Synthesis and Surface Passivation of CuInS2/MnS/ZnS Core–Multishell Nanocrystals, Their Optical, Structural, and Morphological Characterization, and Their Bioimaging Applications

Fabrication of water-dispersible dye/polymer matrix-stabilized β-FeOOH (Rh-B/F127@β-FeOOH) nanoparticles: synthesis, characterization and therapeutic applications

In this study, dye/polymer matrix-stabilized β-FeOOH nanomaterials were fabricated for therapeutic applications. Rh-B/F127@β-FeOOH nanomaterials were synthesized using two different methods: co-precipitation (CoP) and hydrothermal (HT) methods. The as-synthesized nanoparticles were characterized using various spectroscopic techniques, including FT-IR, UV-Vis, PL, XRD, HR-TEM, and XPS analysis. The functional groups and optical properties were confirmed by FT-IR spectroscopy, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy. The Rh-B/F127@β-FeOOH nanomaterials exhibited both rod-like and sphere-like morphology, as confirmed by HR-TEM analysis. Unlike the nanorods, the nanospheres produced multi-colored emissions at 407, 446, 482 and 520 nm. The oxidative states and elements were confirmed by XPS spectroscopy. MTT assays were used to analyze the cytotoxicity of the nanospheres against A549 cells. The reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and apoptotic cell death caused by the β-FeOOH nanospheres were evaluated by flow cytometry. Cell cycle analysis indicated that the treatment of nanospheres-induced S-phase cell cycle arrest in A549 cells. The synthesized nanospheres induced late-stage apoptosis in the A549 cell line, with a cell death rate of up to 30.37% at the IC50 concentration. Additionally, the antioxidant activities of the synthesized nanorods showed a high scavenging activity against free radicals, as examined by different assays such as such as DPPH, RP, and FRAP. The above results suggest that the synthesized nanorods and nanospheres are promising and efficient material for therapeutic applications.

Light-Driven Fuel Cell with a 2D/3D Hierarchical CuS@MnS Z-Scheme Catalyst for H2O2 Generation

A photoelectrocatalytic (PEC) oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) strategy with fuel-efficient and cost-effective catalysts for on-demand hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) production is booming as an attractive alternative to the conventional anthraquinone process. Herein, we constructed a novel two-dimensional (2D)/three-dimensional (3D) hierarchical CuS@MnS p-p Z-scheme catalyst with full spectrum absorption and strong coupling interface by regulating the crystal structure, morphology, and photocharge transfer mechanism, which was used as a photocathode for PEC synthesis of H₂O₂ with a yield of 1.65 mM within 180 min. Taking advantage of a coupling strategy with Sn₃O₄/Ni foam, the as-prepared two-compartment cell with water oxidation reaction and ORR exhibited boosted activity and stability for the dual production of H₂O₂. An energy-saving H₂O₂ generation system was also constructed with a direct hydrazine/O₂ fuel cell, realizing the significant advantage in reducing electricity consumption during the H₂O₂ synthesis. Moreover, the onsite generation of H₂O₂ remarkably accelerated the degradation of pollutants via a cascade heterogeneous Fenton reaction with a Fe anode. This work provides a new strategy for designing a multifunctional PEC system for the production of high-value chemicals, energy recovery, and pollutant degradation.