Nanomaterials & Nanoscience

This study presents the synthesis and functionalization of urea-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), specifically TMU18, TMU19, with a focus on their application to carbon dioxide conversion. MOFs were synthesized using urea-based organic ligands and commercially available pillaring linkers. The frameworks were then functionalized with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), taking advantage of their structural flexibility for efficient integration.

Among the numerous issues confronting our world today, two significant challenges stand out: waste management and freshwater contamination. This study addresses these issues by developing innovative recycling and circular economy techniques. For the first time, steel slag waste was converted into slag nanocomposites using a solvothermal preparation technique for wastewater treatment in an advanced oxidation process.

Two-dimensional materials and their van der Waals heterostructures have demonstrated enormous potential for advancing technological innovations in electronics, optoelectronics, catalysis, and energy storage. The methods used to synthesize these heterostructures play a crucial role in determining their final applications [4]. In this context, atmospheric pressure chemical vapor deposition (APCVD) has been widely used to synthesize MoS₂ monolayers with tunable optoelectronic properties.

Amine-based adsorbents are widely used for CO2 capture. However, one of the biggest hurdles for their further development is their limited oxidation stability. Moreover, methods developed to improve the oxidation stability often lead to significant decrease in their CO2 (HES) on the CO2 uptake. Here, we investigated the effect of hydroxyethyl starch uptake and oxidation stability of impregnated polyethylenimine (PEI) adsorbents. Performance of HES-PEI co-impregnated materials was evaluated under different oxidation conditions using CO2 uptake measurements, and mass spectrometry.

The development of sustainable nanotechnology aligns with the principles of green chemistry, offering innovative solutions with reduced environmental impact. In this work, we present biocompatible and biodegradable nanocages as carriers for J-aggregates designed for photothermal therapy applications. These nanocages are synthesized using renewable feedstocks and prepared with green solvents such as water and ethanol, minimizing the use of hazardous chemicals.

This work aims to study the degradation of commonly used pharmaceutical contaminants in Chile through the Heterogeneous Solar Photo-Fenton process, utilizing nanometric-sized spinel ferrites as catalysts. Specifically, manganese ferrites (MnFe₂O₄), copper ferrites (CuFe₂O₄), and cobalt ferrites (CoFe₂O₄) will be synthesized, along with graphene-supported ferrite composites. The size, chemical composition, and morphology of these nanomaterials will be characterized.

This project aims to combine the Brazilian group’s expertise in nanomaterials’ surface engineering and polymer-based nanocomposite with the Spanish group’s expertise in transforming agricultural and industrial waste (which is abundant in both Spain and Brazil) into valued natural source polymers, to incorporate the intrinsic properties of sustainable materials into nanocomposites for advanced applications.

In recent years, Palladium (Pd) catalysis has expanded to the use of metallic nanoparticles (NPs), due to their physicochemical properties that are related to catalytic activity. In particular, C-H bond activation reactions catalyzed by Pd attract interest because they can generate new C-C bonds without the need for prior functionalization, shortening synthesis steps and reducing waste generation. An example is phenanthridin-6(5H)-ones and benzo[c]chromenes, which are heterocycles present in various natural products and with important biological activities.

Catalysis plays an essential role in the synthesis of organic compounds, fully aligning with the ninth principle of sustainable chemistry. In recent years, nanomaterials have emerged as promising catalysts, offering stability, recyclability, and high efficiency. Among the most widely used catalysts in organic synthesis are those derived from palladium (Pd), a highly effective but costly and scarce metal.

Infections associated with medical devices are a serious global issue, affecting millions of patients and increasing healthcare costs . These infections are primarily due to the formation of biofilms on the surfaces of devices such as catheters and implants, which act as protective barriers against antimicrobial treatments and compromise device functionality. Additionally, infections in indwelling devices contribute to environmental pollution due to the frequent need for replacements, further increasing the burden on healthcare system.