Enhanced catalytic reductive hydrogenation of an organic dye by Ag decorated graphitic carbon nitride modified MCM-41

Utilization of efficient, stable and reusable catalysts for wastewater treatment and catalytic elimination of toxic pollutants is a challenge among researchers. This present work shows the synthesis of high-surface-activity Ag nanoparticle decorated gC3N4 modified MCM-41 and its efficiency towards catalytic hydrogenation of organic dye in the presence of reducing agent NaBH4. The proposed mechanism is based on the transfer of H+ and 2e- between the dye and the catalyst. Adsorption of dye stuff on the catalyst is a rate-determining step and is accelerated by the MCM-41 support which enhances the surface area. The catalytic efficiency and optimum time requirement were examined through the adsorption-desorption equilibrium, pseudo-first-order reaction kinetic model for the dye. The result obtained was 98% catalytic efficiency followed by the catalytic hydrogenation reaction.

Encapsulating lithium at the microscale: selective deposition in carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride spheres

For stable lithium deposition without dendrites, three-dimensional (3D) porous structure has been intensively investigated. Here, we report the use of carbon-doped graphitic carbon nitride (C-doped g-C3N4) microspheres as a 3D host for lithium to suppress dendrite formation, which is crucial for stable lithium deposition. The C-doped g-C3N4microspheres have a high surface area and porosity, allowing for efficient lithium accommodation with high accessibility. The carbon-doping of the g-C3N4microspheres confers lithiophilic properties, which facilitate the regulation of Li+flux and dense filling of cavities with nucleated lithium, thereby preventing volume expansion and promoting dendrite-free Li deposition. The electrochemical performance was improved with cyclic stability and high Coulombic efficiency over 260 cycles at 1.0 mA cm-2for 1.0 mAh cm-2, and even over 70 cycles at 5.0 mA cm-2for 3.0 mAh cm-2. The use of C-doped g-C3N4microspheres as a 3D Li host shows promising results for stable lithium deposition without dendrite formation.

Effect of Functional Group Modifications on the Photocatalytic Performance of g-C3 N4

In recent years, photocatalysis has received increasing attention in alleviating energy scarcity and environmental treatment, and graphite carbon nitride (g-C₃ N₄ ) is used as an ideal photocatalyst. However, it still remains numerous challenges to obtain the desirable photocatalytic performance of intrinsic g-C₃ N₄ . Functional group functionalization, formed by introducing functional groups into the bulk structure, is one of the common modification techniques to modulate the carrier dynamics and increases the number of active sites, offering new opportunities to break the limits for structure-to-performance relationship of g-C₃ N₄ . Nevertheless, the general overview of the advance of functional group modification of g-C₃ N₄ is less reported yet. In order to better understand the structure-to-performance relationship at the molecular level, a review of the latest development of functional group modification is urgently needed. In this review, the functional group modification of g-C₃ N₄ in terms of structures, properties, and photocatalytic activity is mainly focused, as well as their mechanism of reaction from the molecular level insights is explained. Second, the recent progress of the application of introducing functional groups in g-C₃ N₄ is introduced and examples are given. Finally, the difficulties and challenges are presented, and based on this, an outlook on the future research development direction is shown.

Emerging Trends and Recent Progress of MXene as a Promising 2D Material for Point of Care (POC) Diagnostics

Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with chemical and structural diversity have piqued the interest of the scientific community due to their superior photonic, mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and catalytic capabilities that distinguish them from their bulk counterparts. Among these 2D materials, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal carbides, carbonitrides, and nitrides with a general chemical formula of M_n+1X_nT_x (where n = 1-3), together known as MXenes, have gained tremendous popularity and demonstrated competitive performance in biosensing applications. In this review, we focus on the cutting-edge advances in MXene-related biomaterials, with a systematic summary on their design, synthesis, surface engineering approaches, unique properties, and biological properties. We particularly emphasize the property-activity-effect relationship of MXenes at the nano-bio interface. We also discuss the recent trends in the application of MXenes in accelerating the performance of conventional point of care (POC) devices towards more practical approaches as the next generation of POC tools. Finally, we explore in depth the existing problems, challenges, and potential for future improvement of MXene-based materials for POC testing, with the goal of facilitating their early realization of biological applications.

