Recent Patents on Nanotechnology - Volume 16, Issue 1, 2022

Abstract: In the past decade, organic-inorganic perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have received significant attentions due to their high efficiencies and low costs. However, the commercialization of PSCs is stilled hindered by several issues such as device performance (especially for large-area cells) and stability. Recently, two-dimensional (2D) transition metal disulfides (TMDs) show great potentials in solving aforementioned problems due to their unique morphological structure and electrical properties. Herein, we summarize the advancements in the recent applications of various TMDs materials as charge transport layers in PSCs. Although some progress have been made, there are considerable issues to be tackled in this field. The challenges and development directions of these 2D TMDs materials for PSCs are also clarified. Lastly, the most recent advancements about TMDs materials in some other electronic (or optoelectronic) fields are also summarized and discussed.

Abstract: Nontraditional precision processes (especially at the nanoscale) have been significantly developed in modern industry to meet the specific requirements of applications. In this paper, the progress of nanotechnology applied in nontraditional precision machining processes for advanced industrial applications is presented. In particular, the mechanisms, parameters, properties, applications and patent trends of ultrasonic machining, ion nanobeams machining and laser machining are further explored and analyzed in detail. Other nontraditional precision machining processes related to nanotechnology are also outlined briefly. Finally, the developments and future perspectives of nanotechnology used in nontraditional precision machining are discussed.

Abstract: Harvesting solar energy for water treatments has been considered a promising solution for a global community. The shortage of water is a great challenge for scientists due to the increased demand of the population–however, the low efficiency of absorber materials obstacles in practical applications. In addition, state-of-the-art conventional technologies require optical concentrators and multiple component-based systems, leading to lower efficiency and higher cost. In this review, a low-cost, more reliable, less energy-intensive, and more eco-friendly solar water purification system based on graphene-plasmonic hybrid nanocomposite has been demonstrated. Graphene-plasmonic-based hybrid nanocomposite has been utilized to achieve pure water from wastewater. Such hybrid nanocomposites have the ability to clean polluted water very efficiently due to their excellent properties such as higher surface area, low concentration, and working ability. Furthermore, the development of a solar water purification system has been achieved through optimized hybrid nanocomposites.

Background: Nanotechnology assures to be the base of the upcoming industrial revolution. The role that nanotechnology plays in electronic devices became a question of concern among the researchers when nanotechnology started to be the focal point of research programs in the developed and developing countries of the world. Nanoelectronics, formed by combining nanotechnology and electronics, deals with the handling, characterization, engineering, and manufacturing of electronic devices at the nanoscale. Method: By reducing the size of materials, their electronic properties alter, and inter-atomic interactions and quantum effects gain significant importance. The challenge lies in interpreting their electronic properties at nanoscale so that they can be exploited for use in new generation electronic devices. The need to trim downsize and have a higher component density have ushered us into an era of nanoelectronics. Results: This work presents a detailed review of nanotechnology, its approach towards nanoelectronics, classification and types of nanomaterials used in nanoelectronics, application areas of nanoelectronics and measuring instruments with characterization at nanoscale. Also, the work incorporates latest developments and patents in nanoelectronics. Conclusion: In this manuscript, the authors have reviewed different aspects of nanotechnology in the field of electronics, recent patents and related advancements.

Abstract: Nanomedicine is a branch of healthcare, which has many clinical applications. Nanoscale science has to presume an attractive slot for the research in drug delivery as nanocarriers either through active or passive targeting approaches to cell-specific drug delivery. Liposomes, solid-lipid nanoparticles, dendrimers, polymeric nanoparticles, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, nanotubes, quantum dots, and nanofibers are nanocarriers that are proven too smart a nano-based drug delivery system. The nanoparticulate system shows high stability, high specificity, high efficacy, and liability to form different dosages, used through different routes, as well as the ability to deliver hydrophobic as well as hydrophilic drugs. These nanoparticulate systems are showing wider applications to cure the disease through nanomedicines and biomedical applications viz. chemical and biological sensors, information storage systems, magneto-optic, optical devices, and fiber-optic systems. In this review article, the author describes various smart nano-based drug delivery systems along with their endocytic pathways used for the uptake of nanoparticles.