Microplastic pollution in Himalayan lakes: assessment, risks, and sustainable remediation strategies

• Sameeksha Rawat,
• S. M. Tauseef and
• Madhuben Sharma

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2144–2167, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.148

• most promising among them are photocatalytic processes that utilize titanium dioxide nanoparticles under UV radiation. These are very efficient degradation processes for degrading plastics to carbon dioxide (CO2) and water [43]. Fenton reactions, involving a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and iron

• , attack the polymer chains of MPs. They either break the chains into smaller pieces or mineralize them into CO2 and water. A lot of research is being done on the photocatalytic properties of nanomaterials like TiO2, graphene oxide (GO), and ZnO. An excellent material for breaking down MPs in water systems

• more surface area, allowing for better interaction with MPs [76]. The incorporation of GO in composite materials not only improves photocatalytic activity, but it also serves a second purpose by adsorbing MPs prior to degradation. The utilization of photocatalysts that have been engineered with defects

On the road to sustainability – application of metallic nanoparticles obtained by green synthesis in dentistry: a scoping review

• Lorena Pinheiro Vasconcelos Silva,
• Joice Catiane Soares Martins,
• Israel Luís Carvalho Diniz,
• Júlio Abreu Miranda,
• Danilo Rodrigues de Souza,
• Éverton do Nascimento Alencar,
• Moan Jéfter Fernandes Costa and
• Pedro Henrique Sette-de-Souza

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1851–1862, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.128

• in optical and photocatalytic applications, particularly in regenerative procedures and dental coatings [48][49]. The sparse use of other metals such as magnesium, iron, selenium, and cerium oxides suggests ongoing exploration of less conventional materials with niche properties, possibly linked to

Piezoelectricity of layered double hydroxides: perspectives regarding piezocatalysis and nanogenerators

• Evgeniy S. Seliverstov,
• Evgeniya A. Tarasenko and
• Olga E. Lebedeva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1812–1817, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.124

• is still in its infancy and this review explores its recent advances. The discussion encompasses LDH-based piezoelectric nanogenerators, piezocatalytic and piezo-photocatalytic properties of LDHs, and composite material synergies that enhance the overall electroactive performance. Looking to the

• bulk materials with centrosymmetric properties, display piezoelectricity when reduced to a single or few layers due to the loss of their inversion centers. An actively developing area of piezocatalysis is its application to enhance photocatalytic reactions, called piezo-photocatalysis. Zn/Al-LDHs with

• different thicknesses were investigated for the piezo-photocatalytic degradation of carbamazepine [6]. The ultrathin samples achieved an efficiency of 95.8% with a reaction rate constant of 0.148 min−1. This effect was attributed to the higher sensitivity of ultrathin LDH sheets to both light irradiation

Electrical, photocatalytic, and sensory properties of graphene oxide and polyimide implanted with low- and medium-energy silver ions

• Josef Novák,
• Eva Štěpanovská,
• Petr Malinský,
• Vlastimil Mazánek,
• Jan Luxa,
• Ulrich Kentsch and
• Zdeněk Sofer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1794–1811, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.123

• Department of Inorganic Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague 6, 166 28, Czech Republic Ion Beam Center, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, 01328 Dresden, Germany 10.3762/bjnano.16.123 Abstract Precise control of electrical conductivity, humidity sensitivity, and photocatalytic

• activity in polymeric and carbon-based materials is essential for advancing technologies in environmental sensing, flexible electronics, and photocatalytic systems. Conventional chemical modification methods often lack spatial precision, introduce impurities, and risk structural degradation. Ion

• , sensory, and photocatalytic properties of graphene oxide (GO) and polyimide (PI). Implantations were carried out with fluences ranging from 3.75 × 1012 cm−2 to 1 × 1016 cm−2. Silver ions offer excellent electrical, catalytic, and plasmonic characteristics, making them ideal for multifunctional enhancement

Ambient pressure XPS at MAX IV

• Mattia Scardamaglia,
• Ulrike Küst,
• Alexander Klyushin,
• Rosemary Jones,
• Jan Knudsen,
• Robert Temperton,
• Andrey Shavorskiy and
• Esko Kokkonen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1677–1694, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.118

• under operando conditions. Additionally, the kinetics of charge transfer and the role of specific chemical species or components functioning as charge donors or acceptors during photocatalytic reactions can be clarified using APXPS. At MAX IV, external light sources (e.g., UV lamps or solar simulators

• application is photocatalytic water splitting for green hydrogen production. Urpelainen and colleagues clarified the mechanisms of photocatalytic hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in a new prospective model system, the Ni@NiO/NiCO3 photocatalyst, under dark and illuminated conditions at 1 mbar of H2O [45

