25th Anniversary Article: Metal Oxide Particles in Materials Science: Addressing All Length Scales

Abstract

The fundamental mission of materials science is the description of matter over all length scales. In this review, we apply this concept to particle research. Based on metal oxides, we show that every size range offers its specific features, and every size range had its era, when it was in the center of the research activities. In the first part of the review, we discuss on three metal oxides as examples, how and why the research focus changed its targeted size regime from the micrometer to the nanometer scale and back to the macroscopic world. Next, we present the distinct advantages of using nanoparticles over micrometer-sized particles in selected devices and we point out how such a shift in the size regime opens up new research directions. Finally, we exemplify the methods to introduce nanoparticles into macroscopic objects to make functional ceramics.

Comprehensive Screen of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for DNA Adsorption, Fluorescence Quenching, and Anion Discrimination

“…eV). [37][38] Among these four oxides, In2O3 can adsorb DNA and quench fluorescence better than ITO. 10 We are particularly concerned about Y2O3 and ZnO, since they can efficiently adsorb DNA and are potential good candidates for anions sensing.…”

The Structural Fate of Individual Multicomponent Metal‐Oxide Nanoparticles in Polymer Nanoreactors

“…[1] In order to further expand the functionality of oxide NPs, one can integrate multiple components into these structures to create homogeneous and phase-segregated mixed oxides. By controlling the composition, crystal structure, and organization of interfaces and defects, one can control their band structure and surface chemical properties.…”

Microstructurally Composed Nanoparticle Assemblies as Electroactive Materials for Lithium-Ion Battery Electrodes

“…Given all the unique qualities and benefits of nanostructures, the synthesis and characterization of nanostructured electrode materials of various chemistries have been extensively investigated [4][5][6]. However, nanomaterials as a whole suffer from several basic limitations that restrict their performance in energy storage applications [7]. Conversely, microstructurally composed nanoparticle assemblies can potentially circumvent the thermodynamic instability, undesired side reactions, high processing costs, and potential nano-toxicity effects associated with nanoparticle usage [8][9][10].…”