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    Item type:Publication,
    Revolutionizing corrosion protection: MXenes as next-generation materials for sustainable and high-performance solutions
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-01)
    Ehsan Vafa
    ;
    Reza Bazarganlari
    ;
    Hengameh Honarkar
    ;
    Lobat Tayebi
    ;
    Peyman Asadi
    Corrosion is a pervasive problem that has spurred the development of innovative materials and technologies aimed at mitigating its impact across industries worldwide. MXenes, a rapidly growing family of 2D transition metal carbides, nitrides, and carbonitrides, have emerged as promising candidates for corrosion protection due to their exceptional properties, including high surface area, mechanical strength, electrical conductivity, and tunable surface chemistry. This review highlights the diverse applications of MXenes in corrosion science, particularly their use as corrosion-resistant coatings, inhibitors, and sensors. We emphasize the key properties, such as barrier performance, electrochemical activity, and the ability to form protective layers, that make MXenes highly effective in combating corrosion. Specific applications, including their role in composite coatings, self-healing systems, and multifunctional inhibitors in both acidic and alkaline environments, are discussed. Additionally, the potential in electrochemical corrosion monitoring and the mitigation of specific corrosion types, such as pitting and high-temperature corrosion, were explored. While these applications demonstrate promising performance, further research is needed to address challenges related to stability, scalability, and environmental impact. This review provides a comprehensive overview of current MXene-based corrosion protection technologies, aiming to inspire further innovation and advance the practical application of MXenes in addressing one of the most significant challenges in materials science today.
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    A comprehensive review on MXene nanostructures for biosensing, imaging, and therapeutic systems
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-02)
    Ali Mohammad Amani
    ;
    Ehsan Vafa
    ;
    Maryam Mirzae
    ;
    Milad Abbasi
    ;
    Ahmad Vaez
    Because of their exceptional electrical, mechanical, dimensional, chemical, and magnetic characteristics, MXenes have attracted an abundance of interest in scholarly study lately. According to recent developments and discoveries, MXene, a multilayered compound with a two-dimensional (2D) framework, has a lot greater promise for use in bioengineering and medical research than other nanosystems. These uses encompass medical procedures, administering medications, biosensor technologies, incorporation, antimicrobial agents, and biological imaging. MXenes are very attractive prospects for therapeutic, diagnostic, and theranostic use because of their distinctive features, which include their substantial conductivity to electricity, magnetic luminescence, wide extent of coverage, excellent biocompatibility, and low toxicological profile. Modifications to the MXene surfaces are biocompatible and serve a variety of purposes, such as directing ligands to certain locations for preferred aggregation, which makes them suitable for use in particular applications. A description of the properties, changes, and synthesis techniques of MXene nanostructures is presented in this work. The practical applications of MXene-derived nanostructures in biomedical fields are also thoroughly evaluated in this study, with an emphasis on implants, biosensing, biological imaging, antibacterial activities, and versatile therapeutic systems. The potential opportunities and difficulties related to the use of MXenes throughout the field of biological medicine are also covered in this paper.
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    Advances in green synthesis of nanoparticles for biomedical applications: Antimicrobial, antiviral, and cancer therapies
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-03) ;
    Elham Khalili
    ;
    Tayebeh Khademi
    ;
    Ali Yuzir
    ;
    Mohammad Mahdi Taheri
    Green synthesis of nanoparticles (NPs) has garnered a considerable amount of attention lately due to its low production expenses, simplicity of manufacturing, safety, and environmental friendliness. It is a dependable method for creating a variety of nanostructures from fungal, plant, and bacterial extracts as well as hybrid materials, including metal salts. A viable and sustainable substitute for traditional synthesis methods is the green synthesis of NPs. According to recent research, NPs have very promising antiviral and antimicrobial capabilities. This article highlights the progress made in the green method for manufacturing NPs utilizing natural substances, including fruit juices, plant extracts, and other pertinent sources. A thorough understanding of these NPs' anticancer, antiviral, and antimicrobial abilities was presented. Numerous opportunities are presented by these NPs to combat potentially fatal viral and other antimicrobial diseases. This review provides readers with a grasp of the latest data and a variety of tactics for designing and developing advanced green nanomaterials using a more environmentally friendly approach. A summary is provided of the present difficulties, critical analysis, and prospects for the green synthesis of NPs as well as the potential for their innovative and successful investigation for biomedical applications.
