Menu

Year: 2024

Engineering 3D-printed carbon structures with atomic layer deposition coatings as photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting

Three-dimensional (3D)-printing has evolved as a popular technique for producing customized parts and devices. 3D conductive structures made of metals or carbon-based materials are highly preferable in the field of electrochemistry. Compared to their metal counterparts, 3D carbon structures printed by the filament extrusion technique are readily available to end users, with the advantages of …

Engineering 3D-printed carbon structures with atomic layer deposition coatings as photoelectrocatalysts for water splitting Read More »

Active Quantum Biomaterials-Enhanced Microrobots for Food Safety

Timely disruptive tools for the detection of pathogens in foods are needed to face global health and economic challenges. Herein, the utilization of quantum biomaterials-enhanced microrobots (QBEMRs) as autonomous mobile sensors designed for the precise detection of endotoxins originating from Salmonella enterica (S. enterica) as an indicator species for food-borne contamination globally is presented. A …

Active Quantum Biomaterials-Enhanced Microrobots for Food Safety Read More »

Atomic tuning of 3D printed carbon surface chemistry for electrocatalytic nitrite oxidation and reduction to ammonia

Nitrite contamination in agricultural and industrial wastewater presents a critical impact on environmental sustainability, demanding efficient strategies for monitoring and remediation. This study addresses this challenge by developing cost-effective electrocatalysts for both nitrite detection and conversion to value-added ammonia. 3D printed carbon materials are explored as bifunctional platforms for the electrochemical nitrite oxidation reaction (NO2OR) …

Atomic tuning of 3D printed carbon surface chemistry for electrocatalytic nitrite oxidation and reduction to ammonia Read More »

Photo-Assisted Zn-Iodine Battery via Bifunctional Cathode with Iodine Host and Solar Response Boost

The aqueous photo-assisted battery is considered an efficient means of converting and storing solar energy in one device. However, identifying a suitable photocathode with excellent iodine capture capabilities for photo-assisted Zn-iodine batteries still remains challenging. In this work, bifunctional BiOI is prepared as sole cathode material for a photo-assisted Zn-iodine battery while simultaneously realizing an …

Photo-Assisted Zn-Iodine Battery via Bifunctional Cathode with Iodine Host and Solar Response Boost Read More »

High Performance MXene/MnCo2O4 Supercapacitor Device for Powering Small Robotics

The development of advanced energy storage devices is critical for various applications including robotics and portable electronics. The energy storage field faces significant challenges in designing devices that can operate effectively for extended periods while maintaining exceptional electrochemical performance. Supercapacitors, which bridge the gap between batteries and conventional capacitors, offer a promising solution due to …

High Performance MXene/MnCo2O4 Supercapacitor Device for Powering Small Robotics Read More »

3D printed Ti3C2@Polymer based artificial forest for autonomous water harvesting system

The escalating scarcity of freshwater resources presents significant challenges to global sustainability, demanding innovative solutions by integrating cutting-edge materials and technologies. Here we introduce an autonomous artificial forest (3D AF) for continuous freshwater acquisition. This system features a three-dimensional (3D) architecture incorporating a carbon nanofiber (CNF) network and MXene@polypyrrole (Ti3C2@PPy), enhancing surface area, light absorption, …

3D printed Ti3C2@Polymer based artificial forest for autonomous water harvesting system Read More »

Advanced materials for micro/nanorobotics

Autonomous micro/nanorobots capable of performing programmed missions are at the forefront of next-generation micromachinery. These small robotic systems are predominantly constructed using functional components sourced from micro- and nanoscale materials; therefore, combining them with various advanced materials represents a pivotal direction toward achieving a higher level of intelligence and multifunctionality. This review provides a comprehensive …

Advanced materials for micro/nanorobotics Read More »

The rise of 3D/4D-printed water harvesting materials

The incorporation of cutting-edge technology in developing diverse water harvesters enhances the efficiency of water harvesting systems. Fog harvesting device (FHD) and solar vapor generation device (SVGD) have emerged as environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and efficient methods for generating clean and fresh water, gaining significant attention in recent years. Additionally, there has been extensive reporting on …

The rise of 3D/4D-printed water harvesting materials Read More »

On-the-Fly Monitoring of the Capture and Removal of Nanoplastics with Nanorobots

Nanoplastics are considered an emerging organic persistent pollutant with possible severe long-term implications for the environment and human health; therefore, their remediation is of paramount importance. However, detecting and determining the concentration of nanoparticles in water is challenging and time-consuming due to their small size. In this work, we present a universal yet simple method …

On-the-Fly Monitoring of the Capture and Removal of Nanoplastics with Nanorobots Read More »

Reconfigurable Magnetic Liquid Metal Microrobots: A Regenerable Solution for the Capture and Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics

