Seznam abstraktů 2025: SEKCE B - PRŮMYSLOVÉ A ENVIROMENTÁLNÍ APLIKACE NANOMATERIÁLŮ

Water contamination remains one of the most pressing global challenges of the 21st century. Despite the availability of various treatment technologies, their selectivity often falls short, leading to inefficient removal of specific pollutants. Cyclodextrins (CDs), a class of supramolecular compounds known for their unique host-guest chemistry, offer a promising solution. Their ability to selectively encapsulate target contaminants while discriminating against other water matrix constituents makes them highly attractive for advanced water treatment applications.
Building on this concept, our research has explored the potential of cyclodextrin-based materials (CDMs) integrated with reactive components to develop hybrid systems capable of both selective adsorption and degradation of pollutants. In 2020, we demonstrated that β-cyclodextrin-modified nano zero-valent iron (nZVI) could selectively enhance the reductive transformation of contaminants, using 4-nitrophenol as a model compound. This study validated the hypothesis that CD-functionalized nZVI improves reaction selectivity, paving the way for further advancements.
To increase the material’s stability and reactivity, we subsequently designed a polymer network incorporating nZVI, which not only enhanced selectivity but also prolonged the material’s lifetime. This next-generation hybrid system successfully reduced sulfamethoxazole—an antibiotic known for its persistence in aquatic environments. A detailed investigation into the reduction mechanism and the toxicity of transformation products further confirmed the material’s efficacy and safety.
Building upon these findings, we synthesized carboxymethyl-β-cyclodextrin-functionalized nZVI, identified as the most promising candidate for future research. This novel hybrid material exhibited exceptional selectivity and efficiency in the adsorption and removal of perfluorinated compounds, a class of highly persistent pollutants of significant environmental concern. This is the first report of low-temperature reduction of perfluorooctanoate anion by iron-based compounds.
Looking ahead, our work will continue to harness the vast potential of supramolecular chemistry to design next-generation cyclodextrin-based hybrid materials. By fine-tuning host-guest interactions and incorporating reactive functionalities, we aim to develop highly selective and efficient systems for the targeted degradation of persistent organic pollutants from contaminated water sources.

Electrocatalytic water splitting offers a sustainable and efficient pathway for producing high-purity hydrogen, yet its practical implementation is often limited by the sluggish kinetics of the oxygen evolution reaction (OER). To address this challenge, the development of highly active, cost-effective, and durable electrocatalysts based on earth-abundant transition metals is essential. In this study, we present a strategy for enhancing OER performance by coordinating transition metal ions onto functionalized carbon-based nanostructures. The resulting electrocatalyst exhibits excellent OER activity in alkaline media, characterized by a low overpotential at industrially relevant current densities and a small Tafel slope—outperforming many state-of-the-art catalysts reported to date. When applied in a two-electrode water splitting system, the catalyst demonstrates outstanding long-term operational stability and low cell voltage requirements, maintaining efficient hydrogen and oxygen production over extended periods. This work highlights a promising design approach for advancing the next generation of transition metal-based electrocatalysts for scalable and sustainable water electrolysis.

Antibiotic resistance is a critical global health threat, with the World Health Organization warning of a looming crisis as common infections become increasingly untreatable. An estimated 4.95 million deaths annually are linked to antibiotic-resistant pathogens, and projections suggest that effective antibiotics could be exhausted by 2050. This underscores the urgent need for alternative antimicrobial strategies. This study presents a novel, metal-free, light-activated antimicrobial coating based on nitrogen-doped graphene acid (NGA), a graphene derivative with excellent chemical stability and colloidal properties. Embedded in a polyvinyl alcohol matrix cross-linked with 1,4-boronic acid, the resulting carbon-polymer composite exhibits both photothermal and photodynamic activity under near-infrared (NIR) light. Upon NIR irradiation, the coating generates localized heat and reactive oxygen species (ROS), effectively neutralizing a wide range of bacterial and viral pathogens. It shows strong efficacy against clinically relevant strains such as Staphylococcus aureus and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, while maintaining performance over multiple cycles and exhibiting no cytotoxicity to skin cells. Additional benefits include strong adhesion and wettability. Compared to existing coatings, the NGA-based system offers superior biocompatibility, reusability, and environmental safety. This is a great example of a fully metal-free, NIR-activatable antimicrobial coating with proven antibacterial and antiviral capabilities. Its potential applications span wound care, medical devices, and public health surfaces, offering a promising tool in combating antimicrobial resistance.

