Preparation and spectral characteristics of Tm3+/Ho3+ co-doped TeO2–B2O3–BaO glass

TeO–B₂O₃–BaO glasses with different compositions were prepared by the conventional melt-quenching technique. The spectral properties of Tm³⁺/Ho³⁺ co-doped TeO–B₂O₃–BaO glasses with different doping concentrations were studied. In order to analyze the spectroscopic properties in detail, the Judd–Ofelt intensity parameters, spontaneous radiative probabilities, branching ratios, absorption and emission cross-sections, and gain coefficient spectra were calculated using Judd–Ofelt and McCumber theory based on the absorption and emission spectra. Meanwhile, the optimal doping concentration was determined as Tm₂O₃: 1.0 mol% and Ho₂O₃: 1.0 mol%. The results show that Tm³⁺/Ho³⁺ co-doped TeO–B₂O₃–BaO glass is an ideal mid-infrared laser gain medium.

TeO₂–B₂O₃–BaO glasses with different compositions and Tm³⁺/Ho³⁺ co-doped TeO₂–B₂O₃–BaO glasses with different doping concentrations were prepared and studied.     

Photothermal conversion of SiO2@Au nanoparticles mediated by surface morphology of gold cluster layer

Photothermal effects in SiO₂@Au core–shell nanoparticles have demonstrated great potential in various applications for drug delivery, thermo-photovoltaics and photothermal cancer therapy, etc. However, the photothermal conversion of SiO₂@Au nanoparticles partially covered by disconnected gold clusters has rarely been investigated systematically. Here, we control the surface morphology of gold clusters on the photothermal conversion performance of SiO₂@Au core–shell nanoparticles by means of chemically adjusting the synthesis parameters, including amounts of gold salts, pH value and reducing agent. The macroscopic variations of the photothermal heating of different nanoparticle dispersions are significantly influenced by the nanoscale differences of gold cluster morphologies on the silica core. The temperature rise can be enhanced by the strong near-field coupling and collective heating among gold clusters with a relatively uniform distribution on the silica core. A numerical model of the simplified photothermal system is formulated to interpret the physical mechanism of the experimental observation, and shows a similar trend of temperature rise implying a reasonably good agreement with experimental data. Our work opens new possibilities for manipulating the light-to-heat conversion performance of SiO₂@Au core–shell nanoparticles and potential applications of heat delivery with spatial resolution on the nanoscale.

We manipulate the surface morphology of gold clusters on SiO₂@Au nanoparticle and found that macroscopic photothermal conversions of different nanoparticle dispersions are significantly affected by nanoscale differences of gold cluster morphologies.     

A highly efficient nano-sized Cu2O/SiO2 egg-shell catalyst for C–C coupling reactions

Mesoporous SiO₂-supported Cu₂O nanoparticles as an egg-shell type catalyst were prepared by impregnation method. The obtained Cu₂O/SiO₂ egg-shell nanocatalyst had a large surface area and narrow pore size distribution. In addition, most of the Cu₂O nanoparticles, with sizes around 2.0 nm, were highly dispersed in the mesoporous silica. Accordingly, fast reactant diffusion to the active sites would occur, especially when the active metal sites are selectively located on the outer part of the support, i.e., the outer region of the egg shell. In solvent-free Sonogashira reactions for the synthesis of ynones from acyl chlorides and terminal alkynes, this catalyst exhibited a very high catalytic activity. The excellent catalytic performance can be attributed to the synergistic advantages of mesoporous structure and monodispersed Cu₂O nanoparticles.

Mesoporous SiO₂-supported Cu₂O nanoparticles as an egg-shell type catalyst were prepared by impregnation method.     