The pervasive presence of micro/nanoplastics in the environment is a significant threat to ecosystems and human health, demanding effective remediation strategies. Traditional methods for extracting these pollutants from water are often inadequate, typically leaving environmentally harmful residues. In response, this work introduces an innovative approach using reconfigurable and regenerable liquid metal microrobots (LiquidBots) that are …

Reconfigurable Magnetic Liquid Metal Microrobots: A Regenerable Solution for the Capture and Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics Read More »

Real Time Tracking of Nanoconfined Water-Assisted Ion Transfer in Functionalized Graphene Derivatives Supercapacitor Electrodes

Water molecules confined in nanoscale spaces of 2D graphene layers have fascinated researchers worldwide for the past several years, especially in the context of energy storage applications. The water molecules exchanged along with ions during the electrochemical process can aid in wetting and stabilizing the layered materials resulting in an anomalous enhancement in the performance …

Real Time Tracking of Nanoconfined Water-Assisted Ion Transfer in Functionalized Graphene Derivatives Supercapacitor Electrodes Read More »

Microrobots Enhancing Synthetic Chemistry Reactions in Non-Aqueous Media

Catalysis is a foundational pillar of modern synthetic chemistry, essential for countless industrial processes. Traditional catalysts are often static, either immobilized or dispersed in fluid media. The innovative concept of catalytic microrobots allows the introduction of self-propelled and navigable catalyst particles that are engineered for dynamic and customizable catalysis. Catalytic microrobots are microscale devices with …

Microrobots Enhancing Synthetic Chemistry Reactions in Non-Aqueous Media Read More »

Aqueous Multivalent Metal-ion Batteries: Toward 3D-printed Architectures

Energy storage has become increasingly crucial, necessitating alternatives to lithium-ion batteries due to critical supply constraints. Aqueous multivalent metal-ion batteries (AMVIBs) offer significant potential for large-scale energy storage, leveraging the high abundance and environmentally benign nature of elements like zinc, magnesium, calcium, and aluminum in the Earth’s crust. However, the slow ion diffusion kinetics and …

Aqueous Multivalent Metal-ion Batteries: Toward 3D-printed Architectures Read More »

MXene and polyaniline coated 3D-printed carbon electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor

3D printing has emerged as an attractive manufacturing technique in supercapacitor electrodes owing to the precise and customisable fabrication of complex electrode designs, enhancing the performance and efficiency of the device. Despite the advantages, 3D-printed electrodes are limited by their low conductivity and electrochemical properties, predominantly due to the lack of availability of suitable conductive …

MXene and polyaniline coated 3D-printed carbon electrode for asymmetric supercapacitor Read More »

Nanoarchitectonics of Laser Induced MAX 3D-Printed Electrode for Photo-Electrocatalysis and Energy Storage Application with Long Cyclic Durability of 100 000 Cycles

3D printing, a rapidly expanding domain of additive manufacturing, enables the fabrication of intricate 3D structures with adjustable fabrication parameters and scalability. Nonetheless, post-fabrication, 3D-printed materials often require an activation step to eliminate non-conductive polymers, a process traditionally achieved through chemical, thermal, or electrochemical methods. These conventional activation techniques, however, suffer from inefficiency and inconsistent …

Nanoarchitectonics of Laser Induced MAX 3D-Printed Electrode for Photo-Electrocatalysis and Energy Storage Application with Long Cyclic Durability of 100 000 Cycles Read More »

Magnetic Microrobot Swarms with Polymeric Hands Catching Bacteria and Microplastics in Water

The forefront of micro- and nanorobot research involves the development of smart swimming micromachines emulating the complexity of natural systems, such as the swarming and collective behaviors typically observed in animals and microorganisms, for efficient task execution. This study introduces magnetically controlled microrobots that possess polymeric sequestrant “hands” decorating a magnetic core. Under the influence …

Magnetic Microrobot Swarms with Polymeric Hands Catching Bacteria and Microplastics in Water Read More »

Intelligent Magnetic Microrobots with Fluorescent Internal Memory for Monitoring Intragastric Acidity

This study investigates the dynamic fluctuations of pH caused by gastric acid secretion, a process of both biological and clinical significance, with microrobots. Abnormal patterns of acidity often indicate gastrointestinal diseases, underlying the importance of precise intragastric pH monitoring. Traditional methods using fluorescent probes face challenges due to their faint solid-state fluorescence, limited target specificity, …

Intelligent Magnetic Microrobots with Fluorescent Internal Memory for Monitoring Intragastric Acidity Read More »

Multiscale hierarchical nanoarchitectonics with stereographically 3D-printed electrodes for water splitting and energy storage