Electrospinning has emerged as a versatile and scalable technique for the fabrication of nanostructured membranes with unique morphological and functional properties. This method enables the production of micro and nanofibers membranes from a wide range of biopolymers, including polycaprolactone (PCL), polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHA), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), chitosan, and alginate, either as single materials or blended systems. The high surface area-to-volume ratio and tunable porosity of electrospun membranes make them ideal candidates for advanced applications requiring controlled permeability, bioactivity, and mechanical performance. Functionalization strategies, such as the incorporation of nanoparticles (TiO2, MgO, ZnO), allow for enhanced antimicrobial, photocatalytic, and mechanical properties. Moreover, the encapsulation of natural extracts or photosensitisers within the fibrous matrix enables multifunctional behaviours, such as localized photodynamic therapy and controlled release of bioactive compounds. These electrospun biopolymer-based membranes have demonstrated significant potential across diverse application areas. In environmental engineering, they are being explored as high-efficiency filters for wastewater treatment and air purification systems, including protective face masks. In the biomedical field, their tunable biodegradability, non-toxicity, and capacity for bioactive loading make them suitable for wound dressings, localised drug delivery systems, hernia protection meshes, and other tissue-engineering applications. Ongoing research focuses on optimising fibre morphology, interfacial interactions with nanoparticles, and production methods, aiming to meet the demands of next-generation sustainable and multifunctional materials. Electrospinning thus stands out as a key technology for developing innovative biopolymer-based fibrous structures tailored for high-performance and eco-friendly solutions.

Electrospun poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) nanofibers were functionalized with copper (Cu) nanostructures synthesized in dimethylformamide (DMF) via a reflux-assisted process. To suppress Cu nanostructure oxidation and ensure stability, 5% PVDF was introduced during the synthesis. The final spinning solutions were prepared with 13% PVDF dissolved in a mixture of DMF/acetone (1:1). As a result of this approach, controlled tuning of Cu content in the final fibers was reached. Optical characterization (UV-Vis and fluorescence) confirmed the successful formation of Cu nanostructures, while scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed uniform fiber morphology with improved fineness upon Cu nanostructure incorporation. Results of X-ray diffraction (XRD) gave evidence of β-phase PVDF content as well as provided peaks of crystalline Cu, suggesting nanostructure-induced nucleation. FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared absorption) spectroscopy confirmed that β-phase proportion remained relatively unchanged. On the contrary, dielectric characterization demonstrated a significant augmentation in permittivity with Cu content increase, attributed mainly to interfacial polarization and space-charge effects.
Beyond improved dielectric response, the integration of Cu nanostructures into PVDF holds strong promise for multifunctional applications, where the inherent piezoelectricity of PVDF can be exploited for biosensing and stimulation, while Cu nanostructures impart antibacterial functionality and optical sensing. Therefore, these multifunctional fibers represent a versatile platform for next-generation wearable sensors, wound-healing scaffolds, and antimicrobial piezoelectric devices.

