Nano-p–n junction heterostructures enhanced TiO2 nanobelts biosensing electrode

Recent Advances in the Construction of Flexible Sensors for Biomedical Applications

The fabrication of flexible sensors is a potential way to promote the progress of modern social science and technology due to their wide applications in high-performance electronic equipment and devices. Flexible sensors based on organic materials combine the unique advantages of flexibility and low cost, increasing interest in healthcare monitoring, treatment, and human-machine interfaces. Advances in materials science and biotechnology have rapidly accelerated the development of bio-integrated multifunctional sensors and devices. Due to their excellent mechanical and electrical properties, many types of functional materials provided benefits for the construction of various sensors with improved flexibility and stretchability. In this review, recent advance in the fabrication of flexible sensors by using functional nanomaterials including nanoparticles, carbon materials, metal-organic materials, and polymers is presented. In addition, the potential biomedical applications of the fabricated flexible sensors for detecting gas molecules signals, small molecules, DNA/RNA, proteins, others are introduced and discussed.

Hydrogenated TiO2 nanobelts as highly efficient photocatalytic organic dye degradation and hydrogen evolution photocatalyst

TiO2 nanobelts have gained increasing interest because of its outstanding properties and promising applications in a wide range of fields. Here we report the facile synthesis of hydrogenated TiO2 (H-TiO2) nanobelts, which exhibit excellent UV and visible photocatalytic decomposing of methyl orange (MO) and water splitting for hydrogen production. The improved photocatalytic property can be attributed to the Ti(3+) ions and oxygen vacancies in TiO2 nanobelts created by hydrogenation. Ti(3+) ions and oxygen vacancies can enhance visible light absorption, promote charge carrier trapping, and hinder the photogenerated electron-hole recombination. This work offers a simple strategy for the fabrication of a wide solar spectrum of active photocatalysts, which possesses significant potential for more efficient photodegradation, photocatalytic water splitting, and enhanced solar cells using sunlight as light source.

Structure, synthesis, and applications of TiO2 nanobelts

TiO2 semiconductor nanobelts have unique structural and functional properties, which lead to great potential in many fields, including photovoltaics, photocatalysis, energy storage, gas sensors, biosensors, and even biomaterials. A review of synthetic methods, properties, surface modification, and applications of TiO2 nanobelts is presented here. The structural features and basic properties of TiO2 nanobelts are systematically discussed, with the many applications of TiO2 nanobelts in the fields of photocatalysis, solar cells, gas sensors, biosensors, and lithium-ion batteries then introduced. Research efforts that aim to overcome the intrinsic drawbacks of TiO2 nanobelts are also highlighted. These efforts are focused on the rational design and modification of TiO2 nanobelts by doping with heteroatoms and/or forming surface heterostructures, to improve their desirable properties. Subsequently, the various types of surface heterostructures obtained by coupling TiO2 nanobelts with metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, chalcogenides, and conducting polymers are described. Further, the charge separation and electron transfer at the interfaces of these heterostructures are also discussed. These properties are related to improved sensitivity and selectivity for specific gases and biomolecules, as well as enhanced UV and visible light photocatalytic properties. The progress in developments of near-infrared-active photocatalysts based on TiO2 nanobelts is also highlighted. Finally, an outline of important directions of future research into the synthesis, modification, and applications of this unique material is given.