Cheng Yang

Bio: Cheng Yang is an academic researcher from Chinese Academy of Sciences. The author has contributed to research in topics: Nanopore & Organic solar cell. The author has an hindex of 10, co-authored 22 publications receiving 276 citations. Previous affiliations of Cheng Yang include Anhui Normal University.

A Cu@Au Nanoparticle-Based Colorimetric Competition Assay for the Detection of Sulfide Anion and Cysteine

Abstract: As an extension of our previous work, which described the unique ability of the core/shell Cu@Au nanoparticle (NP) to selectively recognize iodide,(1) herein, we wish to report the development of an alternatively sensitive and selective colorimetric detection for sulfide anion and cysteine based upon the Cu@Au NP by a competition avenue. In the absence of sulfide anion or cysteine, iodide can induce an appreciable color change of the Cu@Au NP solution from purple to red by transforming the clusters of NP to single, nearly spherical, and larger ones. However, the transformation is severely interfered by the presence of sulfide or cysteine because of a higher binding strength of the S–Au bond than the I–Au one. As a result, the clear purple-to-red color change induced by iodide is affected as a correlation with the concentration of sulfide or cysteine. By taking advantage of this fact, we can detect a concentration of 3 μM for sulfide and 0.4 μM for cysteine with the naked eye or 0.3 μM (10 ppb) for sulfide...

Nanopore-based Strategy for Selective Detection of Single Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA) Molecules

Abstract: Nanopores have become one of the most important tools for single-molecule sensing, but the challenge for selective detection of specific biomolecules still exists. In this contribution, we develop ...

Selective Single Molecule Nanopore Sensing of microRNA Using PNA Functionalized Magnetic Core-Shell Fe3O4-Au Nanoparticles.

Abstract: Solid-state nanopores have been employed as useful tools for single molecule analysis due to their advantages of easy fabrication and controllable diameter, but selectivity is always a big concern for complicated samples. In this work, functionalized magnetic core-shell Fe3O4-Au nanoparticles, which acted as a molecular carrier, were introduced into nanopore electrochemical system for microRNA sensing in complicated samples with high sensitivity, selectivity and signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). This strategy is based on the specific affinity between neutral peptide nucleic acids (PNA)-modified Fe3O4-Au nanoparticles and negative miRNA, and the formation of negative Fe3O4-Au-PNA-miRNA complex, which can pass through the nanopore by application of a positive potential and eliminate neutral Fe3O4-Au-PNA complex. To detect miRNA in complicated samples, a magnet has been used to separate Fe3O4-Au-PNA-miRNA complex with good selectivity. We think this is a facile and effective method for the detection of different targets at single molecular level, including nucleic acids, proteins, and other small molecules, which will open up a new approach in the nanopore sensing field.

Facile Synthesis of Defect-Modified Thin-Layered and Porous g-C3N4 with Synergetic Improvement for Photocatalytic H2 Production.

Abstract: Modulating and optimizing the diverse parameters of photocatalysts synergistically as well as exerting these advantages fully in photocatalytic reactions are crucial for the sufficient utilization of solar energy but still face various challenges. Herein, a novel and facile urea- and KOH-assisted thermal polymerization (UKATP) strategy is first developed for the preparation of defect-modified thin-layered and porous g-C3N4 (DTLP-CN), wherein the thickness of g-C3N4 was dramatically decreased, and cyano groups, nitrogen vacancies, and mesopores were simultaneously introduced into g-C3N4. Importantly, the roles of thickness, pores, and defects can be targetedly modulated and optimized by changing the mass ratio of urea, KOH, and melamine. This can remarkably increase the specific area, improve the light-harvesting capability, and enhance separation efficiency of photoexcited charge carriers, strengthening the mass transfer in g-C3N4. Consequently, the photocatalytic hydrogen evolution efficiency of the DTLP-CN (1.557 mmol h-1 g-1, λ > 420 nm) was significantly improved more than 48.5 times with the highest average apparent quantum yield (AQY) of 18.5% and reached as high as 0.82% at 500 nm. This work provides an effective strategy for synergistically regulating the properties of g-C3N4, and opens a new horizon to design g-C3N4-based catalysts for highly efficient solar-energy conversion.

The application of perovskite materials in solar water splitting

Abstract: Solar water splitting is a promising strategy for sustainable production of renewable hydrogen, and solving the crisis of energy and environment in the world. However, large-scale application of this method is hampered by the efficiency and the expense of the solar water splitting systems. Searching for non-toxic, low-cost, efficient and stable photocatalysts is an important way for solar water splitting. Due to the simplicity of structure and the flexibility of composition, perovskite based photocatalysts have recently attracted widespread attention for application in solar water splitting. In this review, the recent developments of perovskite based photocatalysts for water splitting are summarized. An introduction including the structures and properties of perovskite materials, and the fundamentals of solar water splitting is first provided. Then, it specifically focuses on the strategies for designing and modulating perovskite materials to improve their photocatalytic performance for solar water splitting. The current challenges and perspectives of perovskite materials in solar water splitting are also reviewed. The aim of this review is to summarize recent findings and developments of perovskite based photocatalysts and provide some useful guidance for the future research on the design and development of highly efficient perovskite based photocatalysts and the relevant systems for water splitting.