• catalyst stabilization and confined 2D reactivity, to time-resolved studies of gas–solid reactions, photocatalytic water splitting, atomic layer deposition, and electrochemical interfaces, demonstrate the breadth of scientific questions that APXPS can now address. MAX IV’s SPECIES and HIPPIE beamlines have

Nanotechnology-based approaches for the removal of microplastics from wastewater: a comprehensive review

• Nayanathara O Sanjeev,
• Manjunath Singanodi Vallabha and
• Rebekah Rubidha Lisha Rabi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1607–1632, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.114

• solution into a gel, enabling precise compositional control and producing homogenous metal oxides suited for photocatalytic applications [74]. Hydrothermal synthesis uses high-temperature, high-pressure aqueous environments to yield well crystalized particles with controlled morphologies, while co

• , including MPs [86]. Figure 7 illustrate the various types of nanoadsorbents used for MP removal, while Table 3 present their operational conditions and corresponding removal efficiencies for different types of MPs. Nanoparticle-based photocatalysis: Catalytic or photocatalytic oxidation, categorized under

• processes [96]. The particle size of photocatalysts plays a very important role in the recombination of electrons and holes. Smaller particles exhibit higher photocatalytic activity due to their increased surface area, which allows for greater adsorption of pollutants and enhanced production of hydroxyl

Photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin in water assisted by TiO₂ nanowires on carbon cloth: contributions of H₂O₂ addition and substrate absorbability

• Iram Hussain,
• Lisha Zhang,
• Zhizhen Ye and
• Jin-Ming Wu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1567–1579, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.111

• unsatisfactory interaction with target contaminants diminishes photocatalytic degradation efficiency in water. Here, we present a mild solution method to precipitate anatase TiO2 nanowire arrays, measuring 1.5 μm in thickness, over carbon cloth to ensure substantial interactions with target pollutants and, in

• turn, a superior photoactivity. Compared to TiO2 nanowire arrays grown on metallic Ti substrates, TiO2 nanowires supported on carbon cloth substrates demonstrate markedly superior efficiency in the photocatalytic degradation of ofloxacin (OFL) molecules in water when exposed to UV light. The TiO2

• ; ofloxacin; photocatalytic degradation; TiO2 nanowires; wastewater treatment; Introduction Drug pollution in natural environments has become an increasingly serious issue as a result of the wide applications of drugs in the diagnosis and treatment of human diseases, anti-epidemic disinfection, aquaculture

Laser processing in liquids: insights into nanocolloid generation and thin film integration for energy, photonic, and sensing applications

• Akshana Parameswaran Sreekala,
• Pooja Raveendran Nair,
• Jithin Kundalam Kadavath,
• Bindu Krishnan,
• David Avellaneda Avellaneda,
• M. R. Anantharaman and
• Sadasivan Shaji

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1428–1498, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.104

• fabricated using the doctor blade method (Figure 12b), and the effects of annealing on their morphology, compositional homogeneity, and optical properties were investigated for photocatalytic activities [124][125]. The properties of these films are further discussed in the latter section of this article. A

Synthesis and antibacterial properties of nanosilver-modified cellulose triacetate membranes for seawater desalination

• Lei Wang,
• Shizhe Li,
• Kexin Xu,
• Wenjun Li,
• Ying Li and
• Gang Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1380–1391, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.100

• photocatalytic properties of TiO2, which generate ROS that degrade bacterial membranes [23]. Yang and Wang’s group introduced carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into a mixed cellulose esters (MCE) membrane to create a robust porous bi-layered photothermal membrane (CNT@PEI/MCE) for efficient solar-driven interfacial water

Enhancing the photoelectrochemical performance of BiOI-derived BiVO₄ films by controlled-intensity current electrodeposition

• Huu Phuc Dang,
• Khanh Quang Nguyen,
• Nguyen Thi Mai Tho and
• Tran Le

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1289–1301, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.94

• ) plane exhibited the highest intensity across all samples, which aligns with its high refractive index and superior photocatalytic properties owing to the enhanced adsorption and deionization of water molecules in the structure. Additionally, the (040) peak intensity exhibited a systematic increase at

• efficient charge separation and transport. Previous studies have reported that the (121), (040), and (010) facets of monoclinic BiVO4 contribute to enhanced photocatalytic activity by serving as active sites for oxidation and reduction reactions [32][33]. In particular, the large surface area of the (010