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    Enhancing RhB photocatalytic degradation with ZnO/Sb2MoO6 Z-scheme photocatalyst: Evaluation of performance and mechanism
    (Elsevier BV, 2026-04) ;
    Tayebeh Khademi
    ;
    Shreeshivadasan Chelliapan
    ;
    Mohammad Yusuf
    ;
    Saravanan Rajendran
    Integrating semiconductors to improve light absorption and promote efficient charge-carrier separation is widely regarded as a promising strategy for enhancing photocatalytic performance. Nevertheless, designing heterostructures that simultaneously possess optimal optical characteristics and favorable interfacial energy alignments remains a significant challenge. In this study, a Z-scheme ZnO/Sb₂MoO₆ photocatalyst was successfully fabricated via an efficient hydrothermal synthesis method and employed for photocatalytic RhB degradation for the first time. The XRD results confirmed the successful synthesis of pure bare ZnO, Sb2MoO6, and the ZnO/Sb2MoO6 composite, as evidenced by the characteristic peaks corresponding to these semiconductor materials. UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed that the nanocomposite exhibits a broader absorption range, suggesting its potential application as a visible-light-driven photocatalyst. Additionally, the composite demonstrated a smaller radius in the EIS Nyquist plot, a stronger photocurrent response, and a weaker PL emission intensity, all of which indicate reduced charge transfer resistance and more efficient separation of charge carriers. The ZnO/Sb2MoO6 composite demonstrated significantly enhanced and reliable photocatalytic degradation performance compared to individual ZnO and Sb2MoO6. Under optimal conditions (photocatalyst dosage: 1 g L-1, dye concentration: 5 mg L-1, and pH = 9), the composite achieved a degradation rate constant of 589.3 × 10–4 min-1 for RhB. The Z-scheme heterostructure enhances light absorption, effectively suppresses charge-carrier recombination, and enables the spatial separation of oxidation and reduction sites. Additionally, it preserves an optimal alignment of the valence and conduction bands, thereby sustaining the photocatalyst's robust redox activity. This study introduces an easy approach to developing photocatalysts by creating direct Z-scheme electron transfer pathways, enabling highly effective water purification.
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    Effect of Bioactive Glass on PXDDA - PXDDA-co-PLA Nanocomposite for Hard Tissue Reconstruction: Synthesis and Characterization
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-05)
    Ehsan Vafa
    ;
    Lobat Tayebi
    ;
    Fatemeh Azizli
    ;
    Somayeh Parham
    ;
    Katayoon Rezaeeparto
    Newer bone graft materials face various challenges in achieving optimal mechanical strength, bioactivity, and antibacterial action simultaneously, which can result in suboptimal regeneration outcomes and increased infection risks In the present study, we developed a novel nanocomposite of poly (xylitol- co -dodecanedioic acid) (PXDDA) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA) with 1–10 wt% incorporation of bioactive glass (BG), utilizing a a PXDDA-co-PLA compatibilizer for maintaining homogeneity. Extensive characterization techniques including, Fourier infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Brunauere Emmette Teller (BET), Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (1H NMR) and contact angle measurements, revealed that the addition of BG imparted a microporous, rough surface morphology (with a contact angle of 55–60°), ideal for cell attachment. Mechanical testing demonstrated a significant enhancement with 10 wt% BG, increasing tensile strength by approximately 120 % while reducing elongation. In vitro bioactivity tests indicated that hydroxyapatite deposition depended on BG concentration, reaching a maximum of 96.7 % surface coverage at 10 wt% BG. Antibacterial action against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli confirmed substantial inhibition (approximately 85 % decrease), with saturation occurring at 7 wt% BG. With tunable mechanical properties, enhanced biomineralization, and intrinsic antibacterial capacity, this nanocomposite overcomes the significant limitations of existing bone grafts, providing a clinically viable load-bearing alternative.