Hernia repair is one of the most common surgical procedures worldwide, with more than 20 million hernia surgeries worldwide every year. Fibrous mesh structures are used in most repair procedures, aiming to reinforce tissue and support the hernia treatment process. However, commercial hernia meshes continues to present challenges, including inflammation, infection, and poor tissue integration. The development of multifunctional, bioresorbable, and biocompatible meshes is being studied to offer new possibilities to hernia repair and to improve patient outcomes.
This study explores the combination of 3D printing and electrospinning for the development of new hybrid hernia meshes. This preliminary approach combines a polylactic acid (PLA) 3D-printed architecture with an auto-adherent electrospun nanofibrous layer based on the biopolymer Chitosan (Ch). PLA was selected for its mechanical stability, biodegradability, and ease of processing, providing a robust structural scaffold suitable for preliminary approaches. Ch nanofibers offer excellent biocompatibility, antimicrobial properties, and a biomimetic interface that supports cellular adhesion and tissue integration. The hybrid architecture can balance mechanical strength and biological performance, ensuring adequate support during healing while promoting regeneration.
The innovative scaffolds were characterized to evaluate their structural, thermal, and mechanical properties, besides their morphology and antibacterial activity. This dual-fabrication strategy can be a versatile platform for next-generation hernia meshes with tunable features tailored to clinical needs. Future work will involve in vitro biocompatibility and cytotoxicity evaluation, and the functionalization of the Ch formulation to further enhance regenerative performance.

The formation of bacterial biofilms is one of the key factor of chronic infections. Furthermore, the global crisis of antibiotic resistance requires the searching for novel alternative therapeutic approaches in this regard. Metallic nanoparticles combined with catalytically active metal ions are of particular interest, as they exhibit unique unknown effects opening up new possibilities in therapeutic applications (for example: anti-cancer, anti-oxidant and antimicrobial strategies).
In this study facile and eco-friendly synthesis of Ag nanoparticles using tannic acid (TA) as reducing and stabilizing agent was carried out. Then, Fe(III) or Cu(II) ions were coordinated with TA modifying the metallic surface of the resulting nanoparticles and forming novel metal-organic hybrid nanostructures (Ag@TA_Fe(III) and Ag@TA_Cu(II), respectively). Firstly, materials were characterized in terms of their stability by UV-ViS spectroscopy, while hydrodynamic diameters, and Zeta potential was analyzed by DLS method. TEM analysis provided insights into the morphology and precise diameter of the particles. Then, antibacterial activity was tested in vitro on two selected Gram-(-) and Gram-(+) bacteria strains (E. coli, B. paramycoides). Additionally, a comparative study on the catalytic activity of the synthesized materials was carried out involving antioxidant activity and •OH generation.
Presented herein preliminary results are promising and envision various potential applications in biomedical sector. However, further research is needed, in particular, in terms of more precise investigation focused on the explanation of catalytic and biological activities (i.e., redox reactivity, antibacterial mode of action, cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo).
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS: This work was supported from the subsidy of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education for the AGH University in Kraków (Project No 16.16.160.557, B-506, Teresa Matlak) and the National Science Center project OPUS-22 (2021/43/B/ST4/02833).

"Chemical synthesis with light", commonly known as photo(redox) catalysis, has experienced a resurgence in synthetic chemistry and has become a valuable tool for synthesizing high-value chemicals in both academic and industrial settings. In this lecture, I will explore the design and development of photoredox catalytic systems that efficiently harness,1 effectively transduce,2 regulate,3 or completely transfer4 the energy of visible-light photons for synthetic transformations. These systems facilitate the activation of very stable chemical bonds or the simultaneous activation of two chemical bonds for synthetic transformations, enabling, in some cases, the insertion of a heteroarene into carbon-heteroatom bonds.
Furthermore, I will discuss the applications of visible-light photoredox catalysis for general C(sp2)-(hetero)atom cross-coupling reactions involving nickel and visible light. The adaptive and dynamic nature of the catalytic system referred to as AD-HoC allows for the straightforward categorization of various classes of nucleophiles in cross-coupling reactions.5 This adaptability has been synthetically demonstrated in nine distinct bond-forming reactions, including C(sp2)-S, Se, N, P, B, O, C(sp3, sp2, sp), Si, and Cl bonds, with hundreds of synthetic examples produced under predictable reaction conditions. The catalytic reaction centre(s) and conditions differ from one another by the added nucleophile, or if required, a commercially available, inexpensive amine base.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS: Financial support from the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation) under grant TRR 325-444632635 is gratefully acknowledged.
REFERENCES: [1] I. Ghosh, T. Ghosh, J.I. Bardagi, B. König, Science 346 (2014) 725-728; [2] I. Ghosh, R.S. Shaikh, B. König, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 56 (2017) 8544-8549; [3] I. Ghosh, B. König, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 55 (2016) 7676-7679; [4] I. Ghosh, J. Khamrai, A. Savateev, N. Shlapakov, M. Antonietti, B. König, Science 365 (2019) 360-366; [5] I. Ghosh, N. Shlapakov, T.A. Karl, J. Düker, M. Nikitin, J.V. Burykina, V.P. Ananikov, B. König, Nature 619 (2023) 87-93.

