In the present study, novel conjugated lignin/chitosan nanoparticles (LCNPs) were synthesized by a first-time simple green methodology using interfacial co-assembly between both biopolymers. The physicochemical (ζ-potential, size, concentration of surface acidic/basic groups), structural (surface functional groups), and morphological characteristics of the blank and quercetin-encapsulated (Q-LCNPs) nanoparticles were analyzed by the Boehm method, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The experimentally determined encapsulation capacity was satisfactory—95.75%. The in vitro quercetin release efficiency in acidic solution that simulated the gastric microenvironment was 21.9%, followed by 68.5% and 99.8% cumulative release efficiency in simulated intestinal media at pH 7.4 and 6.8, respectively. The satisfactory applicability of the Weibull and sigmoidal mathematical models towards the experimental in vitro release data was indicative of the remarkable roles of diffusion and relaxation mechanisms.

This study reports the successful fabrication and characterization of two-dimensional (2D) vertical heterostructures composed of a semiconducting molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) layer stacked with semimetallic platinum dichalcogenides (PtSe₂ and PtTe₂). The heterostructures were created using a versatile fabrication method that combines chemical vapor deposition (CVD) to grow high-quality MoS₂ nanolayers with thermally assisted conversion (TAC) for the synthesis of the Pt-based layers. The final MoS₂/PtSe₂ and MoS₂/PtTe₂ heterostructures were then assembled via a dry transfer process, ensuring high structural integrity. The quality and properties of these heterostructures were investigated using a range of advanced spectroscopic techniques. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of characteristic vibrational modes for each material, validating successful formation. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis further confirmed the elemental composition and oxidation states, though it also revealed the presence of elemental Pt⁰ and oxidized Te⁺⁴ in the PtTe₂ layer, suggesting an incomplete conversion. Importantly, the photoluminescence (PL) spectra showed a significant quenching effect, a clear sign of strong interlayer charge transfer, which is essential for optoelectronic applications. Finally, UV-Vis-NIR spectrophotometry demonstrated the combined optical properties of the stacked layers, with the Pt-based layers causing broadening and a blue-shift in the MoS₂ exciton peaks, indicating altered electronic and optical behavior. This research provides valuable insights into the synthesis and fundamental properties of MoS₂/PtX₂ heterostructures, highlighting their potential for next-generation electronic and optoelectronic devices.

Hybrid conductive materials have attracted increasing attention due to their combined electrical conductivity, mechanical flexibility, and sustainability. In this work, new hybrid materials based on polyaniline (PANI)-wrapped multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and microfibrous cellulosic substrates were developed and assessed for photocatalytic degradation of a model dye pollutant. First, in situ oxidative polymerization of aniline in formic acid (FA) was conducted in the presence of MWCNTs to afford stable dispersions of carboxylated polyaniline-wrapped carbon nanotubes (c-PANI/MWCNTs). Next, the dispersions were used for affordable impregnation of microfibrous cellulosic filter paper. The influence of the initiator type—potassium peroxodisulfate (KPS) and hydrogen peroxide—on polymer–nanotube interactions, stabilization and surface deposition was emphasized. The structural, surface, morphological and thermal properties of the obtained dispersions and cellulose nanocomposites were systematically investigated using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and thermal gravimetric analysis. The results revealed strong interfacial interactions between c-PANI and the pristine MWCNTs, resulting in improved dispersion stability and effective and even surface deposition of the conductive c-PANI/MWCNT hybrids into the cellulose fiber mesh. The photocatalytic degradation of 5 ppm methylene blue (MB) dye in the presence of the developed nanocomposite materials under UV-A illumination was studied. The results showed that the c-PANI@MWCNT-impregnated cellulose substrates exhibited enhanced photocatalytic ability (up to 83% degree of degradation of MB dye) in comparison with the pure c-PANI.