• . Overall, these results demonstrate that the optimized BiVO4(326) configuration provides improved photocatalytic activity by enhancing charge transport, reducing recombination, and maximizing the active surface area for efficient PEC water splitting. The LSV results revealed that the photoanodes fabricated

Electronic and optical properties of chloropicrin adsorbed ZnS nanotubes: first principle analysis

• Prakash Yadav,
• Boddepalli SanthiBhushan and
• Anurag Srivastava

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1184–1196, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.87

• , which can be tailored through rational design. By precisely controlling their size, shape, synthesis conditions, and functionalization, nanomaterials can achieve extraordinary magnetic, electrical, optical, mechanical, sensing, anticancer, and photocatalytic properties that significantly differ from

• highlighting the suitability of ZnS nanostructures for UV photodetectors, sensors, and photocatalytic applications, where high UV sensitivity is critical [69]. Upon CP molecule adsorption, significant redshifts in the absorption spectra are observed across all orientations, indicative of bandgap narrowing

Influence of ion beam current on the structural, optical, and mechanical properties of TiO₂ coatings: ion beam-assisted vs conventional electron beam evaporation

• Agata Obstarczyk and
• Urszula Wawrzaszek

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1097–1112, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.81

• TiO2 coatings (Figure 1). Therefore, post-deposition annealing becomes one of the key pathways in controlling the structure, morphology, and photocatalytic activity of TiO2 films [3]. After post-process annealing, all thin films exhibited peaks related to the (101) and (004) planes of anatase, for

Quantification of lead through rod-shaped silver-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles using an electrochemical approach

• Ravinder Lamba,
• Gaurav Bhanjana,
• Neeraj Dilbaghi,
• Vivek Gupta and
• Sandeep Kumar

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 422–434, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.33

• , India Department of Physics, Punjab Engineering College (Deemed to be University), Chandigarh, 160012, India 10.3762/bjnano.16.33 Abstract Special features of zinc oxide nanoparticles have drawn a lot of interest due to their wide bandgap, high surface area, photocatalytic activity, antimicrobial

Emerging strategies in the sustainable removal of antibiotics using semiconductor-based photocatalysts

• Yunus Ahmed,
• Keya Rani Dutta,
• Parul Akhtar,
• Md. Arif Hossen,
• Md. Jahangir Alam,
• Obaid A. Alharbi,
• Hamad AlMohamadi and
• Abdul Wahab Mohammad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 264–285, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.21

• light exposure. To be specific g-C3N4-based ternary photocatalysts exhibited more than 90% degradation of tetracycline and sulfamethazine antibiotics within one hour of irradiation. This study addresses the antibiotic degradation efficiency during photocatalytic processes and suggests new approaches to

• lack of understanding about these processes and their practical limitations for large-scale commercial wastewater treatment. This review concentrates on semiconductor-based photocatalytic processes and their effectiveness in eliminating antibiotics while also addressing their practical constraints. The

• practices and pollution. Additionally, in many areas, there may be a lack of regulatory regulations for safe antibiotic levels in water [51], making it challenging to establish treatment targets. Principal mechanisms of photocatalytic processes for antibiotic degradation Semiconductor-based photocatalysis

Clays enhanced with niobium: potential in wastewater treatment and reuse as pigment with antibacterial activity

• Silvia Jaerger,
• Patricia Appelt,
• Mario Antônio Alves da Cunha,
• Fabián Ccahuana Ayma,
• Ricardo Schneider,
• Carla Bittencourt and
• Fauze Jacó Anaissi

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 141–154, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.13

• photocatalysis is a cost-effective alternative to biological treatment methods for purifying polluted water [8]. Using semiconductors as heterogeneous catalysts proves to be more efficient than traditional methods, as the photocatalytic process gradually decomposes contaminating molecules without generating

• designate the modification with NbOPO4 and Nb2O5, respectively. Photocatalytic tests were performed using 100 mL of an MB solution at a concentration of 400 mg·L−1. This experiment used 250 mg of the BEPh and BEOx samples as catalysts. The experimental setup system included a thermostatic Pyrex glass

• experiment. The efficiency of MB photodegradation (X%) was determined by Equation 2: where M0 and Mf are the concentrations of MB at the beginning and at the end of the photocatalytic test, respectively. Dispersion of the pigments clay/Nb and clay/Nb/MB in colorless commercial paint The samples A-BEPh, A

Characterization of ZnO nanoparticles synthesized using probiotic Lactiplantibacillus plantarum GP258

• Prashantkumar Siddappa Chakra,
• Aishwarya Banakar,
• Shriram Narayan Puranik,
• Vishwas Kaveeshwar,
• C. R. Ravikumar and
• Devaraja Gayathri