Characteristics of Ag-incorporated bioactive glasses prepared by a modified sol–gel method with a shortened synthesis time and without the use of catalysts

This work presents the preparation of bioactive glasses 70SiO₂–(26 − x)CaO–4P₂O₅–xAg₂O (with x = 0, 1, 3, 10 mol%) by a modified sol–gel method with reduced synthesis time based on hydrothermal reaction in a medium without acid or base catalysts. The synthetic materials were characterized by several physical–chemical techniques such as TG-DSC, XRD, SEM, TEM, and N₂ adsorption/desorption measurement. The analysis data confirmed that the glass sample not containing Ag has a completely amorphous structure, while glass samples containing Ag exhibited a pure phase of metallic nano-silver in the glass amorphous phase. All the synthetic glasses have mesoporous structures with particle sizes of less than 30 nm. The addition of silver to the bioactive glass structure in general did not drastically reduce the specific surface areas and pore volumes of glasses as in previous studies. The bioactivity of the silver-incorporated glasses did not reduce, and even increased in the cases of bioactive glass containing 3, and 10 mol% of Ag₂O. The biocompatibility of synthetic glasses with fibroblast cells (L-929) was confirmed, even with glass containing high amounts of Ag. Representatively, Ag-incorporated glass samples (sample x = 3, and x = 10) were selected to check the antibacterial ability using bacterial strain Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 (Pa). The obtained results indicated that these glasses exhibited good antibacterial ability to Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Thus, the synthetic method in this study proved to be a fast, environmentally friendly technique for synthesizing Ag-incorporated glass systems. The synthesized glasses show good bioactive, biocompatible, and antibacterial properties.

This work presents the preparation of bioactive glasses 70SiO₂–(26 − x)CaO–4P₂O₅–xAg₂O (with x = 0, 1, 3, 10 mol%) by a modified sol–gel method with reduced synthesis time based on hydrothermal reaction in a medium without acid or base catalysts.     

Sizing and identification of nanoparticles by a tapered fiber

There is a strong desire for sizing and identification of nanoparticles in fields of advanced nanotechnology and environmental protection. Although existing approaches can size the nanoparticles, or identify nanoparticles with different refractive indexes, a fast and simple method that combines the two functions still remains challenges. Here, we propose a versatile optical method to size and identify nanoparticles using an optical tapered fiber. By detecting reflection signals in real time, 400–600 nm SiO₂ nanoparticles can be sized and 500 nm SiO₂, PMMA, PS nanoparticles can be identified. This method requires only an optical tapered fiber, avoiding the use of elaborate nanostructures and making the device highly autonomous, flexible and compact. The demonstrated method provides a potentially powerful tool for biosensing, such as identification of nano-contaminant particles and biological pathogens.

Nanoparticles with different sizes or with different refractive index can be distinguished using an optical tapered fiber.     

One-pot green synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using Rosa canina L. extract

This study reports a green, simple, and fast method for the synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles using natural antioxidant compounds. The aqueous extract from dried rosehips (pseudofruit of Rosa canina L.) was used as a reducing and capping agent of HAuCl₄ and AgNO₃ during the noble metal colloid synthesis at room temperature and no other chemical reagent was used. The high antioxidant activity of the plant extract was proven by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assay by a spectrophotometric method. The formation of stable gold and silver nanoparticles was observed by UV-visible spectroscopy and the evolution of their characteristic surface plasmon resonance band was followed over several days. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed the formation of quasi-spherical nanoparticles with mean diameters 26 and 34 nm, for gold and silver nanoparticles, respectively; XRD revealed an FCC crystalline structure for both gold and silver NPs. The effects of concentrations of noble metal precursor and plant extract solution on the formation, stabilization and size of nanoparticles are discussed, as well as some applications of these colloids.

Gold and silver nanoparticles were synthesized at room temperature using an aqueous extract from dried rosehips acting as reducing and capping agents with no other chemicals involved.     

Elongation and plasmonic activity of embedded metal nanoparticles following heavy ion irradiation

Shape modification of embedded nanoparticles by swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation is an effective way to produce nanostructures with controlled size, shape, and orientation. In this study, randomly oriented gold nanorods embedded in SiO₂ are shown to re-orient along the ion beam direction. The degree of orientation depends on the irradiation conditions and the nanorod''s initial size. SHI irradiation was also applied to modify spherical metallic nanoparticles embedded in Al₂O₃. The results showed that they elongate due to the irradiation comparably to those embedded in SiO₂. Metallic nanostructures embedded in dielectric matrices can exhibit localized surface plasmon (LSP) modes. The elongated nanoparticles investigated by means of dark-field spectroscopy showed two discrete peaks which correspond to longitudinal and transverse modes.

