l-Cysteine-Tuned the Hierarchical Structure Based on Benzimidazole: Synthesis, Characterization, and Application in Ratiometric Electrochemiluminescence Immunoassay

Efficient and robust electrochemiluminescence (ECL) emitters are crucial for enhancing the ECL immunosensor sensitivity. This study introduces a novel ECL emitter, CoBIM/Cys, featuring a hierarchical core-shell structure. The core of the structure is created through the swift coordination between the sulfhydryl and carboxyl groups of l-cysteine (l-Cys) and cobalt ions (Co2+), while the shell is constructed by sequentially coordinating benzimidazole (BIM) with Co2+. This design yields a greater specific surface area and a more intricate porous structure compared to CoBIM, markedly enhancing mass transfer and luminophore accessibility. Moreover, the l-Cys and Co2+ core introduces Co-S and Co-O catalytic sites, which improve the catalytic decomposition of H2O2, leading to an increased production of hydroperoxyl radicals (OOH•). This mechanism substantially amplifies the ECL performance. Leveraging the competitive interaction between isoluminol and BIM for OOH• during ECL emission, we developed a ratiometric immunosensor for cardiac troponin I (cTnI) detection. This immunosensor demonstrates a remarkably broad detection range (1 pg mL-1 to 10 ng mL-1), a low detection limit (0.4 pg mL-1), and exceptional reproducibility and specificity.

Visible Light Driven Ultrasensitive and Selective NO2 Detection in Tin Oxide Nanoparticles with Sulfur Doping Assisted by l-Cysteine

In the pandemic era, the development of high-performance indoor air quality monitoring sensors has become more critical than ever. NO₂ is one of the most toxic gases in daily life, which induces severe respiratory diseases. Thus, the real-time monitoring of low concentrations of NO₂ is highly required. Herein, a visible light-driven ultrasensitive and selective chemoresistive NO₂ sensor is presented based on sulfur-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles. Sulfur-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles are synthesized by incorporating l-cysteine as a sulfur doping agent, which also increases the surface area. The cationic and anionic doping of sulfur induces the formation of intermediate states in the band gap, highly contributing to the substantial enhancement of gas sensing performance under visible light illumination. Extraordinary gas sensing performances such as the gas response of 418 to 5 ppm of NO₂ and a detection limit of 0.9 ppt are achieved under blue light illumination. Even under red light illumination, sulfur-doped SnO₂ nanoparticles exhibit stable gas sensing. The endurance to humidity and long-term stability of the sensor are outstanding, which amplify the capability as an indoor air quality monitoring sensor. Overall, this study suggests an innovative strategy for developing the next generation of electronic noses.

Graphitic carbon-wrapped NiO embedded three dimensional nitrogen doped aligned carbon nanotube arrays with long cycle life for lithium ion batteries

In this work, a three-dimensional nitrogen doped aligned carbon nanotube array (NACNTs)@NiO@graphitic carbon composite was fabricated by an effective strategy involving nebulized ethanol assisted infiltration, In this structure, the NiO nanoparticles were wrapped by graphitic carbon layers and NiO@graphitic carbon core–shell nanoparticles adhered strictly to the surface of NACNTs to form a highly ordered 3D structure. When this composite was used as an anode for lithium ion batteries, the well-ordered pore of its NACNTs can facilitate the electrolyte to penetrate and improve electronic conductivity. At the same time, the graphitic layers can promote the stability of a solid electrolyte interface film. Therefore, the NACNTs@NiO@graphitic carbon composite containing 68.1 wt% NiO delivers excellent capacity retention of 91.6% after 200 cycles at 0.2C.

NACNTs@NiO@graphitic carbon composites were synthesized with the help of nebulizing. The outstanding performances are attributed to the original structure of NACNTs@NiO@graphitic carbon.

Rational design of hierarchical Ni embedded NiO hybrid nanospheres for high-performance lithium-ion batteries

Uniform-sized Ni embedded NiO nanospheres exhibit a high capacity of 453 mA h g⁻¹ (12C) and 800 mA h g⁻¹ (0.2C) after 300 cycles.

Synthesis and applications of porous non-silica metal oxide submicrospheres

A variety of metal oxide particles of spherical morphology from nano to micrometer size have been reviewed with a special emphasis on the appraisal of synthetic strategies and applications in biomedical, environmental and energy-related areas.

Glutamine-assisted synthesis of Cu-doped CeO2 nanowires with an improved low-temperature CO oxidation activity

Glutamine (GLN)-assisted Cu-doped CeO₂ nanowires exhibit an outstanding performance for CO oxidation and can completely convert CO at 90 °C.

Glycine-assisted synthesis of NiO hollow cage-like nanostructures for sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensing

In this work, a highly sensitive non-enzymatic glucose sensor was developed based on NiO hollow cage-like nanostructures (NiO HCs).

Metal/metal oxide nanostructures derived from metal–organic frameworks

MOFs-derived micro/nanostructures have important potential applications. In this review, we describe the use of MOFs as templates in the synthesis of metal/metal oxide micro/nanostructures and composite materials. The applications of the derived materials are also reviewed.

Nickel Oxide Nanoparticle-Assembled Microspheres with a High Rate Capability for Lithium Storage

This paper presents the massive preparation of nickel oxide nanoparticle-assembled mesoporous microspheres using acid-treated carbon microspheres as sacrificial templates. The microstructure and morphology of the hollow NiO microspheres are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and N2 adsorption–desorption methods. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy images reveal that these hollow spheres are assembled by NiO particles with sizes of ~20 nm. The nickel oxide nanoparticle-assembled mesoporous microspheres feature high surface area and good electronic conductivity, leading to high capacity and excellent cycling performance as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries.

Facile fabrication of porous Ni(x)Co(3-x)O4 nanosheets with enhanced electrochemical performance as anode materials for Li-ion batteries

Herein, we report a novel and facile route for the large-scale fabrication of 2D porous NixCo3-xO4 nanosheets, which involves the thermal decomposition of NixCo1-x hydroxide precursor at 450 °C in air for 2 h. The as-prepared 2D porous NixCo3-xO4 nanosheets exhibit an enhanced lithium storage capacity and excellent cycling stability (1330 mA h g(-1) at a current density of 100 mA g(-1) after 50 cycles). More importantly, it can render reversible capacity of 844 mA h g(-1), even at a high current density of 500 mA g(-1) after 200 cycles, indicating its potential applications for high power LIBs. Compared to pure Co3O4, the reduction of Co in NixCo3-xO4 is of more significance because of the high cost and toxicity of Co. The improved electrochemical performance is attributed to the 2D structure and large amounts of mesopores within the nanosheets, which can effectively improve structural stability, reduce the diffusion length for lithium ions and electrons, and buffer volume expansion during the Li(+) insertion/extraction processes.