Nanostructured titania is one of the most commonly encountered constituents of nanotechnology devices for use in energy-related applications, due to its intrinsic functional properties as a semiconductor and to other favorable characteristics such as ease of production, low toxicity and chemical stability, among others. Notwithstanding this diffusion, the quest for improved understanding of the physical and chemical mechanisms governing the material properties and thus its performance in devices is still active, as testified by the large number of dedicated papers that continue to be published. In this framework, we consider and analyze here the effects of the material morphology and structure in determining the energy transport phenomena as cross-cutting properties in some of the most important nanophase titania applications in the energy field, namely photovoltaic conversion, hydrogen generation by photoelectrochemical water splitting and thermal management by nanofluids. For these applications, charge transport, light transport (or propagation) and thermal transport are limiting factors for the attainable performances, whose dependence on the material structural properties is reviewed here on its own. This work aims to fill the gap existing among the many studies dealing with the separate applications in the hope of stimulating novel cross-fertilization approaches in this research field.

Wavelength and mass resolved resonance-enhanced two photon ionization (R2PI) excitation spectra of (R)-(+)-1-phenyl-1-propanol (P_R) and its complexes with some chiral esters, i.e. methyl lactates (L_R and L_S), methyl 3-hydroxybutyrates (H_R and H_S), and methyl 2-chloropropionates (C_R and C_S), have been recorded after a supersonic molecular beam expansion and interpreted in the light of DFT calculations. The spectral features of the selected complexes were found to depend on the nature of hydrogen-bond interactions within the diasteromeric complexes, whose intensity in turn depends upon the structure and the configuration of the estereal moiety. The study further confirms resonant two-photon ionization spectroscopy, coupled with time-of-flight mass resolution (R2PI-TOF), as an excellent tool for gathering valuable information on the interactive forces in molecular clusters and for the enantiodiscrimination of chiral molecules in the gas phase.

Silicon (Si) nanowires (NWs) grown on stainless-steel substrates by Cu-catalysed Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) have been prepared to be used as anodes in lithium-ion batteries. The use of NWs can overcome the problems related to the Si volume changes occurring during lithium alloying by reducing stress relaxation and preventing material fragmentation. Moreover, since the SiNWs are grown directly on the substrate, which also acts as a current collector, an excellent electrical contact is generated between the two materials without the necessity to use additional binders or conducting additives. The electrochemical performance of the SiNWs was tested in cells using lithium metal as the anode. A large irreversible capacity was observed during the first cycle and, to a lesser extent, during the second cycle. All the subsequent cycles showed good reversibility even if the coulombic efficiency did not exceed 95%, suggesting the formation of an unstable SEI film and a continuous decomposition of the electrolyte on the silicon surface. The absence of a stable SEI film was assumed responsible for a linear capacity fade observed upon cycling. On the other hand, the electrochemical characterization performed at different values of the charging current showed that SiNWs possess an exceptionally high rate capability.

A comprehensive methodology is proposed for the quantitative analysis of microporosity in HC for SIBs anodes. SAXS coupled with the Ruland–Smarsly approach enables the detection of closed pores and accurate estimation of surface area and pore‐size distribution beyond BET limitations. Two representative materials, a petroleum‐based and a biowaste‐derived HC, were compared to correlate nanostructural features with electrochemical behavior. Complementary XRD, Raman spectroscopy, and SEM support the SAXS interpretation by revealing differences in crystallinity and morphology. The results show that sustainable biowaste‐derived carbons achieve performance comparable to commercial ones. This SAXS‐based framework provides a reproducible route to probe nanoscale disorder in carbon anodes and guides the rational design of efficient and low‐impact materials for next‐generation SIBs.

The vibrational properties of the chiral sulfoxide methyl-p-tolyl-sulfoxide (Metoso) were investigated by infrared and Raman spectroscopy in the solid, liquid and aqueous solution phases, for both the enantiopure compounds and their racemic mixture. Experimental data were complemented by DFT calculations on the isolated enantiomer and on the two RR and RS dimeric conformers to support spectral interpretation and mode assignment. The IR and Raman spectra of the crystalline enantiomer and racemic mixture are similar, indicating comparable molecular organization and intermolecular interactions in the solid state. Upon melting, band broadening and frequency shifts are observed, consistent with molecular disorder and the breaking of weak intramolecular interactions, accompanied by changes in the S-O, S-CH₃ and C-H stretching frequencies. In aqueous solution, further broadening and opposite shifts in these bands reflect the formation of Metoso-H₂O complexes through hydrogen bonds. Theoretical spectra reproduce the observed trends and confirm that either solvent or phase transitions control the balance between intra- and intermolecular interactions thus influencing the vibrational degrees of freedom of the model chiral sulfoxide.