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    Ethylenediamine diacetate- and 2-aminopyridine-catalyzed metal-free synthesis of pyran-annulated heterocyclic systems via a domino Knoevenagel–Michael cyclocondensation reaction: an environmentally responsible approach
    (Springer Science and Business Media LLC, 2025-12-03)
    Farzaneh Mohamadpour
    ;
    Ali Mohammad Amani
    ;
    ;
    Saravanan Rajendran
    This study created safe and easy methods to make 2-amino-4H-chromene scaffolds and pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffolds that are safe for the environment. The process uses a special chemical reaction called a domino Knoevenagel-Michael cyclocondensation reaction. Ethylenediamine diacetate (EDDA) is a cost-effective and inexpensive catalyst for the preparation of 2-amino-4H-chromene scaffolds and pyrano[2,3-d]pyrimidine scaffolds. The reaction happens at room temperature under solvent-free conditions. This process uses ideas from green chemistry. This study also presents a convenient method to create 2-amino-4H-chromene scaffolds. The strategy uses 2-aminopyridine, which is a cheap and recoverable catalyst, to help accelerate a reaction while refluxing in ethanol. The current method has many great benefits that support eco-friendly and sustainable chemistry. The 2-aminopyridine was stable enough to be reused four times in a row without losing its performance. The reactions finish faster and produce good-to-high results. These eco-friendly methods use safe chemicals. There is no need to use column chromatography to separate the mixture. These ways are cheap and simple to do. They put all the steps together in one pot, which makes them easier to use and better for the environment, which helps them fulfill industry demands.
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    Efficient charge transfer in rheum ribes waste-derived biochar-supported Bi2MoO6 nanocomposites for visible-light-driven photocatalytic degradation of antibiotics
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-11)
    Fatemeh Khezri Shooshtari
    ;
    Mohammad Sina Mohtaram
    ;
    Pegah Roohparvarzadeh
    ;
    Mohammad Mahdi Zerafat
    ;
    The sustainable removal of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants from aqueous systems has become a critical environmental challenge, demanding the development of efficient and reusable photocatalysts. Herein, a novel Rheum ribes waste-derived biochar supported Bi2MoO6 (Bi2MoO6/BC) nanocomposite was synthesized and systematically evaluated for visible-light-driven tetracycline (TC) degradation. Structural and morphological analyses (XRD, FTIR, SEM, TEM, and EDX mapping) confirmed the successful anchoring of ultrathin Bi2MoO6 nanosheets onto a porous conductive biochar matrix, providing abundant surface-active sites. Optical and electrochemical characterizations (UV–Vis DRS, PL, EIS, and photocurrent) demonstrated enhanced visible-light absorption, narrowed band gap, quenched photoluminescence, lower charge-transfer resistance, and higher photocurrent density, all indicative of efficient charge separation. RSM optimization using Design-Expert revealed catalyst dosage, initial concentration, and solution pH as decisive parameters, with optimal conditions (1 g L−1, 20 ppm, pH = 6) yielding degradation efficiencies above 95 %. Radical trapping experiments confirmed •O₂− as the dominant species, with •OH and h+ also contributing, and the synergistic mechanism featuring rapid electron transfer to biochar and the subsequent production of reactive radicals ultimately enabled the complete degradation of TC into CO₂ and H₂O.
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    Enhancement of mechanical properties in ethylene propylene diene monomer/natural rubber nanocomposites through Ti3C2TX reinforcement and EPDM-g-MAH compatibilization
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-08)
    Ali Mohammad Amani
    ;
    Lobat Tayebi
    ;
    Katayoon Rezaeeparto
    ;
    Somayeh Parham
    ;
    Mohammad Javad Azizli
    This research explores elastomeric nanocomposites consisting of ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber/natural rubber (NR/EPDM) in various ratios (100:0, 80:20, 60:40, 40:60, 20:80, and 0:100 phr). The study incorporates EPDM grafted maleic anhydride (EPDM-g-MAH) as a compatibilizer, along with different quantities of Ti3C2TX reinforcement (1, 3, 5, 7, and 10 phr). To assess the dispersion and morphology of Ti₃C₂TX reinforcement in the NR/EPDM matrix, this study employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). These analyses revealed that, in the presence of EPDM-g-MAH, higher Ti3C2TX concentrations led to rougher fracture surfaces in the samples, indicating the excellent dispersion of Ti3C2TX in the NR/EPDM matrix. The investigation of mechanical and rheological properties demonstrated significant enhancements with increasing Ti3C2TX concentration in conjunction with EPDM-g-MAH. The study further explored the relationships between the nanocomposites' morphology and their theoretical and experimental mechanical properties through Mori-Tanaka analysis and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA), respectively. These analyses revealed a strong correlation between theory and experimentation. The mechanical behavior of the composites exhibited notable improvements in tensile strength, hardness, modulus, elongation at break, and fatigue strength with the addition of Ti3C2TX, particularly in the presence of EPDM-g-MAH. Ultimately, our findings highlight the compatibility between theoretical analyses and experimental outcomes, validating the efficacy of Ti3C2TX incorporation in enhancing the properties of nanocomposites.