Shape modification of embedded nanoparticles by swift heavy ion (SHI) irradiation is an effective way to produce nanostructures with controlled size, shape, and orientation.     

A photoelectrochemical glucose sensor based on gold nanoparticles as a mimic enzyme of glucose oxidase

This work reports the first construction of the ternary layers of ITO/PbS/SiO₂/AuNPs nanostructure for development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) glucose sensor. Herein, the thioglycolic acid-capped PbS quantum dots was employed as a PEC active probe, which is very sensitive to oxygen. The small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) were act as nanozyme (mimic enzyme of glucose oxidase) to catalytically oxidize glucose in the presence of oxygen, meanwhile consumed oxygen and then resulted in the decrease of cathodic photocurrent. The insertion layer of SiO₂ nanoparticles between PbS and AuNPs could reduce efficiently the base current due to its low electroconductivity, which improved the detection limit. The proposed PEC sensor exhibited high sensitivity and gold selectivity towards glucose. The linear response of glucose concentrations ranged from 1.0 μM to 1.0 mM with detection limit of 0.46 μM (S/N = 3). The results suggest the potential of design and development of numerous nanozyme-based PEC biosensors with the advantage of the simplicity, stability, and efficiency.

This work reports the first construction of the ternary layers of ITO/PbS/SiO₂/AuNPs nanostructure for development of photoelectrochemical (PEC) glucose sensor.     

Comparative study of aqueous solution processed ZnO/GaAs and ZnO/porous GaAs films

In this paper, we investigate the structural and photoluminescence properties of aqueous solution-processed ZnO/GaAs and ZnO/porous GaAs films. According to X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, a ZnO film deposited on porous GaAs shows a monocrystalline structure with a-axis orientation, which is desirable for light emitting applications. The results obtained from atomic force microscopy (AFM) data confirm that a porous GaAs substrate is beneficial to deposit a uniform array of ZnO nanostructures with sizes down to 12 nm and a relatively low surface roughness (2.6 nm). Under excitation wavelength λ_exc = 375 nm, ZnO/GaAs and ZnO/porous GaAs films showed emissions in most of the visible spectral region (450–750 nm). Our study reveals that changing the wavelength of the excitation UV radiation makes it possible to control the photoluminescence (PL) properties of ZnO films. Enhancement of the PL intensity was noticed in the UV and visible spectral regions when ZnO is deposited on porous GaAs, which is promising for optoelectronic device applications.

In this paper, we investigate the structural and photoluminescence properties of aqueous solution-processed ZnO/GaAs and ZnO/porous GaAs films.     

Rational design of magnetically separable core/shell Fe3O4/ZnO heterostructures for enhanced visible-light photodegradation performance

Magnetically separable core/shell Fe₃O₄/ZnO heteronanostructures (MSCSFZ) were synthesized by a facile approach, and their application for enhanced solar photodegradation of RhB was studied. The formation mechanism of MSCSFZ was proposed, in which Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles served as a template for supporting and anchoring the ZnO crystal layer as the shells. The morphology of MSCSFZ can be varied from spherical to rice seed-like structures, and the bandgap was able to be narrowed down to 2.78 eV by controlling the core–shell ratios. As a result, the MSCSFZ exhibited excellent visible-light photocatalytic activity for degradation of rhodamine B (RhB) in aqueous solution as compared to the controlled ZnO nanoparticles. Moreover, MSCSFZ could be easily detached from RhB solution and maintained its performance after 4 cycles of usage. This work provides new insights for the design of high-efficient core/shell recyclable photocatalysts with visible light photocatalytic performance.

Magnetically separable core/shell Fe₃O₄/ZnO heteronanostructures (MSCSFZ) were synthesized by a facile approach, and their application for enhanced solar photodegradation of RhB was studied.     

