Professor Raju Kumar Gupta, Advisory Board Member

Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur

Dr. Raju Kumar Gupta is currently a Professor at the Department of Chemical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, India. Prof. Gupta’s research group has made important contributions to the area of sustainable materials, green synthesis, nanostructured materials for wastewater treatment and energy storage applications. His current research interests are Photocatalysis for wastewater remediation and CO₂ capture & conversion to fuels, Desalination, Perovskite solar cells, Recycling of spent batteries and Energy storage devices based on batteries. Prof. Gupta has been recipient of several fellowships and awards for his outstanding career in academic and research fields. Some of the fellowships and awards include DST Inspire Faculty Award 2013, IEI Young Engineer Award (2014-15), Young Scientist Award (2014-15), P. K. Kelkar Young Faculty Research Fellowship 2018, Distinguished Young Alumnus Awards 2021, PK Kelkar Young Faculty Fellowship 2022 and Fellowship of the Royal Society of Chemistry (FRSC) 2022. He has authored more than 140 research articles in international journals, 7 patents, 3 edited books, 18 book chapters, guest edited special issues for several international journals, and his work has been cited more than 11500 times. Prof. Gupta is an editorial board member of several international journals, as well as a member of scientific bodies. Some of his significant appointments include Founding Editor for Elsevier journal ‘Sustainable Chemistry One World’; Associate Editor for Elsevier journal ‘Solar Energy’; Editorial Board member for Nature Research journal ‘Scientific Reports’, Wiley journals ‘IET Nanodielectrics’ & ‘Journal of Polymer Science’, Elsevier journals ‘Current Opinion in Green and Sustainable Chemistry’ & ‘Materials Today Sustainability’; Editorial Advisory Board member for ACS journal ‘Environmental Science & Technology Water’, Wiley journal ‘Energy Technology’, Royal Society of Chemistry journals ‘Nanoscale Horizons’, ‘Reaction Chemistry & Engineering’ and ‘Molecular Systems Design & Engineering’.

Nanoscale Horizons provides a versatile platform for applying nanoscale research in multidisciplinary backgrounds such as nanomaterials, photonics, energy, biomedical, environment and others. Being on the Advisory Board for Nanoscale Horizons makes me enthusiastic about pushing the boundaries of multidisciplinary nanoscale research for societal benefits and working with global researchers who are motivated to apply nanoscale research to solve the existing challenges in the world through scientific innovations.

2) What do you think of Nanoscale Horizons as a place to publish impactful nanoscience and nanotechnology research?

Nanoscale Horizons is dedicated to publishing impactful science and engineering for real-life applications. It becomes obvious by the Journal’s guidelines for highlighting new concepts developed or breakthroughs and how they differ from the existing research following future implications in the field of nanotechnology research. Furthermore, a range of publication formats, including communications, reviews, minireviews, focus articles, and comments followed by cover art, provides a thorough opportunity to contribute to the scientific community. The Journal publishes scientific breakthroughs in emerging topics and disseminates and acknowledges the exceptional publications that make the researchers and research stand out in nanoscience and nanotechnology research.

See some of Raju’s work here: 

An activated carbon fiber supported Fe2O3@ bismuth carbonate heterojunction for enhanced visible light degradation of emerging pharmaceutical pollutants

Prasenjit Kar, Komal Shukla, Pratyush Jain and Raju Kumar Gupta

React. Chem. Eng., 2021,6, 2029-2041

Yikai Xu, Community Board member

East China University of Science and Technology

Dr. Yikai Xu is a tenure-track professor at East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST). Before this he was a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at Queen’s University Belfast (QUB). He obtained his BSc at ECUST and completed his PhD studies at QUB with Prof Steven E. J. Bell. He was the recipient of the 2019 Kathleen Lonsdale Royal Irish Academy Prize and is also recognized as an “Emerging Investigator” by the Journal of Materials Chemistry C and Analyst published by the Royal Society of Chemistry. He currently acts as an Associate Editor for Carbon Capture Science & Technology, a Community Board Member for Nanoscale Horizons and an Early Career Editor Board Member for Nano Materials Science. Dr Xu has co-authored 42 peer-reviewed articles in leading international journals, including Nat. Protoc., Chem, Nat. Commun., JACS Au, Angew. Chem., Nano Lett., Acc. Chem. Res., Chem. Soc. Rev. His research has received +4200 citations, H-index 21 per Google Scholar.