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    Optical characterization of NiO nanoparticle-decorated single-walled carbon nanotubes synthesized via ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel method
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-09)
    Seyedeh Maryam Banihashemian
    ;
    ;
    Shahabaldin Rezania
    ;
    Daniel Simancas-Racines
    ;
    Saravanan Rajendran
    The decoration of carbon nanotubes with metal oxide nanoparticles has been employed to enhance their intrinsic properties and expand their applicability across various technological fields. This study investigated the functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by treating them with a 3:2 mixture of sulfuric acid and nitric acid, which introduces oxygen-containing functional groups to enhance their dispersibility and reactivity. Nickel oxide nanoparticles (NiONPs) were synthesized and integrated onto the functionalized SWCNTs using an ultrasonic-assisted sol-gel technique, allowing uniform distribution. Then, the NiONP/SWCNT composite was evaluated for thermal stability and elemental composition via thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Both field emission scanning electron microscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy confirmed the successful decoration of NiONPs (particle size <20 nm, mean value of 7.87 ± 3.02 nm) on the SWCNTs. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy revealed characteristic peaks corresponding to NiO at 644 cm−1 as IR-active modes induced by NiO–SWCNT and Raman spectroscopy further verified the chemical bonding between NiONPs and SWCNTs. This shows shifts in the radial breathing mode and G bands of SWCNTs, indicative of strong interfacial chemical interactions. Optical analysis demonstrated that the NiO-SWCNT nanocomposite exhibited a reduced band gap compared to pure NiO nanoparticles but a broader band gap than intermediate-phase SWCNT configurations. In addition, UV–Vis spectroscopy identified a prominent absorption peak within the 600–800 nm wavelength range, aligning with the near-infrared (NIR) spectral region. This enhanced NIR absorption suggests improved light-capturing efficiency, which could significantly benefit applications in photocatalysis and optoelectronics.
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    Item type:Publication,
    MXenes in tissue engineering and regenerative medicine: Advances, challenges, and future perspectives
    (Elsevier BV, 2025-10)
    Ali Mohammad Amani
    ;
    Lobat Tayebi
    ;
    Ehsan Vafa
    ;
    Mohammad Javad Azizli
    ;
    Milad Abbasi
    The appealing charm of two-dimensional (2D) materials has sparked a wave of innovation across diverse scientific domains, particularly in the realm of biomedical and therapeutic applications. Among these remarkable materials, MXenes stand out as transition metal nitrides and carbides endowed with extraordinary properties. Boasting low toxicity, expansive surface area, antibacterial prowess, biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, and impressive electrical conductivity, MXenes hold immense promise for a myriad of biomedical applications from bioimaging to cancer therapy and beyond. Despite their vast potential, challenges persist in ensuring controlled drug release, stability in physiological milieus, and biodegradability. By harnessing the transformative power of nanomedicine, meticulously crafted MXene ultra-thin nanosheets emerge as versatile inorganic nanosystems primed for diverse biomedical roles. Positioned as optimal candidates for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, MXenes mark a new age of healthcare innovation. This article delves into the latest strides made in leveraging 2D MXenes for cutting-edge regenerative medicine and tissue engineering applications while shedding light on the formidable obstacles and promising future vistas awaiting exploration with these extraordinary materials.