The pursuit of sustainable solutions to address the global energy crisis has led to a keen interest in the advancement of cost-effective and multifunctional electrochemical systems. These systems aim to achieve both zero-carbon emissions and the dual capability to convert and store energy efficiently. The electrochemical splitting of water is one way to create carbon–neutral, …

Multiscale hierarchical nanoarchitectonics with stereographically 3D-printed electrodes for water splitting and energy storage Read More »

Downsizing nanoarchitectonics of multilayered MXenes electrocatalysts towards real time ion tracking via EQCM and electrocatalytic applications

Since their discovery, engineering two-dimensional (2D) MXene materials have attracted rapid interest in both energy storage and conversion applications. Among the several techniques being introduced for enhancing material properties, downsizing is one among the interesting approaches. Downsizing involves the deliberate scaling down of active 2D materials, such as MXenes, systematically. Although major studies are focused …

Downsizing nanoarchitectonics of multilayered MXenes electrocatalysts towards real time ion tracking via EQCM and electrocatalytic applications Read More »

Allotrope-dependent activity-stability relationships of molybdenum sulfide hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts

Molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) is widely regarded as a competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) catalyst to replace platinum in proton exchange membrane water electrolysers (PEMWEs). Despite the extensive knowledge of its HER activity, stability insights under HER operation are scarce. This is paramount to ensure long-term operation of Pt-free PEMWEs, and gain full understanding on the …

Allotrope-dependent activity-stability relationships of molybdenum sulfide hydrogen evolution electrocatalysts Read More »

Integrated free-standing WS2 3D-printed carbon supercapacitor with solid state electrolyte

There is a huge need for energy storage devices due to the depletion of natural gas and the increasing requirement for portable electronic gadgets. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) 3D-printing has drawn tremendous interest for the fabrication of batteries and supercapacitors (SCs) due to its tabletop manufacturing technique, bespoke design, fast prototyping and user-friendly process. However, …

Integrated free-standing WS2 3D-printed carbon supercapacitor with solid state electrolyte Read More »

Precision Engineering of Nanorobots: Toward Single Atom Decoration and Defect Control for Enhanced Microplastic Capture

Nanorobots are being received with a great attention for their move-sense-and-act capabilities that often originate from catalytic decomposition of fuels. In the past decade, single-atom engineering has demonstrated exceptional efficiency in catalysis, energy-related technologies, and medicine. Here, a novel approach involving point defect engineering and the incorporation of platinum (Pt) single atoms and atomic level …

Precision Engineering of Nanorobots: Toward Single Atom Decoration and Defect Control for Enhanced Microplastic Capture Read More »

Programming self-assembling magnetic microrobots with multiple physical and chemical intelligence

Medical microrobots represent the cutting-edge of biomedical research, showcasing their potential as versatile tools. They exhibit promise in acting as carriers for cancer cell therapy, effectively delivering drugs, and as manipulators equipped for biosensing, offering mobility and adaptability. Despite these advancements, the intricate challenge of creating a microrobot that seamlessly integrates various physical and chemical …

Programming self-assembling magnetic microrobots with multiple physical and chemical intelligence Read More »

Single atom engineered materials for sensors

The pursuit of high-performance sensors necessitates the exploration of new materials to realize this potential. Single atom engineering (SAE) is used to plant individual atoms into the appropriate surrounding of (nano)materials in order to confer distinct materials properties. Hence, the nano architectonics principle utilized for single atom engineering allows us to build highly specific, selective, …

Single atom engineered materials for sensors Read More »

2D Methyl Germanane Enhanced 3D Printed Photoelectrodes

3D printing is a cutting-edge technology, that allows the printing of 3D objects according to the design provided. Nanocarbon electrodes that can be fabricated using 3D printing technology, suffer from a lack of required properties. For enhancing the photoelectrochemical properties of 3D printed electrodes, functionalized germanenes, belonging to the family of 2D materials are used …

2D Methyl Germanane Enhanced 3D Printed Photoelectrodes Read More »

Chemical multiscale robotics for bacterial biofilm treatment

A biofilm constitutes a bacterial community encased in a sticky matrix of extracellular polymeric substances. These intricate microbial communities adhere to various host surfaces such as hard and soft tissues as well as indwelling medical devices. These microbial aggregates form a robust matrix of extracellular polymeric substances (EPSs), leading to the majority of human infections. …

Chemical multiscale robotics for bacterial biofilm treatment Read More »

Nature-inspired parylene/SiO2 core-shell micro-nano pillars: Effect of topography and surface chemistry

We investigated the synergy of surface topography and chemistry in micro/nanostructured pillars inspired by nature, specifically mimicking tokay gecko (Gekko gecko Linnaeus, 1758) feet and sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn., 1788) leaves. The aim is to understand and replicate their adhesive and self-cleaning properties for diverse applications. Through a detailed fabrication process and chemical modifications, …