The synergetic effect of a structure-engineered mesoporous SiO2–ZnO composite for doxycycline adsorption

The design and synthesis of an efficient adsorbent for antibiotics-based pollutants is challenging due to the unique physicochemical properties of antibiotics. The development of a mesoporous SiO₂–ZnO composite is a novel way to achieve excellent adsorption efficiency for doxycycline hydrochloride (DOX) in aqueous solutions due to the engineered highly open mesoporous structure and the ZnO-modified framework. Unlike the traditional method of obtaining mesoporous composites by post-synthesis techniques, the novel one-step method developed in this study is both effective and environment-friendly. The adsorption mechanism based on the novel synergetic effect between SiO₂ and ZnO was demonstrated through several experiments. SiO₂ led to the creation of a 3D open framework structure that provides sufficient space and rapid transport channels for adsorption, ensuring rapid adsorption kinetics. A higher number of active sites and enhanced affinity of the contaminants are provided by ZnO, ensuring high adsorption capacity. The mesoporous SiO₂–ZnO could be easily regenerated without a significant decrease in its adsorption efficiency. These results indicate that the developed strategy afforded a simple approach for synthesizing the novel mesoporous composites, and that mesoporous SiO₂–ZnO is a possible alternative adsorbent for the removal of DOX from wastewater.

The design and synthesis of an efficient adsorbent for antibiotics-based pollutants is challenging due to the unique physicochemical properties of antibiotics.     

Effect of core–shell nanocomposites on the mechanical properties and rheological behaviors of cement pastes

SiO₂ nanoparticles (50 nm in diameter) coated with poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) were synthesized by radical polymerization. The SiO₂/PEGMA nanocomposites were characterised using FITR, ¹HNMR and TGA methods. The load of PEGMA in SiO₂/PEGMA nanocomposites was 72.9 wt%. The hydration products, microstructure, pore structure, density, compressive strengths and rheological properties of cement were investigated. The SiO₂/PEGMA nanocomposite could not only significantly improve the cement hydration and densify the microstructure by reducing the content of calcium hydroxide and promoting the production of calcium silicate hydrate, but also efficiently enhance the fluidity of the cement slurry. The compressive strength of cement with 2 wt% SiO₂/PEGMA nanocomposites was increased by 40.1% curing for 28 days, which was much better than cement with the physical blending of SiO₂ nanoparticles and superplasticizers. The SiO₂/PEGMA nanocomposites with core–shell structure novelly combine the advantages of SiO₂ nanoparticles and superplasticizers to significantly improve the performance of cement pastes. The results obtained provide a new understanding of the effect of the core–shell nanocomposites on cement pastes and demonstrate the potential of the nanocomposites for well cementing applications.

The core–shell structure endowed the SiO₂/PEGMA nanocomposite with multiple functions, which could not only significantly improve the cement hydration and densify the microstructure, but also efficiently enhance the fluidity of the cement pastes.     

Preparation of copper phthalocyanine/SiO2 composite particles through simple,green one-pot wet ball milling in the absence of organic dispersants

In order to improve the dispersibility, thermal stability and pH adaptability of organic pigments in water, submicrometer copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/SiO₂ composite particles (CPs) were prepared through a simple one-pot wet ball-milling process under acidic conditions without using any organic surfactant. In the as-obtained CPs, the surface of the CuPc particles was homogeneously decorated with SiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) through hydrogen bonding interactions. Due to the surface-attached SiO₂ NPs, the CuPc/SiO₂ CPs present a high aqueous dispersibility and a pH-dependent colloidal stability. Furthermore, both the thermal stability and color intensity of CuPc were increased by encapsulation of CuPc particles within SiO₂ NPs.

Submicrometer copper phthalocyanine (CuPc)/SiO₂ composite particles were prepared through a simple one-pot wet ball-milling process under acidic condition without using any organic surfactant.     

