Sharif Digital Repository

Two-dimensional boron nitride quantum dots (2D BNQDs) with excellent chemical stability, high photoluminescence efficiency, and low toxicity are a new class of advanced materials for biosensing and bioimaging applications. To overcome the current challenge about the lack of facile, scalable, and reproducible synthesis approach of BNQDs, we introduce a green and facile approach based on mechanochemical exfoliation of bulk h-BN particles in ethanol. Few-layered hydroxylated-functionalized QDs with a thickness of 1-2 nm and a lateral dimension of 2-6 nm have been prepared. The synthesized nanocrystals exhibit a strong fluorescence emission at 407 and 425 nm with a quantum efficiency of ∼6.2%.... 

Promising properties of boron nitride nanomaterials such as their chemical, thermal, and mechanical stability have made them suitable materials in a various range of applications. However, their low electrical conductivity and wide bandgap, particularly in the case of boron nitride quantum dots (BNQDs), have given rise to severe limitations. Efforts on bandgap engineering through doping and surface functionalization have gained little success due to their high thermodynamic stability and inertness. Herein, we present a novel approach to functionalize BNQDs by hydroxyl, methyl, and amine functional groups aiming to adjust the electronic structure. The successful exfoliation is demonstrated by... 

Recently, three-dimensional carbon nanostructures have attracted significant attention for biosensing applications. We have prepared highly porous three-dimensional graphene (3DG) structures (90% porosity) by template-assisted chemical vapor deposition technique and enhanced their electrocatalytic activity through in situ electrochemical deposition of rose-like yttrium hexacyanoferrate particles on their struts. The 3DG structure has an average channel size of ∼500 μm, and the microflowers have lateral sizes in the range of 2-10 μm. The performance of the 3DG-based electrode in efficient detection of ascorbic acid was investigated after transferring on a gold screen printed electrode (SPE).... 

Achieving high densification parameter is an essential factor for metal-based composites to represent excellent mechanical characteristics. Among various compaction methods, double-pressing double-sintering (DPDS) has gained the attraction of researchers to fabricate metal-matrix composites (MMCs) as an efficient technique over the last decade. In this process, the powder will be pre-pressed and then pre-sintered; it helps reduce work hardening and prepare the sample for better densification in the next pressing and sintering step. By employing the above-mentioned method, carbon nanotube (CNT) reinforced aluminum nanocomposites; ZrB2 reinforced copper nanocomposites; and CNT reinforced... 

Owing to the exceptional properties of graphene and the crucial role of substrate on the performance of electrochemical biosensors, several graphene-based hybrid structures have recently emerged, yielding improved selectivity and sensitivity. To date, most of the reported biosensors utilize solution-driven graphene flakes with drawbacks of low conductivity (due to high inter-junction contact resistant) and structural fragility. Herein, we present a conductive three-dimensional CeO2 semiconductor nanoparticles/graphene nanocomposite, as a platform for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide, an important molecule in fundamental biological processes. The 3D conductive graphene architecture is... 

Electrochemical sensing performance of two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (2D h-BN) has traditionally been suppressed by their intrinsic electrical insulation and deficient electron transportation mechanism. However, the excellent electrocatalytic activity, high specific surface area, N- and B-active edges, structural defects, adjustable band gap through interaction with other nanomaterials, and chemical functionalization, makes 2D h-BN ideal for many sensing applications. Therefore, finding a pathway to modulate the electronic properties of 2D h-BN while the intrinsic characteristics are well preserved, will evolve a new generation of highly sensitive and selective electrochemical... 

Owing to the exceptional properties of graphene and the crucial role of substrate on the performance of electrochemical biosensors, several graphene-based hybrid structures have recently emerged, yielding improved selectivity and sensitivity. To date, most of the reported biosensors utilize solution-driven graphene flakes with drawbacks of low conductivity (due to high inter-junction contact resistant) and structural fragility. Herein, we present a conductive three-dimensional CeO2 semiconductor nanoparticles/graphene nanocomposite, as a platform for sensitive detection of hydrogen peroxide, an important molecule in fundamental biological processes. The 3D conductive graphene architecture is... 

Bimodal magnetic-fluorescent materials for diagnostic imaging needs surface-engineered nanoparticles with great biosafety, pronounced colloidal stability, high magnetic moments, and strong photoluminescence (PL) emission. This work presents polymer-coated nanoparticles (PCNPs) based on manganese ferrites covered with a thin shell of nitrogen-doped carbon dots for magnetic-resonance and fluorescent dual mode imaging of cancerous tumors in vivo. An in situ thermolysis of metal oxalates and phenylenediamine in diphenyl ether allows for the facile synthesis of hybrid magneto-fluorescent nanoparticles. They possess an average size of 55 ± 5 nm with strong and excitation-independent PL emission at... 

Moving from two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride (2D h-BN) flatlands towards their quantum sized zero-dimensional (0D) islands, as the newest member of the h-BN family, has recently opened up novel research areas due to the emergence of unique optical and physicochemical properties, excellent thermal and chemical stability, and desirable biocompatibility. This review elaborates on the fundamental properties of 2D and 0D h-BN nanomaterials and covers the latest progress in the fabrication and applications of BN nanosheets (BNNSs) and quantum dots (BNQDs). Initially, the transformation of properties in h-BN nanomaterials is discussed when moving from the 2D realm towards the 0D quantum...