Platinum group metals such as Pt, Ru, Pd, Ir, etc., have superior performance for various catalytic applications [1]. However, due to their scarcity, efforts were being made to reduce the mass/load or even replace them with other metals. Some colloidal approaches are very suitable for the synthesis of noble metals in various sizes and shapes [2]. Using polar protic media, e.g. alcohols, ammonia, or water, it is possible to develop a direct micelle approach to produce Pd nanoparticles (NPs) located inside the micelles, that is, surrounded by hydrophobic parts of surfactant. The Pd growth is controlled by a stabilizer through its chemical adsorption to hydrophobic metallic surface [3]. In this case, the morphology of the Pd NPs can be controlled with greater freedom [4,5], making this technique particularly promising. Using a direct micelle approach, nanoclusters of Pd can grow into Pd NPs with a certain shape by controlling the relative growth rates of different facets. The overall redistribution of the growth kinetics of different facets can be altered by the change in the surface energy of a certain facet. The free energy of a facet can be affected through the selective chemical adsorption between the metallic surface and negatively charged species (so-called “capping agent”). Thus, the final shape of Pd NP is determined by the facet on which crystal growth has the lowest rate. Pd NPs can be used as a model system to study the interactions between H2 and specific Pd surfaces [6]. Electrochemical means have been demonstrated to be one of the best options to study these interplays, however for electrocatalytic applications, it is important to choose the right substrates. Carbon papers and titania nanotube layers decorated with noble metals including Pd proved to be highly efficient in electrocatalysis [7,8].
In the present work Pd NPs were uniformly loaded on Vulcan carbon powder (~20wt.%) for the electrochemical hydrogen cycling. By post-mortem characterizations it was revealed that their shape and size remained very stable after all electrochemical experiments. Pd NPs with sizes ranging from 15 to 34 nm and shape of nanocubes (NCs) were synthesized by a direct micelle approach. They were characterized in detail by a whole range of analytical techniques [9]. Hydrogen sorption capacity in the Pd NCs, with the H:Pd molar ratio increasing from 0.55 to 0.68 as the particles size increased from 5 to 20 nm [10].
A range of Pd nanoobjects in the form of regular NCs, concave NCs and octahedrons with average size of approximately 19 nm were synthesized too [11]. Their interactions with H atoms were investigated via electrochemical means to quantify the H absorption properties and the HER/HOR kinetics dependency on the particle size and shape. Our findings not only provide an effective approach to understanding the catalytic performance of Pd NPs but also demonstrate their great future potential in large-scale clean H2 generation technologies.
REFERENCES: [1] Huang, Z. F. et al. Adv. Energy Mat. 7 (2017) 1700544; [2] Semagina, N., et al., App. Catal. A: General, 280 (2005) 141-147; [3] Saldan, I., et al. J Mat. Sci. 50 (2015) 2337; [4] Lim, B., et al. Adv. Funct. Mater. 19 (2009) 189; [5] Zhang, H., et al. Acc. Chem. Res. 46 (2013) 1783; [6] Li, G., et al. Nature Mat. 13 (2014) 802; [7] Bawab, B. & Macak, J. M., et al., Electrochim. Acta 429 (2022) 141044; [8] Bawab, B. & Macak, J. M., et al., Chem. Eng. Journal 482 (2024) 148959; [9] Saldan, I., Moumaneix, L., Umer, M., et al. Small 19 (2025) 2408788; [10] Viola, A., Saldan, I., Ngoipala, A. et al. In preparation; [11] Saldan, I., Schott, C., Gubanova, E., et al. In preparation.

