxide (GO) and MG-modified electrodes to confirm the capture of a monoclonal antibody (MAb) targeting PTH. Furthermore, the ALP-PTH-MG sensor exhibits a linear response towards PTH from artificial serum over a range of 1-50 pg mL-1. Moreover, patient sera (n = 30) were evaluated using the ALP-PTH-MG sensor and compared using standard equipment (Roche E 170). The P-value is less than 0.01 when evaluated with a t-test using Welch's correction. This implies that the fabricated sensor can be deployed for medical diagnosis.

Green synthesis of nanosilver-decorated graphene oxide sheets

A green facile method has been successfully used for the synthesis of graphene oxide sheets decorated with silver nanoparticles (rGO/AgNPs), employing graphite oxide as a precursor of graphene oxide (GO), AgNO3 as a precursor of Ag nanoparticles (AgNPs), and geranium (Pelargonium graveolens) extract as reducing agent. Synthesis was accomplished using the weight ratios 1:1 and 1:3 GO/Ag, respectively. The synthesised nanocomposites were characterised by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, X-ray diffraction, UV-visible spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The results show a more uniform and homogeneous distribution of AgNPs on the surface of the GO sheets with the weight ratio 1:1 in comparison with the ratio 1:3. This eco-friendly method provides a rGO/AgNPs nanocomposite with promising applications, such as surface enhanced Raman scattering, catalysis, biomedical material and antibacterial agent.

Zinc Oxide Nanorods-Decorated Graphene Nanoplatelets: A Promising Antimicrobial Agent against the Cariogenic Bacterium Streptococcus mutans

Nanomaterials are revolutionizing the field of medicine to improve the quality of life due to the myriad of applications stemming from their unique properties, including the antimicrobial activity against pathogens. In this study, the antimicrobial and antibiofilm properties of a novel nanomaterial composed by zinc oxide nanorods-decorated graphene nanoplatelets (ZNGs) are investigated. ZNGs were produced by hydrothermal method and characterized through field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) techniques. The antimicrobial activity of ZNGs was evaluated against Streptococcus mutans, the main bacteriological agent in the etiology of dental caries. Cell viability assay demonstrated that ZNGs exerted a strikingly high killing effect on S. mutans cells in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, FE-SEM analysis revealed relevant mechanical damages exerted by ZNGs at the cell surface of this dental pathogen rather than reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. In addition, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) measurements showed negligible zinc dissolution, demonstrating that zinc ion release in the suspension is not associated with the high cell mortality rate. Finally, our data indicated that also S. mutans biofilm formation was affected by the presence of graphene-zinc oxide (ZnO) based material, as witnessed by the safranin staining and growth curve analysis. Therefore, ZNGs can be a remarkable nanobactericide against one of the main dental pathogens. The potential applications in dental care and therapy are very promising.

Facile Synthesis of g-C₃N₄ Nanosheets/ZnO Nanocomposites with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity in Reduction of Aqueous Chromium(VI) under Visible Light

Graphitic-C₃N₄ nanosheets (CN)/ZnO photocatalysts (CN/ZnO) with different CN loadings were successfully prepared via a simple precipitation-calcination in the presence of exfoliated C₃N₄ nanosheets. Their morphology and structure were thoroughly characterized by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) and photoluminescence spectra (PL). The results showed that hexagonal wurzite-phase ZnO nanoparticles were randomly distributed onto the CN nanosheets with a well-bonded interface between the two components in the CN/ZnO composites. The performance of the photocatalytic Cr(VI) reduction indicated that CN/ZnO exhibited better photocatalytic activity than pure ZnO under visible-light irradiation and the photocatalyst composite with a lower loading of CN sheets eventually displayed higher activity. The enhanced performance of CN/ZnO photocatalysts could be ascribed to the increased absorption of the visible light and the effective transfer and separation of the photogenerated charge carriers.

Graphene Oxide Nanosheets Disrupt Lipid Composition, Ca(2+) Homeostasis, and Synaptic Transmission in Primary Cortical Neurons

Graphene has the potential to make a very significant impact on society, with important applications in the biomedical field. The possibility to engineer graphene-based medical devices at the neuronal interface is of particular interest, making it imperative to determine the biocompatibility of graphene materials with neuronal cells. Here we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the effects of chronic and acute exposure of rat primary cortical neurons to few-layer pristine graphene (GR) and monolayer graphene oxide (GO) flakes. By combining a range of cell biology, microscopy, electrophysiology, and "omics" approaches we characterized the graphene-neuron interaction from the first steps of membrane contact and internalization to the long-term effects on cell viability, synaptic transmission, and cell metabolism. GR/GO flakes are found in contact with the neuronal membrane, free in the cytoplasm, and internalized through the endolysosomal pathway, with no significant impact on neuron viability. However, GO exposure selectively caused the inhibition of excitatory transmission, paralleled by a reduction in the number of excitatory synaptic contacts, and a concomitant enhancement of the inhibitory activity. This was accompanied by induction of autophagy, altered Ca(2+) dynamics, and a downregulation of some of the main players in the regulation of Ca(2+) homeostasis in both excitatory and inhibitory neurons. Our results show that, although graphene exposure does not impact neuron viability, it does nevertheless have important effects on neuronal transmission and network functionality, thus warranting caution when planning to employ this material for neurobiological applications.