Nature-inspired parylene/SiO2 core-shell micro-nano pillars: Effect of topography and surface chemistry Read More »

2D Germanane-MXene Heterostructures for Cations Intercalation in Energy Storage Applications

Heterostructures offer an exceptional possibility of combining individual 2D materials into a new material having altered properties compared to the parent materials. Germanane (GeH) is a 2D material with many favorable properties for energy storage and catalysis, however, its performance is hindered by its low electrical conductivity. To address the low electrochemical performance of GeH, …

2D Germanane-MXene Heterostructures for Cations Intercalation in Energy Storage Applications Read More »

Transition metal dichalcogenide-based materials for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries: A mini-review

Rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries (AIBs) have emerged as a promising candidate for energy storage applications and have been extensively investigated over the past few years. Due to their high theoretical capacity, nature of abundance, and high safety, AIBs can be considered an alternative to lithium-ion batteries. However, the electrochemical performance of AIBs for large-scale applications is …

Transition metal dichalcogenide-based materials for rechargeable aluminum-ion batteries: A mini-review Read More »

3D-Printed Nanostructured Copper Substrate Boosts the Sodiated Capability and Stability of Antimony Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries

Sodium-ion batteries (SIBs) represent a viable substitute to lithium-ion batteries due to their affordability and resource abundance. For SIBs, antimony (Sb) shows potential as anode material but is impeded by the high volumetric variations. Here the challenges of Sb sodium storage by introducing the nanostructured Cu substrate for enhanced Sb adhesion and morphology optimization is …

3D-Printed Nanostructured Copper Substrate Boosts the Sodiated Capability and Stability of Antimony Anode for Sodium-Ion Batteries Read More »

Methamphetamine Removal from Aquatic Environments by Magnetic Microrobots with Cyclodextrin Chiral Recognition Elements

The growing consumption of drugs of abuse together with the inefficiency of the current wastewater treatment plants toward their presence has resulted in an emergent class of pollutants. Thus, the development of alternative approaches to remediate this environmental threat is urgently needed. Microrobots, combining autonomous motion with great tunability for the development of specific tasks, …

Methamphetamine Removal from Aquatic Environments by Magnetic Microrobots with Cyclodextrin Chiral Recognition Elements Read More »

Biohybrid Magnetically Driven Microrobots for Sustainable Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics from the Aquatic Environment

The proliferation of micro/nanoplastics derived from the fragmentation of plastic waste released in the environment represents an increasingly alarming issue with adverse implications for aquatic ecosystems worldwide. Conventional approaches for mitigating such contamination are inadequate in removing plastic fragments with exceptionally tiny sizes. Therefore, it is highly urgent to develop efficient strategies to address the …

Biohybrid Magnetically Driven Microrobots for Sustainable Removal of Micro/Nanoplastics from the Aquatic Environment Read More »

3D printing of MAX/PLA filament: Electrochemical in-situ etching for enhanced energy conversion and storage

Two-dimensional (2D) MXenes are promising materials for a variety of sustainable energy-related applications such as photoelectrochemical water splitting and energy storage devices. Among the MXene family, the Ti3C2Tx is mostly prepared by selective etching of Al from the Ti3AlC2 MAX phase using hydrofluoric acid (HF) or in-situ produced HF as an etchant. However, the severe …

3D printing of MAX/PLA filament: Electrochemical in-situ etching for enhanced energy conversion and storage Read More »

Nanoscopic decoration of multivalent vanadium oxide on Laser-Induced graphene fibers via atomic layer deposition for flexible gel supercapacitors

Composite materials for high energy/power density supercapacitors are of very high importance. The precise well-defined nanoarchitectonics approach is a key element in the construction of high-performance devices. Surface redox reactions that frequently involve the exchange of oxygen atoms are fundamental to pseudocapacitive reactions mostly mediated by transition metal oxides (TMO). This process often changes the …

Nanoscopic decoration of multivalent vanadium oxide on Laser-Induced graphene fibers via atomic layer deposition for flexible gel supercapacitors Read More »

Hydrofluoric acid-free etched MAX on 3D-printed nanocarbon electrode for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production

MXenes have emerged as a promising material for a disparate range of photo-electrochemical conversion and energy storage devices. However, most reported synthesis process involves hydrofluoric acid (HF) and fluoride-based compounds. HF severe toxicity persists impediment to the scalable production and fabrication of MXenes. Thus, fluoride-free protocols are currently being explored. Here, we demonstrate a novel …

Hydrofluoric acid-free etched MAX on 3D-printed nanocarbon electrode for photoelectrochemical hydrogen production Read More »

Recent news:

Latest papers:

© All rights reserved by Nanorobots Research Center