Nitriles are an abundant class of compounds that are widely used as versatile feedstocks to produce various chemicals including pharmaceuticals, and agrochemicals as well as materials. We report Ni-catalyzed reductive hydrolysis of nitriles to alcohols in the presence of molecular hydrogen. This conversion likely occurs in a domino reaction sequence that first involves the hydrogenation of nitrile to primary imine, then the hydrolysis of imine, and subsequent deamination to the aldehyde, which is finally hydrogenated to the desired alcohol. Crucial for this reductive hydrolysis process is the commercially available triphos-ligated Ni-complex that enables highly efficient and selective transformation of aromatic, heterocyclic, and aliphatic nitriles including fatty nitriles to prepare functionalized primary alcohols. Further, the synthetic applicability of this Ni-based protocol is presented for the selective conversion of nitrile to alcoholic group in structurally diverse and complex drug molecules as well as agrochemicals. The resulting products, alcohols are indispensable chemicals commonly used in organic synthesis and life sciences as well as material and energy technologies.

The sustainable conversion of biomass-derived platform chemicals into high-value products is a key challenge in green chemistry and an essential component of a circular economy. 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) is a versatile biobased intermediate that can be selectively oxidized to 2,5-diformylfuran (DFF), a valuable precursor for bioplastics, pharmaceuticals, and fine chemicals. Achieving high selectivity and efficiency in HMF oxidation using non-noble metal catalysts remains challenging. In this work, we report an iron-based single-atom catalyst supported on nitrogen-doped graphene acid (FeNGA) that mimics enzyme-like behavior to enable highly efficient and selective HMF oxidation under mild conditions. FeNGA was synthesized via fluorographite exfoliation, nitrogen doping, oxidation, and Fe(III) coordination, and characterized using X-ray absorption spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and electron microscopy to confirm atomic dispersion and iron oxidation states. The catalyst achieved complete HMF conversion with approximately 93% selectivity toward DFF. Mechanistic studies reveal a redox cycling pathway involving Fe³⁺/Fe²⁺ species, which synergistically interact with the nitrogen-doped graphene acid support to stabilize active sites and promote efficient oxygen activation. FeNGA exhibits superior turnover frequency compared to previously reported non-noble metal catalysts and maintains excellent reusability over multiple cycles without aggregation or deactivation. These results demonstrate that FeNGA is a highly promising candidate for sustainable, large-scale biomass valorization, offering an effective strategy for the green production of biobased chemicals.

Liquid Organic Hydrogen Carriers (LOHCs) such as methanol (12.6% H₂ content) represent an attractive platform for sustainable hydrogen storage, yet challenges arise from its endothermal dehydrogenation (63 kJ/mol) and the risk of CO/CO₂ contamination. Our work focuses on transition-metal-catalyzed (de)hydrogenation and transfer hydrogenation strategies to overcome these limitations. We have established Cp*Ir(III)/bipyridonate systems as efficient catalysts for methanol dehydrogenation via a β-hydride transfer pathway (22.5 kcal/mol), with mechanistic insights revealing spectroscopic detection of transient hydride species and a pH-dependent reversible interconversion between two iridium-hydride states. The catalyst show wide substrate scope in ketone transfer hydrogenation and enable chemoselective reduction of α,β-unsaturated ketones at room temperature, supported by kinetic and isotope effect studies. Building on this, our recent work explores base-metal alternatives, including mechanistic elucidation of Cp*Co(III)-catalyzed quinoline transfer hydrogenation coupled with formic acid dehydrogenation. Furthermore, we demonstrate the design of novel nanocobalt-embedded 3D-COF heterogeneous catalyst, offering recyclability, enhanced chemoselectivity, and applicability in nitroarene reduction with potential for late-stage functionalization of drug-like molecules. Together, these studies advance both the mechanistic understanding and practical implementation of sustainable hydrogen storage and utilization strategies.
References: (1) Tetrahedron Green Chem., 2024, 3, 100043 (2) ACS Catalysis 2024, 14, 23, 17556-17570 (3) Coord. Chem. Rev. 2021, 433, 213728 (4) Langmuir 2024, 40, 72-83 (5) Appl. Organometal. Chem. 2018, 32, e4357