Dr Xu’s research group is currently focused on studying surface chemistry processes taking place on noble metal nanomaterials using mainly SERS. This entails the development of novel colloidal nanoparticles, their assemblies and polymeric hybrids with strong plasmonic properties and accessible surfaces. This allows the materials to act as both the enhancing substrate and the model material for operando SERS studies in catalysis and bioprocesses alike.

I have been a Community Board member since 2019, being a part of the Nanoscale Horizons Community Board has meant a great deal to me. Being part of the board has many perks. It not only has been a great learning experience for me but also a huge career boost. The Community Board has also been a platform for me to meet peers and extend my professional network. However, my favorite part of the experience has been the valuable insight that I have been able to gain into academic publishing, from the early stages of setting up a journal to growing its brand.

2)What do you think of Nanoscale Horizons as a place to publish impactful nanoscience and nanotechnology research?

During my time as a board member, I have seen the journal’s reputation grow tremendously in the nano community and particularly in my area of research. When I started as a board member in 2019, there was only 1 publication related to SERS published in Nanoscale Horizons, now in 2025 this number has grown to 55! Undoubtedly this number will only continue to grow, and I look forward to continuing to participate in the growth of our journal in the future.

See some of Yikai Xu’s work here: 

Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy: a half-century historical perspective

Jun Yi, En-Ming You, Ren Hu, De-Yin Wu, Guo-Kun Liu, Zhi-Lin Yang, Hua Zhang, Yu Gu, Yao-Hui Wang, Xiang Wang, Hao Ma, Yang Yang, Jun-Yang Liu, Feng Ru Fan, Chao Zhan, Jing-Hua Tian, Yu Qiao, Hailong Wang, Si-Heng Luo, Zhao-Dong Meng, Bing-Wei Mao, Jian-Feng Li, Bin Ren, Javier Aizpurua, Vartkess Ara Apkarian, Philip N Bartlett, Jeremy Baumberg, Steven EJ Bell, Alexandre G Brolo, Louis E Brus, Jaebum Choo, Li Cui, Volker Deckert, Katrin F Domke, Zhen-Chao Dong, Sai Duan, Karen Faulds, Renee Frontiera, Naomi Halas, Christy Haynes, Tamitake Itoh, Janina Kneipp, Katrin Kneipp, Eric C Le Ru, Zhi-Peng Li, Xing Yi Ling, Jacek Lipkowski, Luis M Liz-Marzán, Jwa-Min Nam, Shuming Nie, Peter Nordlander, Yukihiro Ozaki, Rajapandiyan Panneerselvam, Jürgen Popp, Andrea E Russell, Sebastian Schlücker, Yang Tian, Lianming Tong, Hongxing Xu, Yikai Xu, Liangbao Yang, Jianlin Yao, Jin Zhang, Yang Zhang, Yao Zhang, Bing Zhao, Renato Zenobi, George C Schatz, Duncan Graham, Zhong-Qun Tian

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2025, 54, 1453-1551

Yuan Fang, Community Board Member

Soochow University

Yuan Fang is a Professor at the Institute of Functional Nano & Soft Materials (FUNSOM) at Soochow University. She obtained her M.S. degree (2013) from Concordia University (advisor: Professor Louis Cuccia) and then received her Ph.D. degree (2017) from KU Leuven (advisor: Professor Steven De Feyter). She then pursued postdoctoral research at McGill University with Professor Dmytro Perepichka. Recognized for her exceptional research contributions, Dr. Fang was awarded the prestigious Alice Wilson Award by the Royal Society of Canada in 2019, underscoring her impact in the field. Her research focuses on supramolecular chemistry and the development of novel covalent organic frameworks (COFs), particularly in surface-confined systems. With a strong emphasis on chirality, she explores chiral self-assembly at surfaces, designs chiral COFs and chiral polymers. Beyond fundamental studies, her research is expanding toward the advancement of thin-film electronics and the next generation of bio-inspired functional materials, aiming to bridge nature’s principles with cutting-edge nanotechnology.

