Photochemically Synthesized Ruthenium Nanoparticle-Decorated Carbon-Dot Nanochains: An Efficient Catalyst for Synergistic Redox Reactions

Formation mechanism of anisotropic zein-modified starch nanoparticles

The aim of this study was to develop shape-controlled hydrophobic modified starch nanoparticles (SNPs). Here, we investigated the formation mechanisms of zein-modified starch nanoparticles (Z-SNPs) with irregular, worm-like, and spherical shapes with the three-phase contact angle of 91.6 ± 1.3°, 86.9 ± 1.5°, and 84.8 ± 0.9°, respectively. 1H NMR, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffractometry confirmed that the zein was effectively bound to the starch molecules through hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interaction in V-crystalline structure. In addition, the formation mechanism of three-shaped nanoparticles were related to the stirring temperature and concentration of zein. This study presents significant implications for the fabrication of Z-SNPs with various shapes using entirely novel and highly efficient methods, which can be applied as an effective nanocarrier by delivering active compounds for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

Review of the Design of Ruthenium-Based Nanomaterials and Their Sensing Applications in Electrochemistry

In this review, ruthenium nanoparticles (Ru NPs)-based functional nanomaterials have attractive electrocatalytic characteristics and they offer considerable potential in a number of fields. Ru-based binary or multimetallic NPs are widely utilized for electrode modification because of their unique electrocatalytic properties, enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio, and synergistic effect between two metals provides as an effective improved electrode sensor. This perspective review suggests the current research and development of Ru-based nanomaterials as a platform for electrochemical (EC) sensing of harmful substances, biomolecules, insecticides, pharmaceuticals, and environmental pollutants. The advantages and limitations of mono-, bi-, and multimetallic Ru-based nanocomposites for EC sensors are discussed. Besides, the relevant EC properties and analyte sensing approaches are also presented. On the basis of these insights, we highlighted recent results for synthesizing techniques and EC environmental pollutant sensors from the perspectives of diverse supports, including graphene, carbon nanotubes, silica, semiconductors, metal sulfides, and polymers. Finally, this work overviews the modern improvements in the utilization of Ru-based nanocomposites on the basis for electroanalytical sensors as well as suggestions for the field's future development.

Photocatalytic degradation-based efficient elimination of pesticides using ruthenium/gold metal nanoparticle-anchored zirconium dioxide

Ruthenium and gold metal nanoparticles-incorporated zirconium dioxide (ZrO2@Ru and ZrO2@Au) nanostructures were developed as promising photocatalysts for wastewater remediation.