Dynamic heat storage and release in clothing is essential for maintaining thermal balance and ensuring the comfort, safety, and well-being of individuals in various environmental conditions. By effectively managing heat transfer between the body and the environment, clothing helps support the body's natural thermoregulatory mechanisms and enhances overall comfort and performance. Hence, this study aims to investigate how Phase Change Material (PCM) filled core-sheath staple fibers in ring-spun polyester yarn influences thermoregulation and heat storing properties of the resulting fabric. This study also involves investigating various levels of PCM staple fibers mass percentage (5%, 10%, 15% and 30%) within the fabric to determine the optimal amount that maximizes fabric's ability to regulate body temperature by absorbing, storing, and releasing heat as needed. The results show that fabrics contain fibers filled with PCM exhibits altered temperature profiles compared to fabrics without PCM, with potential delays in both heating and cooling phases due to the absorption and release of heat by the PCM materials. The findings show that the addition of PCM fibers to some extent up to15% to the fabric leads to a progressive decrease in the rate of heat absorption and release and temperature rise or reduction. Fabric with 15% PCM fibers content exhibits several desirable thermal properties including lowest thermal conductivity, highest thermal resistance, thermal effusivity and Far Infrared (FIR) Emissivity among all other fabrics. Fabric with 15% PCM fiber content yields a higher output than fabric with 30% PCM fiber content, despite having lower PCM content. In addition, the fabric results were validated by developing composite plates with different concentrations of PCM-filled staple fibers. Like fabric, composites with 15% PCM-filled staple fibers exhibited the lowest rate of heat absorption and heat loss, making them ideal for cold environments. Overall, this study has the potential to advance our knowledge of thermal regulation in winter clothing, leading to the development of next-generation fabrics with improved performance, comfort, and sustainability.

For nearly two decades nanomaterials were viewed as the top end of innovation and investment. In the early days of nanotechnology development we have seen billions invested by companies and governments alike. The nature of investing into and commercialising of a horizontal technology made us face some difficulties as well as opened up some amazing avenues for development. Newly coined term “advanced materials” is now growing in use and is following the footsteps of nanomaterials - or does it? We examine a wealth of knowledge in the field of commercialisation of nanomaterials and advanced materials.

Drawing on the canonical TAM-TOE (Technology Acceptance Model-Technology Organization Environment) framework of technology adoption, we aim to propose a comprehensive list of factors affecting nanotechnologies acceptance and industrial application at firm level. Despite substantial existing conceptualization and empirical evidence on intra-firm factors of technology acceptance, two groups of antecendent factors are underexplored: i. individual-level sociodemographic, contextual and socio-cultural factors that affect decisions of particular managers and ii. regional-level factors, including the technological, organizational and geographic proximity that constrain and enable various paths of industrial path development and also dominant barriers of innovation collaboration at regional level. Individual, firm and regional level factors will be integrated into a single explanatory framework of nanotechnologies industrial application.

This study examines the rheological and thermal properties of polylactic acid (PLA)-based biocomposites reinforced with three types of lignocellulosic fillers: bamboo, pine, and cork. Pure PLA was tested as a reference. The filaments underwent a standardised preparation process involving grinding into granules, drying to remove moisture, remelting, and then being injection moulded into uniform, disc-shaped specimens.
The study primarily focused on evaluating melt-state rheological behaviour using a rotational rheometer at 210 °C. Frequency sweeps were performed to determine key viscoelastic parameters, such as storage modulus, complex viscosity, and phase angle. To gain further insight into molecular organisation and filler-matrix interactions, the data were analysed using Cole-Cole and van Gurp-Palmen diagrams. These graphical tools enabled the identification of relaxation dynamics, network formation, and compatibility effects induced by different fillers.
Complementary thermal analysis techniques were employed to evaluate thermal transitions and decomposition behaviour, including differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis. The fillers were shown to influence crystallisation kinetics; pine exhibited the most pronounced nucleating effect, and cork enhanced both rheological structuring and thermal stability.
Overall, these results demonstrate that the type of lignocellulosic filler plays a critical role in defining the structural and functional characteristics of the filled PLA. This work contributes developing environmentally sustainable materials for thermoplastic processing and additive manufacturing applications.