Solid-state nanopore sensors

Abstract: Nanopore-based sensors have established themselves as a prominent tool for solution-based, single-molecule analysis of the key building blocks of life, including nucleic acids, proteins, glycans and a large pool of biomolecules that have an essential role in life and healthcare. The predominant molecular readout method is based on measuring the temporal fluctuations in the ionic current through the pore. Recent advances in materials science and surface chemistries have not only enabled more robust and sensitive devices but also facilitated alternative detection modalities based on field-effect transistors, quantum tunnelling and optical methods such as fluorescence and plasmonic sensing. In this Review, we discuss recent advances in nanopore fabrication and sensing strategies that endow nanopores not only with sensitivity but also with selectivity and high throughput, and highlight some of the challenges that still need to be addressed. Nanopore sensors enable the solution-based analysis of nucleic acids, proteins and other biomolecules at the single-molecule level. This Review discusses new fabrication and sensing strategies — including field-effect transistors, quantum tunnelling and optical methods — that enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of nanopores.

Advances in the Application of Magnetic Nanoparticles for Sensing.

Abstract: Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are of high significance in sensing as they provide viable solutions to the enduring challenges related to lower detection limits and nonspecific effects. The rapid expansion in the applications of MNPs creates a need to overview the current state of the field of MNPs for sensing applications. In this review, the trends and concepts in the literature are critically appraised in terms of the opportunities and limitations of MNPs used for the most advanced sensing applications. The latest progress in MNP sensor technologies is overviewed with a focus on MNP structures and properties, as well as the strategies of incorporating these MNPs into devices. By looking at recent synthetic advancements, and the key challenges that face nanoparticle-based sensors, this review aims to outline how to design, synthesize, and use MNPs to make the most effective and sensitive sensors.

Selective Detection of Iodide and Cyanide Anions Using Gold-Nanoparticle-Based Fluorescent Probes

Abstract: We developed two simple, rapid, and cost-effective fluorescent nanosensors, both featuring bovine serum albumin labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC))-capped gold nanoparticles (FITC–BSA–Au NPs), for the selective sensing of cyanide (CN–) and iodine (I–) ions in high-salinity solutions and edible salt samples. During the preparation of FITC–BSA–Au NP probes, when AuNPs were introduced to the mixture containing FITC and BSA, the unconjugated FITC and FITC-labeled BSA (FITC–BSA) adsorbed to the particles’ surfaces. These probes operated on a basic principle that I– and CN– deposited on the surfaces of the Au NPs or the etching of Au NPs induced the release of FITC molecules or FITC–BSA into the solution, and thus restored the florescence of FITC. We employed FITC–BSA to protect the Au NPs from significant aggregation in high-salinity solutions. In the presence of masking agents such as S2O82–/Pb2+, FITC–BSA–Au NPs facilitated the selective detection of CN– (by at least 150-fold in comparison with o...

Enhanced and Balanced Charge Transport Boosting Ternary Solar Cells Over 17% Efficiency

Abstract: Ternary architecture is one of the most effective strategies to boost the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic solar cells (OSCs). Here, an OSC with a ternary architecture featuring a highly crystalline molecular donor DRTB-T-C4 as a third component to the host binary system consisting of a polymer donor PM6 and a nonfullerene acceptor Y6 is reported. The third component is used to achieve enhanced and balanced charge transport, contributing to an improved fill factor (FF) of 0.813 and yielding an impressive PCE of 17.13%. The heterojunctions are designed using so-called pinning energies to promote exciton separation and reduce recombination loss. In addition, the preferential location of DRTB-T-C4 at the interface between PM6 and Y6 plays an important role in optimizing the morphology of the active layer.

Selective Colorimetric Detection of Hydrogen Sulfide Based on Primary Amine-Active Ester Cross-Linking of Gold Nanoparticles.

Abstract: Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is a highly toxic environmental pollutant and also an important gaseous transmitter. Therefore, selective detection of H2S is very important, and visual detection of it with the naked eye is preferred in practical applications. In this study, thiolated azido derivates and active esters functionalized gold nanoparticles (AE-AuNPs)-based nanosensors have been successfully prepared for H2S perception. The sensing principle consists of two steps: first, H2S reduces the azide group to a primary amine; second, a cross-linking reaction between the primary amine and active ester induces the aggregation of AuNPs. The AE-AuNPs-based nanosensors show high selectivity toward H2S over other anions and thiols due to the specific azide–H2S chemistry. Under optimal conditions, 0.2 μM H2S is detectable using a UV–vis spectrophotometer, and 4 μM H2S can be easily detected by the naked eye. In addition, the practical application of the designed nanosensors was evaluated with lake water samples.