As a researcher in nanoscience, I find Nanoscale Horizons particularly valuable for its interdisciplinary approach, bringing together insights from chemistry, materials science, and physics to foster innovation. Beyond its strong reputation for publishing groundbreaking work, the journal’s commitment to rapid dissemination ensures that transformative discoveries reach the scientific community in a timely manner, accelerating progress across fields from materials science to nanomedicine. Over the past decade, Nanoscale Horizons has established itself as a leading platform for cutting-edge research, and I look forward to seeing how it continues shaping the future of our field.

2)    Where do you see the nanoscience field in the next 10 years?

Everyone may foresee different opportunities for nanoscience, depending on their perspective. From my viewpoint, the next decade will likely bring major breakthroughs in precision-controlled synthesis, allowing atomic-scale engineering of 2D materials, covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and quantum dots with unprecedented control over defects and interfaces. This will enable next-generation energy storage and conversion technologies, such as all-solid-state batteries and highly efficient electrocatalysts for hydrogen production. We will also see significant advances in nanoscale characterization, particularly with in situ and operando techniques that provide real-time insights into dynamic nanoscale processes. High-resolution scanning probe microscopy and cryo-electron microscopy will push our understanding of quantum materials and interfacial chemistry to new levels. A key frontier will be nanoscience-driven quantum technologies. Materials such as moiré superlattices and twisted bilayers will further explore the ‘magic angle’ effect, leading to tunable superconductors and quantum transistors. Chirality-induced spin selectivity (CISS) is another emerging area that could revolutionize spintronics and molecular electronics. Another exciting direction is biomimetic nanoscience, where nature-inspired designs guide the development of advanced functional materials. For example, Bio-inspired nanorobotics, drawing from molecular motors and cellular processes, could enable autonomous nanoscale systems with applications in catalysis, sensing, and soft robotics. The next decade will be defined by deeper control at the atomic scale and the integration of nanoscale discoveries into real-world technologies.

See some of Yuan Fang ‘s work here: 

Improving diacetylene photopolymerization in monolayers and ultrathin films

Jie Ji, Yao Li, Sven Bernaerts, Kunal S Mali, Rui Ding, Hongzhen Lin, Louis A Cuccia, Steven De Feyter, Oleksandr Ivasenko, Lifeng Chi, Yuan Fang

Nanoscale, 2025,17, 11434-11440

Qianqian Shi, Community Board Member

University of Newcastle

Qianqian Shi received her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering under the supervision of Prof. Wenlong Cheng from the Faculty of Engineering at Monash University in April 2018. In January 2020, she was awarded the ARC Discovery Early Career Researcher Award (DECRA) Fellowship. In 2021, she received the Dean’s Award for Excellence in Research by a Research Fellow at Monash University. In 2024, she joined the Discipline of Chemistry in the School of Environmental and Life Sciences at the University of Newcastle as a Lecturer. Her research focuses on the design and fabrication of functional plasmonic nanomaterials for many fields including biology, photocatalysis, artificial leaves, and the development of ultrathin wearable devices. She has published more than 40 peer-reviewed research papers in leading materials science, physics, and chemistry journals, including Nature Nanotechnology, Advanced Materials, Advanced Functional Materials, Nature Communications, ACS Nano, Materials Horizons, Advanced Materials Technologies, Nano Energy, Advanced Materials Interfaces, ACS Photonics, and The Journal of Physical Chemistry C, among others. She has also contributed to two book chapters. Her work has received more than 2,800 citations, with an H-index of 27 (Google Scholar).