The synthesis of monodispersed M-CeO2/SiO2 nanoparticles and formation of UV absorption coatings with them

CeO₂/polymer nanoparticles have drawn considerable attention for their excellent UV absorption properties. However, many challenges still exist in the successful incorporation of ceria into the polymer matrix for the easy agglomeration and photocatalytic activity of CeO₂ nanoparticles. Herein, we address these issues by constructing three-layer structured nanoparticles (M-CeO₂@SiO₂) and incorporating them into a polymer matrix through a mini-emulsion polymerization process. During this process, small-sized nano-ceria became uniformly anchored on the surfaces of monodisperse silica particles first, and then the particles were coated with an MPS/SiO₂ shield. The morphology and dispersion of the nanoparticles were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The performance of the hybrid films was characterized using UV-vis absorption spectroscopy (UV-vis) and water contact angle (WCA) measurements. Results showed that the M-CeO₂@SiO₂ nanoparticles exhibited a three-layer structure with a mean diameter of 360 nm, and they possess good compatibility with acrylic monomers. After the addition of M-CeO₂@SiO₂, hybrid films exhibited enhanced UV absorption capacity as expected, accompanied by an obvious improvement in hydrophobicity (the water contact angle increased from 84.2° to 98.2°). The results showed that the hybrid films containing M-CeO₂@SiO₂ particles possess better global performance as compared with those containing no particles.

Herein, we report the synthesis of monodispersed M-CeO₂/SiO₂ nanoparticles and their use in the construction of a UV absorption coating.     

Enhanced moisture sensing properties of a nanostructured ZnO coated capacitive sensor

This work reports the enhancement in sensitivity of a simple and low-cost capacitive moisture sensor using a thin film of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on electrodes. The ZnO nanoparticles are systematically characterized using X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, BET surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and UV-visible and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The average crystallite size of the ZnO nanoparticles is ∼16 nm with a surface roughness of ∼3 nm. Blue emission in the PL spectrum confirms the presence of oxygen vacancy dipoles, which are responsible for enhancing the dielectric properties of the ZnO nanoparticles. The effect of the ZnO nanoparticles on the sensitivity of a moisture sensor cell has been studied using wheat grains with a moisture content from 7% to 25%. An enhancement in sensitivity of 36.4% at 1 MHz and 97.4% at 500 Hz has been observed. A detailed sensing mechanism is proposed and the enhancement in sensing has been explained based on the interaction of ZnO with water vapor and the dielectric behavior of the nanostructured ZnO. The present results establish ZnO as a sensing material for improving the utility of moisture sensors.

This work reports the enhancement in sensitivity of a simple and low-cost capacitive moisture sensor using a thin film of zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles on electrodes.     

Electrochemical detection of 2-nitrophenol using a heterostructure ZnO/RuO2 nanoparticle modified glassy carbon electrode

A highly selective chemisensor for 2-nitrophenol detection was fabricated using ZnO/RuO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by impregnation method. The as-synthesized NPs were characterized through UV-vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), FTIR and X-ray diffraction (XRD). A glassy carbon electrode was modified with as-synthesized ZnO/RuO₂ nanoparticles and utilized as a chemical sensor for the detection of 2-nitrophenol. The fabricated sensor exhibited excellent sensitivity (18.20 μA μM⁻¹ cm⁻²), good reproducibility, short response time (8.0 s.), the lowest detection limit (52.20 ± 2.60 pM) and long-term stability in aqueous phase without interference effects. Finally, the fabricated sensor was validated as a 2-NP probe in various environmental water samples at room conditions.

A highly selective chemisensor for 2-nitrophenol detection was fabricated using ZnO/RuO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) synthesized by impregnation method.     

UV electroluminescence emissions from high-quality ZnO/ZnMgO multiple quantum well active layer light-emitting diodes

5-period ZnO/Zn_0.9Mg_0.1O multiple quantum wells (MQWs) were employed as active layers to fabricate the p-GaN/MQWs/n-ZnO diode by molecular beam epitaxy. It exhibited an efficient UV emission around 370 nm at room temperature. Calculated band structures and carrier distributions showed that electrons were restricted to overflow to the p-type layer, and carriers were confined in the high-quality MQWs well layer.

ZnO/ZnMgO MQWs was employed as an active layer to fabricate p-GaN/MQWs/n-ZnO diode by molecular beam epitaxy. It showed sharp and efficient UV emission around 370 nm due to constraint of carriers in high-quality MQWs well layer.     