Noble-Metal Nanocrystals with Controlled Facets for Electrocatalysis

Noble-metal nanocrystals (NCs) show excellent catalytic performance for many important electrocatalysis reactions. The crystallographic properties of the facets by which the NCs are bound, closely associated with the shape of the NCs, have a profound influence on the electrocatalytic function of the NCs. To develop an efficient strategy for the synthesis of NCs with controlled facets as well as compositions, understanding of the growth mechanism of the NCs and their interaction with the chemical species involved in NC synthesis is quite important. Furthermore, understanding the facet-dependent catalytic properties of noble-metal NCs and the corresponding mechanisms for various electrocatalysis reactions will allow for the rational design of robust electrocatalysts. In this review, we summarize recently developed synthesis strategies for the preparation of mono- and bimetallic noble-metal NCs by classifying them by the type of facets through which they are enclosed and discuss the electrocatalytic applications of noble-metal NCs with controlled facets, especially for reactions associated with fuel-cell applications, such as the oxygen reduction reaction and fuel (methanol, ethanol, and formic acid) oxidation reactions.

Label-Free Fluorescence Assay of S1 Nuclease and Hydroxyl Radicals Based on Water-Soluble Conjugated Polymers and WS₂ Nanosheets

We developed a new method for detecting S1 nuclease and hydroxyl radicals based on the use of water-soluble conjugated poly[9,9-bis(6,6-(N,N,N-trimethylammonium)-fluorene)-2,7-ylenevinylene-co-alt-2,5-dicyano-1,4-phenylene)] (PFVCN) and tungsten disulfide (WS₂) nanosheets. Cationic PFVCN is used as a signal reporter, and single-layer WS₂ is used as a quencher with a negatively charged surface. The ssDNA forms complexes with PFVCN due to much stronger electrostatic interactions between cationic PFVCN and anionic ssDNA, whereas PFVCN emits yellow fluorescence. When ssDNA is hydrolyzed by S1 nuclease or hydroxyl radicals into small fragments, the interactions between the fragmented DNA and PFVCN become weaker, resulting in PFVCN being adsorbed on the surface of WS₂ and the fluorescence being quenched through fluorescence resonance energy transfer. The new method based on PFVCN and WS₂ can sense S1 nuclease with a low detection limit of 5 × 10(-6) U/mL. Additionally, this method is cost-effective by using affordable WS₂ as an energy acceptor without the need for dye-labeled ssDNA. Furthermore, the method provides a new platform for the nuclease assay and reactive oxygen species, and provides promising applications for drug screening.

Selective Plasma Etching of Polymeric Substrates for Advanced Applications

In today’s nanoworld, there is a strong need to manipulate and process materials on an atom-by-atom scale with new tools such as reactive plasma, which in some states enables high selectivity of interaction between plasma species and materials. These interactions first involve preferential interactions with precise bonds in materials and later cause etching. This typically occurs based on material stability, which leads to preferential etching of one material over other. This process is especially interesting for polymeric substrates with increasing complexity and a “zoo” of bonds, which are used in numerous applications. In this comprehensive summary, we encompass the complete selective etching of polymers and polymer matrix micro-/nanocomposites with plasma and unravel the mechanisms behind the scenes, which ultimately leads to the enhancement of surface properties and device performance.

Nanocarbon Allotropes-Graphene and Nanocrystalline Diamond-Promote Cell Proliferation

Two profoundly different carbon allotropes - nanocrystalline diamond and graphene - are of considerable interest from the viewpoint of a wide range of biomedical applications including implant coating, drug and gene delivery, cancer therapy, and biosensing. Osteoblast adhesion and proliferation on nanocrystalline diamond and graphene are compared under various conditions such as differences in wettability, topography, and the presence or absence of protein interlayers between cells and the substrate. The materials are characterized in detail by means of scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and contact angle measurements. In vitro experiments have revealed a significantly higher degree of cell proliferation on graphene than on nanocrystalline diamond and a tissue culture polystyrene control material. Proliferation is promoted, in particular, by hydrophobic graphene with a large number of nanoscale wrinkles independent of the presence of a protein interlayer, i.e., substrate fouling is not a problematic issue in this respect. Nanowrinkled hydrophobic graphene, thus, exhibits superior characteristics for those biomedical applications where high cell proliferation is required under differing conditions.

A cobalt oxyhydroxide nanoflake-based nanoprobe for the sensitive fluorescence detection of T4 polynucleotide kinase activity and inhibition

Phosphorylation of nucleic acids with 5'-OH termini catalyzed by polynucleotide kinase (PNK) is an inevitable process and has been implicated in many important cellular events. Here, we found for the first time that there was a significant difference in the adsorbent ability of cobalt oxyhydroxide (CoOOH) nanoflakes between single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) and double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), which resulted in the fluorescent dye-labeled dsDNA still retaining strong fluorescence emission, while the fluorescence signal of ssDNA was significantly quenched by CoOOH nanoflakes. Based on this discovery, we developed a CoOOH nanoflake-based nanoprobe for the fluorescence sensing of T4 PNK activity and its inhibition by combining it with λ exonuclease cleavage reaction. In the presence of T4 PNK, dye-labeled dsDNA was phosphorylated and then cleaved by λ exonuclease to generate ssDNA, which could adsorb on the CoOOH nanoflakes and whose fluorescence was quenched by CoOOH nanoflakes. Due to the high quenching property of CoOOH nanoflakes as an efficient energy acceptor, a sensitive and selective sensing approach with satisfactory performance for T4 PNK sensing in a complex biological matrix has been successfully constructed and applied to the screening of inhibitors. The developed approach may potentially provide a new platform for further research, clinical diagnosis, and drug discovery of nucleotide kinase related diseases.