Herein, a series of N-doped carbon nanotube (CNx) samples were obtained by modifying the synthesis temperature. Consequently, the proportion of graphitic nitrogen (N_graph) in the samples was systematically increased as a function of temperature. This allowed evaluation of the role of the CNx graphitic nitrogen in the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). A correlation between the N_graph content and the ORR onset potential was observed, which shifted to more positive potentials with an increase in kinetic current density (j_k); this showed that N_graph played a significant catalytic role in the ORR. The samples with high N_graph content favored the two-electron pathway for the ORR not only in basic media (pH = 13) but also in neutral media (pH = 7), representing an attractive alternative for wastewater remediation through the on-site generation of H₂O₂. The energetic calculations showed that the formation of H₂O₂ must be favorable in the presence of graphitic nitrogen sites. Finally, the performance of the buckypaper arrangement was evaluated, and the CNx buckypaper showed a higher cathodic current peak as compared to CNx traditional ink dispersions. Overall, this study not only sheds light on the role of N_graph in the ORR, but also demonstrates that CNx buckypaper is an efficient 3D electrode for electrocatalytic applications.

High and uniform near fields are localized at the eight similar sharp corners of cubic gold nanoparticles. Moreover, by introducing concavity in the particle lateral planes, such field intensities can be further increased and tuned in the near infrared region without altering the overall size of the nanoparticles. Herein, we perform a thorough investigation of the morphological, crystallographic and plasmonic properties of concave gold nanocubes (GNCs) in the sub-70 nm size range, for their potential application as highly efficient SERS substrates in size-limiting cases. Theoretical calculations indicate that the highest increment of the near-field is located at the eight sharp tips and, interestingly, a medium near-field increment is also activated over the volume next to the concave surface. Remarkably, the plasmonic response of the concave cubic morphology showed great sensitivity to the concavity degree. Experimental SERS analysis nicely matches the outcome of the theoretical model, confirming that medium-sized concave GNCs (35 nm side length) possess the highest SERS activity upon excitation with a 633 nm laser, whereas larger 61 nm side concave GNCs dominate the optical response at 785 nm. Due to their size-intensity trade off, we envision that such small concave gold nanocubes can provide a highly active and efficient SERS platform for size-limiting applications, especially when near infrared excitations are required.

Water contamination is a worldwide concerning problem. Emerging contaminants have made conventional water treatment processes ineffective. This makes the search for new materials with improved physical-chemical properties for water treatment an urgent necessity. Doping metal oxides nanostructures can improve the photocatalytic degradation of contaminants and the antimicrobial activity of the material. During this process, water treatment not only involves the degradation of toxic pollutants, but also the elimination of virus and bacteria. Then, it is important to study not only the effect of a dopant in a material as photocatalyst but also the effect in its antimicrobial properties. In this work ZnO nanorods, Ga doped ZnO nanorods and Ag doped ZnO nanorods are synthesized and supported in polyethylene by a fast-hydrothermal microwave heating synthesis. Their photocatalytic performance and antimicrobial properties for water treatment were evaluated. Experiments show that Ag and Ga can improve the photocatalytic and antimicrobial properties of ZnO nanorods; the relationship between doping concentrations, with both the toxicity effect of the nanorods toward bacteria and the nanorods photocatalytic performance, is shown.

Low concentrations of hazardous gases are difficult to detect with common gas sensors. Using semiconductor nanostructures as a sensor element is an alternative. Single ZnO nanowire gas sensor devices were fabricated by manipulation and connection of a single nanowire into a four-electrode aluminum probe in situ in a dual-beam scanning electron microscope-focused ion beam with a manipulator and a gas injection system in/column. The electrical response of the manufactured devices shows response times up to 29 s for a 121 ppm of H₂ pulse, with a variation in the nanowire resistance appreciable at room temperature and at 373.15 K of approximately 8% and 14% respectively, showing that ZnO nanowires are good candidates to detect low concentrations of H₂.