Emerging and Promising Multifunctional Nanomaterial for Textile Application Based on Graphitic Carbon Nitride Heterostructure Nanocomposites

Nanocomposites constructed with heterostructures of graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄), silver (Ag), and titanium dioxide (TiO₂) have emerged as promising nanomaterials for various environmental, energy, and clinical applications. In the field of textiles, Ag and TiO₂ are already recognized as essential nanomaterials for the chemical surface and bulk modification of various textile materials, but the application of composites with g-C₃N₄ as a green and visible-light-active photocatalyst has not yet been fully established. This review provides an overview of the construction of Ag/g-C₃N₄, TiO₂/g-C₃N₄, and Ag/TiO₂/g-C₃N₄ heterostructures; the mechanisms of their photocatalytic activity; and the application of photocatalytic textile platforms in the photochemical activation of organic synthesis, energy generation, and the removal of various organic pollutants from water. Future prospects for the functionalization of textiles using g-C₃N₄-containing heterostructures with Ag and TiO₂ are highlighted.

Recent advancement of nanotherapeutics in accelerating chronic wound healing process for surgical wounds and diabetic ulcers

One of the greatest challenges faced during surgical procedures is closing and healing of wounds, which are essential in the field of orthopaedics, trauma, intensive care and general surgery. One of the main causes of death has been linked to chronic wounds, especially in immunosuppressant or diabetic patients. Due to increasing chronic wound fatality along with different pathologies associated with them, the current therapeutic methods are insufficient which has established an eminent need for innovative techniques. Traditionally, wound healing was carried out using formulations and ointments containing silver combined with different biomaterial, but was found to be toxic. Hence, the advent of alternative nanomaterial-based therapeutics for effective wound healing have come into existence. In this review, we have discussed an overview of wound infections such as different wound types, the wound healing process, dressing of wounds and conventional therapies. Furthermore, we have explored various nanotechnological advances made in wound healing therapy which include the use of promising candidates such as organic, inorganic, hybrid nanoparticles/nanocomposites and synthetic/natural polymer-based nanofibers. This review further highlights nanomaterial-based applications for regeneration of tissue in wound healing and can provide a base for researchers worldwide to contribute to this advancing medical area of wound therapy.

Emerging 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures for efficient point-of-care biosensing

The recent COVID-19 infection outbreak has raised the demand for rapid, highly sensitive POC biosensing technology for intelligent health and wellness. In this direction, efforts are being made to explore high-performance nano-systems for developing novel sensing technologies capable of functioning at point-of-care (POC) applications for quick diagnosis, data acquisition, and disease management. A combination of nanostructures [i.e., 0D (nanoparticles & quantum dots), 1D (nanorods, nanofibers, nanopillars, & nanowires), 2D (nanosheets, nanoplates, nanopores) & 3D nanomaterials (nanocomposites and complex hierarchical structures)], biosensing prototype, and micro-electronics makes biosensing suitable for early diagnosis, detection & prevention of life-threatening diseases. However, a knowledge gap associated with the potential of 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanostructures for the design and development of efficient POC sensing is yet to be explored carefully and critically. With this focus, this review highlights the latest engineered 0D, 1D, 2D, and 3D nanomaterials for developing next-generation miniaturized, portable POC biosensors development to achieve high sensitivity with potential integration with the internet of medical things (IoMT, for miniaturization and data collection, security, and sharing), artificial intelligence (AI, for desired analytics), etc. for better diagnosis and disease management at the personalized level.