My research interests lie in the design, fabrication, and application of ultrathin, flexible 2D plasmonic nanomaterials, spanning the entire process from plasmonic nanocrystal synthesis to their self-assembly and applications in sensing, energy generation and conversion. To date, I have developed several methodologies for assembling “artificial plasmonic nanocrystals,” including gold nanospheres, gold nanocubes, Au@Ag nanocubes, gold nanobipyramids, and gold-silver nanoframes, to create customizable ultrathin 2D plasmonic nanostructures. Moreover, I have engineered various systems to enhance the functionality of plasmonic nanomaterials by introducing softness and flexibility. Notable advancements include 2D Janus superlattices that integrate properties of two distinct structures, allowing them to stand independently and significantly enhance Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy performance. I have also developed flexible Matryoshka nanoparticle films for information encryption and decryption, artificial leaves for solar-to-chemical energy conversion, soft cell-like ultrathin reactors for inward nanocrystal crystallization, and soft helical plasmene with both elasticity and chiral optical responses. Currently, my research focuses on designing functional plasmonic nanomaterials for applications in biology, photocatalysis, artificial photosynthesis, and the development of ultrathin wearable devices.

Nanoscience is at a pivotal stage, and I believe the next 10 years will bring transformative breakthroughs. We’re going to see rapid advancements in smart nanostructures—materials that can be precisely engineered to meet specific needs across various fields. From medicine and energy to electronics and environmental sustainability, nanoscience will push the boundaries of what’s possible.

One of the biggest developments will be in fabrication and synthesis techniques. Right now, producing functional nanomaterials can be complex and resource-intensive. In the coming decade, we expect more streamlined, scalable, and cost-effective methods that allow for precise, on-demand material design. Additionally, AI and robotics are likely to play a significant role in advancing these processes. This will be a game-changer, making nanotechnology more accessible for real-world applications.

I also see nanoscience playing a crucial role in solving global challenges. We’re looking at innovations in targeted drug delivery, safe, flexible, cost-effective, durable, and high-capacity batteries, advanced computing, and even climate change solutions like carbon capture. The ability to manipulate matter at the nanoscale will open doors to entirely new possibilities, reshaping industries and improving lives.

Overall, nanoscience isn’t just about working at a small scale—it’s about making a big impact. By 2035, I expect it to be deeply integrated into everyday technology, driving sustainable solutions and transforming the way we interact with the world.

2) In your opinion, how could members of the community be more involved with the journal?

In my opinion, community members could be more involved with the journal through several key initiatives:

1. Increased Engagement on Social Media – Creating a Nanoscale Horizons community group on social media and inviting all members to join would facilitate discussions, keep members updated on the latest journal news, publications, announcements, and special issues, and encourage active participation.
2. Workshops and Webinars – Participating in organizing workshops, webinars, and symposia would provide members with opportunities to engage directly with the journal and connect with fellow researchers.
3. Contributions to Special Issues – Encouraging members to contribute to special issues on emerging topics would help expand the journal’s reach, attract new audiences, and promote cutting-edge research in the field.
4. Outreach Activities – Hosting outreach initiatives across various regions would allow members to engage with students and researchers locally and internationally, fostering a more inclusive and diverse community within the journal.

See some of Qianqian Shi ’s work here: 

Wet Chemically Produced Nanomaterials for Soft Wearable Biosensors

Ren Wang, Guangzhao Mao, Dewei Chu, Noushin Nasiri, Yuling Wang, Marcela Bilek, Ken-Tye Yong, Wallace Wing Ho Wong, Stan Skafidas, Jefferson Zhe Liu, Yuri S Kivshar, Madhu Bhaskaran, Yuerui Lu, Benjamin Eggleton, Lining Arnold Ju, Qianqian Shi, Nam-Trung Nguyen, Chwee Teck Lim, Wenlong Cheng

Nanoscale Horiz., 2025, Accepted Manuscript

Jiangjiexing Wu, Community Board Member

Tianjin University

Jiangjiexing Wu, an Associate Professor at Tianjin University, primarily focuses on the rational design and application of functional nanomaterials (nanozymes). As the first author or corresponding author, she has published over 30 SCI papers in journals such as JACS, Angew Chem, Adv Mater, and Nat Commun. She has been selected as one of the World’s Top 2% Scientists and has received prestigious honors, including “RSC Emerging Investigators”, “Gordon F. Kirkbright Bursary Award”, “ChemBioTalents”, “IAAM Scientist Medal” and “Future Chemical Engineering Scholars”.

