Hotspots in action: near-infrared light mediated photoelectrochemical oxygen evolution on high index faceted plasmonic gold nanoarchitectures.

Photo-induced electrochemical water splitting is a fascinating approach to overcome the present energy demands as well as environmental issues. To this end, near-infrared (NIR) photocatalysts stand out as promising candidates (where 53% of the solar light is NIR light) to solve the present energy crisis but the lack of NIR-activated photocatalysts has remained a great challenge for decades. Herein, for the first time, we report the synthesis of high-index faceted plasmonic Au nano-branched 12 tip nanostars, which can absorb the whole spectral region of electromagnetic radiation (UV-vis-NIR), for efficient water splitting.

Hybridizing Plasmonic Materials with 2D-Transition Metal Dichalcogenides toward Functional Applications.

Recently, 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have become intriguing materials in the versatile field of photonics and optoelectronics because of their strong light-matter interaction that stems from the atomic layer thickness, broadband optical response, controllable optoelectronic properties, and high nonlinearity, as well as compatibility. Nevertheless, the low optical cross-section of 2D-TMDs inhibits the light-matter interaction, resulting in lower quantum yield. Therefore, hybridizing the 2D-TMDs with plasmonic nanomaterials has become one of the promising strategies to boost the optical absorption of thin 2D-TMDs.

Porous aluminum electrodes with 3D channels and zig-zag edges for efficient hydrogen evolution.

An eco-friendly electrochemical approach, including base and acid treatments, and anodization, has been developed for preparation of defect-rich porous aluminum electrodes for efficient hydrogen evolution. A small Tafel slope value of 43 mV dec-1 reveals improved reaction kinetics through the micropores, 3D channels, and zig-zag edges of the aluminum electrode. It exhibits an onset potential of 460 mV and an overpotential of 580 mV at the current density of 10 mA cm-2 due to the porous and edge structures that enhance the charge transfer and mass transport.

Graphene Oxides Show Angiogenic Properties.

Angiogenesis, a process resulting in the formation of new capillaries from the pre-existing vasculature plays vital role for the development of therapeutic approaches for cancer, atherosclerosis, wound healing, and cardiovascular diseases. In this report, the synthesis, characterization, and angiogenic properties of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) have been demonstrated, observed through several in vitro and in vivo angiogenesis assays. The results here demonstrate that the intracellular formation of reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species as well as activation of phospho-eNOS and phospho-Akt might be the plausible mechanisms for GO and rGO induced angiogenesis.