Synthesis and characterization of CuO@S-doped g-C3N4 based nanocomposites for binder-free sensor applications

This study presents the simultaneous exfoliation and modification of heterostructured copper oxide incorporated sulfur doped graphitic carbon nitride (CuO@S-doped g-C₃N₄) nanocomposites (NCs) synthesized via chemical precipitation and pyrolysis techniques. The results revealed that the approach is feasible and highly efficient in producing 2-dimensional CuO@S-doped g-C₃N₄ NCs. The findings also showed a promising technique for enhancing the optical and electrical properties of bulk g-C₃N₄ by combining CuO nanoparticles (NPs) with S-doped g-C₃N₄. The crystallite and the average size of the NCs were validated using X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Incorporation of the cubical structured CuO on flower shaped S-doped-g-C₃N₄ was visualized and characterized through XRD, HR-SEM/EDS/SED, FT-IR, BET, UV-Vis/DRS, PL, XPS and impedance spectroscopy. The agglomerated NCs had various pore sizes, shapes and nanosized crystals, while being photo-active in the UV-vis range. The synergistic effect of CuO and S-doped g-C₃N₄ as co-modifiers greatly facilitates the electron transfer process between the electrolyte and the bare glassy carbon electrode. Specific surface areas of the NCs clearly revealed modification of bulk S-doped g-C₃N₄ when CuO NPs are incorporated with S-doped g-C₃N₄, providing a suitable environment for the binder-free decorated electrode with sensing behavior for hazardous pollutants. This was tested for the preparation of a 4-nitrophenol sensor.

A brief review on novel biomarkers identified and advanced biosensing technologies developed for rapid diagnosis of Japanese Encephalitis Virus

Advanced biosensor technology research is imperative for the management of infectious disease outbreaks such as Japanese Encephalitis (JE), a zoonotic disease caused by the flavivirus JE virus (JEV) which is transmitted to humans (dead-end hosts) from the amplification host, pigs, via mosquitoes. To avoid future pandemic scenarios, proactive research rather than responsive research in the field of diagnostics is a requirement for development of rapid, sensitive and specific screening detection methods. In this mini-review, we have critically compared and evaluated the different types of biomarkers (antigen, antibody, nucleic acid) identified for JEV diagnostics and their specific roles in the manifestation of the infection which may be potentially used for therapeutics and drug development as no treatment is available for JE. Furthermore, different biosensors developed for the detection of JEV biomarkers have been discussed in detail to give an overview of the working principles (electrochemical, optical, etc.), fabrication components (signal amplifier, bioreceptor, etc.), detection limits and response times. This review provides a compact compiled base on available JEV diagnostic research work being currently carried out along with their limitations, future prospective, and major challenges faced. This will enable future development of rapid point-of-care diagnostic screening methods for JEV infection management, which may help reduce number of fatalities.

Graphitic Carbon Nitride as a New Sustainable Photocatalyst for Textile Functionalization

As a promising organic semiconducting material, polymeric graphitic carbon nitride (g-C₃N₄) has attracted much attention due to its excellent optical and photoelectrochemical properties, thermal stability, chemical inertness, nontoxicity, abundance, and low cost. Its advantageous visible light-induced photocatalytic activity has already been beneficially used in the fields of environmental remediation, biological applications, healthcare, energy conversion and storage, and fuel production. Despite the recognized potential of g-C₃N₄, there is still a knowledge gap in the application of g-C₃N₄ in the field of textiles, with no published reviews on the g-C₃N₄-functionalization of textile materials. Therefore, this review article aims to provide a critical overview of recent advances in the surface and bulk modification of textile fibres by g-C₃N₄ and its composites to tailor photocatalytic self-cleaning, antibacterial, and flame retardant properties as well as to create a textile catalytic platform for water disinfection, the removal of various organic pollutants from water, and selective organic transformations. This paper highlights the possibilities of producing g-C₃N₄-functionalized textile substrates and suggests some future prospects for this research area.