In the next decade, I believe the nanoscience field will undergo a multidimensional evolution, advancing in several exciting directions such as nanomaterials, nanomedicine, and energy. For instance, the discovery of new materials will be exponentially accelerated with the help of artificial intelligence and quantum computing. To complement this, a special issue focus on negative results could be established to reduce redundant trial-and-error costs and enhance research transparency. Moreover, by leveraging synchrotron radiation and cryo-electron microscopy to build a globally shared libraries of nanoscale dynamic process atlas, nanoscience will shift from being speculative and invisible to becoming tangible and visible. Furthermore, nanoscience will transition from being lab-based to society-embedded, with increasing publication of industry-academia collaborative research for practical applications.

2)In your opinion, how could members of the community be more involved with the journal?

As a member of the community, I believe there are several ways we can become more actively involved with the journal. First, from my own experience, contributing to the emerging investigator special issue is one of the easiest and most accessible ways to get evolved. Second, inviting members of the community to serve as peer reviewers or guest editors for special issues would not only increase engagement but also help ensure the quality and diversity of the content published. Lastly, journals could host special events tailored to different community members, offering them a range of ways to engage. For example, academic + community writing workshops could be organized to create accessible summaries of key findings. On a personal note, I teach a graduate-level class, and I could collaborate with the journal to offer lectures through the class, which would not only raise the journal’s visibility but also create meaningful opportunities for me to engage directly with the journal.

See some of Jiangjiexing Wu’ work here: 

Cerium oxide nanozyme attenuates periodontal bone destruction by inhibiting the ROS–NFκB pathway

Yijun Yu, Sheng Zhao, Deao Gu, Bijun Zhu, Hanxiao Liu, Wenlei Wu, Jiangjiexing Wu, Hui Wei, Leiying Miao

Nanoscale, 2022, 14, 2628-2637

Professor Xiaodong Chen, Advisory Board Member

Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

Professor Xiaodong Chen is a Distinguished University Professor at Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, where he holds a professorship in Materials Science and Engineering with courtesy appointments in Chemistry and Medicine. His research interests span mechanomaterials science and engineering, flexible electronics technology, sense digitalization, cyber-human interfaces and systems, and carbon-negative technology.

Professor Chen has been inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), earning one of the highest professional distinctions accorded to researchers in the field. Other esteemed awards recognising Prof. Chen’s outstanding scientific contributions include the Singapore President’s Science Award, the Singapore National Research Foundation (NRF) Investigatorship and NRF Fellowship, Winner of Falling Walls, the Friedrich Wilhelm Bessel Research Award from the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation, and Dan Maydan Prize in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. He is a member of the German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina, the Singapore National Academy of Science and the Academy of Engineering Singapore and a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Chinese Chemical Society. Prof. Chen also serves on the editorial advisory boards of numerous esteemed international journals, including Advanced Materials, Small, and Nanoscale Horizons. He is the current Editor-in-Chief of ACS Nano, a flagship journal in nanoscience and nanotechnology.

One of the most rewarding aspects of being on the Nanoscale Horizons Advisory Board is the opportunity to contribute to the direction of a journal that plays a key role in shaping the future of nanoscience. Additionally, helping to refine the journal’s scope and maintain its high editorial standards is a privilege and a responsibility that I deeply resonate.

3)    Where do you see the nanoscience field in the next 10 years?

In the next decade, nanoscience is poised to drive advancements in medicine, electronics, energy, and sustainability. Progress in nanoscale materials could enable faster computing, more targeted drug delivery, and improved energy storage. Quantum nanotechnology and sustainable nanomaterials are expected to play key roles in addressing global challenges, ensuring nanoscience remains at the forefront of innovation.