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 78–89, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.8

• characterization using UV–vis spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction measurements, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy, photocatalytic studies, electrochemical analysis, and determination of antibacterial and anticancer activity. The

• electronic transition, making them suitable for further applications in photocatalysis, electronics, and optoelectronics. Photocatalytic study ZnO NPs were utilized in a photocatalytic degradation test to reduce the concentration of the harmful dye methylene blue (MB). A solution containing 20 mg of ZnO NP

• pattern) and 192 nm (irregular shape). Valuable insights regarding photocatalytic and colloidal stability of the biosynthesized ZnO NPs was provided by using UV–vis spectroscopy and zeta potential analysis. Compared to a similar type of study conducted by Selvarajan and Mohanasrinivasan [24], our study

Various CVD-grown ZnO nanostructures for nanodevices and interdisciplinary applications

• The-Long Phan,
• Le Viet Cuong,
• Vu Dinh Lam and
• Ngoc Toan Dang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1390–1399, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.112

• DMSs, these nanostructures will be beneficial to the development of new ZnO-based materials for photocatalytic [25], biomedical [26], gas sensing [27][28], and flexible electronic/optoelectronic applications [29][30]. They are usually fabricated by chemical vapour deposition (CVD) or solid-vapour phase

• ], photocatalytic degradation [41], and water splitting for hydrogen technologies [38]. Figure 3a–d show SEM images of ZnO tetrapods. These various morphologies were grown at approx. 625–650 °C. The first one, named T1 in Figure 3a, has needle-like arms of ≈1 μm of length. The dimeter of the arms is less than 50 nm

Mn-doped ZnO nanopowders prepared by sol–gel and microwave-assisted sol–gel methods and their photocatalytic properties

• Cristina Maria Vlăduț,
• Crina Anastasescu,
• Silviu Preda,
• Oana Catalina Mocioiu,
• Simona Petrescu,
• Jeanina Pandele-Cusu,
• Dana Culita,
• Veronica Bratan,
• Ioan Balint and
• Maria Zaharescu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1283–1296, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.104

• semiconductor with many versatile and attractive applications in optical, optoelectronic, and photocatalytic fields [35][36][37]. The doping of ZnO with Mn can lead to the development of multifunctional nanostructures, such as room-temperature ferromagnetic materials with potential applications in spintronics

• and biological sensing [38][39][40]. The optical, thermal, and photocatalytic [40] reactivity of ZnO can also be improved with this method without changing its basic hexagonal structure. Consequently, the photodegradation of aqueous organic compounds triggered by manganese-doped ZnO still provides

• -structural characterizations of the resulting materials and investigates their photocatalytic performance for the mineralization of oxalic acid in aqueous solutions under simulated solar irradiation. Results and Discussion As-prepared samples The synthesis process involved the preparation of precursor

Introducing third-generation periodic table descriptors for nano-qRASTR modeling of zebrafish toxicity of metal oxide nanoparticles

• Supratik Kar and
• Siyun Yang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1142–1152, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.93

• strong antibacterial, antifungal, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, and photocatalytic activities [7][8][9]. Besides the medical field, they are also commonly used in commercial products such as fuel cells and plastics, and environmental applications such as analysis, sensing, remediation, and

Photocatalytic methane oxidation over a TiO₂/SiNWs p–n junction catalyst at room temperature

• Qui Thanh Hoai Ta,
• Luan Minh Nguyen,
• Ngoc Hoi Nguyen,
• Phan Khanh Thinh Nguyen and
• Dai Hai Nguyen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1132–1141, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.92

• recombination of charge carriers in semiconductors is a main drawback for photocatalytic oxidative coupling of methane (OCM) reactions. Herein, we propose a novel catalyst by developing a p–n junction titania–silicon nanowires (TiO2/SiNWs) heterostructure. The structure is fabricated by atomic layer deposition

• forces generated charge carriers to move in opposite directions and suppresses charge recombination. Besides, surface morphology and optical properties of the the p–n TiO2/SiNWs catalyst are also beneficial for the photocatalytic activity. It is expected that the results of this study will provide

• massive guidance in synthesizing an efficient photocatalyst for CH4 conversion under mild conditions. Keywords: photocatalysis; photocatalytic CH4 oxidation; p–n heterojunction; TiO2/SiNWs; Introduction Methane (CH4), which can take the form of liquefied natural gas, is one of the crucial sources of

Intermixing of MoS₂ and WS₂ photocatalysts toward methylene blue photodegradation