All-inorganic cesium lead iodide (CsPbI₃) quantum dots (QDs) are emerging as promising candidates for high-performance photovoltaics. This is attributed to their optimal bandgap (~1.75 eV), high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), intrinsic defect tolerance, solution processability, and ability to maintain the desirable black perovskite phase at room temperature. In this study, CsPbI₃ QDs were synthesized via the hot injection method, yielding well-dispersed nanocrystals, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction confirmed the single-phase character of the product and its perovskite structure. Optical characterizations, including absorption spectra, photoluminescence, and PLQY measurements, reveal strong red emission with high quantum efficiency, highlighting their potential in light-harvesting applications. Despite limited long-term stability, these initial results demonstrate the promising optoelectronic properties of CsPbI₃ QDs, providing a baseline for future optimization and stabilization efforts.

In this work, we present a novel two-dimensional conductive metal-organic framework (MOF) as a high-performance anode material for potassium-ion batteries (PIBs). Unlike conventional bismuth-based materials such as Bi-BDC and Bi-BTC, which suffer from poor electrical conductivity and limited rate performance, Bi-HHTP leverages a π-conjugated HHTP ligand framework that provides intrinsic conductivity and structural robustness. Structural analysis confirmed the successful formation of the Bi-HHTP framework, and electrochemical testing in 4M KFSI/DME electrolyte revealed superior performance metrics. Cyclic voltammetry confirmed a reversible alloying reaction between Bi and K⁺, and galvanostatic charge-discharge tests demonstrated an initial discharge capacity of 1500 mAh/g at 50 mA/g. The material retained 600 mAh/g at a high current density of 1 A/g and exhibited excellent long-term cycling stability over 1400 cycles. In contrast to bulk Bi powder, which showed rapid capacity fading, the 2D Bi-HHTP structure effectively buffered volume changes and maintained structural integrity throughout extended cycling. Our findings pave the way for the rational design of multifunctional MOFs for next-generation energy storage systems.

Two-dimensional (2D) layered double hydroxides (LDH) have gained significant attention as electrode material due to their high electrochemical redox activity, high theoretical capacitance, tunable micro-structure, as their interlayer anions can adjust their layered structure and functionality through ion exchange, making them ideal for supercapacitor (SC) applications. However, their poor conductivity, and low stability results in poor rate capability, which remains a significant bottleneck for SC applications. In order to overcome these issues, we developed the strong interfacial interactions between the 2D nickel manganese LDH and functionalized graphene containing carboxylic groups (LDH-FG), taking place at the atomically thin interfaces. As a result, the 2D LDH-FG heterostructure exhibited 41 and 51 % improved capacitance compared with the pristine 2D LDH and when hybridized with non-functionalized graphene, respectively in a three-electrode open cell using 3 M KOH aqueous electrolyte. Furthermore, the assembled hybrid supercapacitor (HSC) full cell device using LDH-FG as a positive electrode and porous carbon as a negative electrode, allowed to achieve the voltage window upto 1.6 V in aqueous electrolyte. The HSC device exhibited exceptionally high gravimetric (64.7 Wh/kg at 0.5 kW/kg) and volumetric energy densities (70.7 Wh/L at 0.54 kW/L) with long term cycling stability (90% capacitance retention after 9000 cycles). The combined superior gravimetric and volumetric characteristics outperformed the state-of-the-art advanced electrode materials. These advancements in 2D LDH materials with improved structural and electrochemical properties could significantly enhance supercapacitor performance, leading to dramatic improvements in sustainable energy storage technology.