PHB/PCL fibrous membranes modified with SiO2@TiO2-based core@shell composite nanoparticles for hydrophobic and antibacterial applications

In order to prepare multifunctional fibrous membranes with hydrophobicity, antibacterial properties and UV resistance, we used silica and titanium dioxide for preparing SiO₂@TiO₂ nanoparticles (SiO₂@TiO₂ NPs) to create roughness on the fibrous membranes surfaces. The introduction of TiO₂ was used for improving UV resistance. N-Halamine precursor and silane precursor were introduced to modify SiO₂@TiO₂ NPs to synthesize SiO₂@TiO₂-based core@shell composite nanoparticles. The hydrophobic antibacterial fibrous membranes were prepared by a dip-pad process of electrospun biodegradable polyhydroxybutyrate/poly-ε-caprolactone (PHB/PCL) with the synthesized SiO₂@TiO₂-based core@shell composite nanoparticles. TEM, SEM and FT-IR were used to characterize the synthesized SiO₂@TiO₂-based core@shell composite nanoparticles and the hydrophobic antibacterial fibrous membranes. The fibrous membranes not only showed excellent hydrophobicity with an average water contact angle of 144° ± 1°, but also appreciable air permeability. The chlorinated fibrous membranes could inactivate all S. aureus and E. coli O157:H7 after 5 min and 60 min of contact, respectively. In addition, the chlorinated fibrous membranes exhibited outstanding cell compatibility with 102.1% of cell viability. Therefore, the prepared hydrophobic antibacterial degradable fibrous membranes may have great potential application for packaging materials.

Schematic illustration of the synthesis of SiO₂@TiO₂-based core@shell composite nanoparticles (top) and antibacterial hydrophobic behavior of fibrous membranes (bottom).     

Semiconductor ZnO based photosensitizer core–shell upconversion nanoparticle heterojunction for photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) as a noninvasive technique is widely used to treat cancer diseases due to its low side effects. PDT based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) improved tissue penetration and photo-stability. However, traditional photosensitizers and UCNPs were difficult to incorporate, which limited the circulation of the UCNPs in blood and decreased the PDT effect. Herein, we designed NaErF₄@ZnO UCNPs for potential application in thyroid tumor cell PDT. With ZnO coated on NaErF₄, the blue (415 nm), green (525 nm/545 nm) and red (661 nm) upconversion luminescence enhanced compared with that of NaErF₄ core nanoparticles. Particularly, the generation of UV upconversion emission by NaErF₄ sensitized ZnO, which catalyzed H₂O and O₂ to produce ROS reactive oxygen species (ROS) to induce papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) cell lines BHP 5-16. With 1000 μg mL⁻¹ of NaErF₄@ZnO UCNPs, the viability of BHP 5-16 cells decreased to about 41% as measured by CCK8 assay with 980 nm NIR irradiation. Moreover, it was confirmed that NaErF₄@ZnO UCNPs had low toxicity for BHP 5-16 cells. All these results indicated that NaErF₄@ZnO upconversion nanoparticles were an excellent platform for PDT treatment.

NaErF₄@ZnO UCNPs for potential application in thyroid tumor cell PDT.     

Dye wastewater treatment enabled by piezo-enhanced photocatalysis of single-component ZnO nanoparticles

Conventionally, composite materials are usually employed as a catalyst in piezo-photocatalytic dye wastewater treatment. Here, we report the synthesis of ZnO nanoparticles, as a single-component catalyst, by surfactant-assisted precipitation in which the size of ZnO nanoparticles (20–100 nm) can be simply controlled by the use of Tween80 as a surfactant. Although, ZnO nanoparticles exhibited appreciable photocatalytic activities for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) dye, upon the addition of a mechanical force, the photocatalytic dye degradation efficiency was substantially improved. Furthermore, we postulated that the surface properties of ZnO play an important role in charge transfer phenomena based on photoluminescence results together with functional groups on the surface of ZnO. In addition, application of single-component ZnO in piezo-promoted photocatalytic degradation of cationic and anionic dyes was accomplished. Our results regarding the behaviour of single-component ZnO nanoparticles under vibrational energy in addition to their conventional solar harvesting can provide a promising strategy for developing photocatalysts for practical wastewater treatment.

Single-component ZnO nanoparticles, synthesized by a simple synthetic method, exhibit appreciable piezo-enhanced photocatalytic activities, representing an alternative to other complex systems.