• Maryam Al Qaydi,
• Nitul S. Rajput,
• Michael Lejeune,
• Abdellatif Bouchalkha,
• Mimoun El Marssi,
• Steevy Cordette,
• Chaouki Kasmi and
• Mustapha Jouiad

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 817–829, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.68

• cost-effective technology. By harnessing impinging photons, the photocatalytic degradation of pollutants takes place at the interface between the photocatalyst surface and the MB-contaminated electrolyte. The photon energy is the driving force for breaking down the MB compound leading to its removal [9

• cocatalysts. Their catalytic properties can be tailored based on their crystal structure, their surface area, and their morphology [12][13]. When TMD catalysts are intermixed, they form semiconductor–semiconductor junctions, enhancing their photocatalytic properties by promoting charge separation and electron

• transport [14][15]. At each stage of the photocatalytic process sequence, the intermixing of TMD materials is intended to efficiently enhance light absorption, photogeneration of charge carriers, and activation of the surface redox reaction [16][17]. Furthermore, TMD materials are known to possess favorable

Green synthesis of biomass-derived carbon quantum dots for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue

• Dalia Chávez-García,
• Mario Guzman,
• Viridiana Sanchez and
• Rubén D. Cadena-Nava

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 755–766, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.63

• 24 h, CQDs were successfully synthesized. A comprehensive characterization of the CQDs was performed using UV–visible spectroscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, Raman spectroscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy, confirming their high quality. The photocatalytic

• -conversion luminescence. The results revealed effective photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue under sunlight, highlighting the potential for scalable production of these cost-effective catalytic nanomaterials for synthetic dye degradation. Keywords: biomass; carbon dots; catalysis; methylene blue

• quantum dots (CQDs) through a hydrothermal method using biomass from watermelon peels and grape pomace. This method is chosen for its ease of production, low cost, and scalability. We aim to evaluate the potential of CQDs as catalysts in the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye in

Simultaneous electrochemical determination of uric acid and hypoxanthine at a TiO₂/graphene quantum dot-modified electrode

• Vu Ngoc Hoang,
• Dang Thi Ngoc Hoa,
• Nguyen Quang Man,
• Le Vu Truong Son,
• Le Van Thanh Son,
• Vo Thang Nguyen,
• Le Thi Hong Phong,
• Ly Hoang Diem,
• Kieu Chan Ly,
• Ho Sy Thang and
• Dinh Quang Khieu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 719–732, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.60

• electrochemistry, combining GQDs with semiconductors, especially TiO2, has been of interest. For example, GQDs have been successfully introduced into TiO2 [17] to enhance its photocatalytic activity. John Peter et al. reported TiO2/GQDs as anodes for enhancing the short-circuit current in solar cells [18]. The

Exfoliation of titanium nitride using a non-thermal plasma process

• Priscila Jussiane Zambiazi,
• Dolores Ribeiro Ricci Lazar,
• Larissa Otubo,
• Rodrigo Fernando Brambilla de Souza,
• Almir Oliveira Neto and
• Cecilia Chaves Guedes-Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 631–637, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.53

• ferromagnetic properties and demonstrated high visible-light photocatalytic activity when loaded onto titania nanotube arrays. Titanium nitride (TiN) has gained recognition as an advanced engineering material because of its outstanding chemical and thermal stability, extreme hardness, and electrical

Aero-ZnS prepared by physical vapor transport on three-dimensional networks of sacrificial ZnO microtetrapods

• Veaceslav Ursaki,
• Tudor Braniste,
• Victor Zalamai,
• Emil Rusu,
• Vladimir Ciobanu,
• Vadim Morari,
• Daniel Podgornii,
• Pier Carlo Ricci,
• Rainer Adelung and
• Ion Tiginyanu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 490–499, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.44

• phase content of the prepared aerogels by the duration of the technological procedure. A scheme of deep energy levels and electronic transitions in the ZnS skeleton of the aeromaterial was deduced from the PL analysis, suggesting that the produced aerogel is a potential candidate for photocatalytic and

• sensor applications. Keywords: aeromaterial; crystallographic structure; luminescence; physical vapor transport; scanning electron microscopy (SEM); X-ray diffraction (XRD); Introduction Porous materials represent a class of solid-state networks widely used in adsorptive and photocatalytic removal of

• pollutants from the atmosphere and from water, in other catalytic processes, including photocatalytic water splitting, in energy production and storage, in microfluidic systems, in drug delivery and other biomedical applications, in sensing, in electronic, photoelectronic, optoelectronic and nanophotonic