See some of Xiaodong Chen’s work here: 

Porous evaporators with special wettability for low-grade heat-driven water desalination

Zhigao Zhu, Ying Xu Yifei Luo, Wei Wang  and Xiaodong Chen 

J. Mater. Chem. A, 2021,9, 702-726

Serena Cussen, Advisory Board member

University College Dublin

Serena Cussen is an Advisory Board member for Nanoscale Horizons, Nanoscale and Nanoscale Advances, Scientific Editor for Journal of Materials Chemistry A and is Full Professor of Materials Chemistry at University College Dublin. She obtained her BA and PhD degrees in Chemistry from Trinity College Dublin, before carrying out postdoctoral research at University of California Santa Barbara. Her research focuses on the strategic synthesis of functional materials and deepening our understanding of how this impacts properties, particularly for energy storage applications. She is the recipient of the RSC Journal of Materials Chemistry Lectureship (2017) and the RSC Interdisciplinary Prize (2023).

One of the best things about being part of the Nanoscale Horizons Advisory Board family is the chance to support early career researchers working in our field, for example through the excellent Emerging Investigator special issues, and encouraging our community to submit their work to a home for impactful nanoscale science.

2) Where do you see the nanoscience field in the next 10 years?

Advancing our understanding of materials on the nanoscale has the promise to impact across multiple research areas, from understanding biological processes and determining new healthcare treatments to advances in nanocatalysis and energy storage. This is an exciting prospect, as the crossdiscipinarity of the nanoscience field makes it ideally placed to accelerate efforts towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

See some of Serenas’s work here: 

The effect of aliovalent dopants on the structural and transport properties of Li₆La₂BaTa₂O₁₂ garnet Li-ion solid electrolytes

Marco Amores,  Peter J. Baker,  Edmund J. Cussen and Serena A. Cussen 

Mater. Adv., 2024,5, 8826-8835

Zhenhua Wu, Community Board Member

Shanghai Jiao Tong University

Dr. Zhenhua Wu is an assistant research scientist at Shanghai Jiao Tong University. He early received his Ph.D. degree in 2020 and completed his postdoctoral research in 2023 there. His research interests focus on nanostructured materials and devices including thermoelectric, memristor and nano/micro-fabrication.

As a member of the Nanoscale Horizons Advisory Board, I have a unique opportunity to both observe and contribute to the communication of cutting-edge research in nanoscience. The collaboration with respected colleagues to highlight emerging areas within the field is especially gratifying.

2) What do you think of Nanoscale Horizons as a place to publish impactful nanoscience and nanotechnology research?

Nanoscale Horizons distinguishes itself by prioritizing original research that showcases novel concepts or approaches – conceptual advancements – rather than focusing solely on technical progress. Transformative original research is the bedrock of technical innovation, and Nanoscale Horizons serves as a crucial platform for sharing and disseminating such impactful, innovative nanoscience and nanotechnology.

Xiaolu Zhuo , Community Board Member

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

Xiaolu Zhuo is currently an Assistant Professor at the School of Science and Engineering, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China. She received her B.S. degree in physics from Sun Yat-sen University in 2010 and her Ph.D. degree from the Department of Physics at The Chinese University of Hong Kong in 2017. In 2019–2022, she conducted her postdoctoral research at CIC biomaGUNE (Spain) as a Juan de la Cierva fellow. Her research interests include the synthesis of metallic/dielectric nanoparticles and their optical properties and applications

I have been a member of Nanoscale Horizons Community Board for a few years. What I appreciate most is the chance to engage with a dynamic community of researchers and innovators in the field of nanoscience. As an early career researcher, this opportunity allows me to contribute meaningfully by writing editorial pieces and collaborating with international colleagues to curate the Horizons Community Board collection. And I find the peer review process particularly rewarding, as it not only keeps me updated on the latest research but also sharpens my own understanding of the field. Overall, the collaborative atmosphere fosters open dialogue and the exchange of ideas, which I believe is essential for advancing nanoscience. I truly value the connections I have made along the way.

2) What do you think of Nanoscale Horizons as a place to publish impactful nanoscience and nanotechnology research?

Since the establishment of Nanoscale Horizons—when I was still a PhD student—I’ve been following this journal closely. It’s been a rewarding experience to participate on the Community Board as an early career PI, witnessing its evolution into a well-recognized and impactful journal within the field. Among so many journals in nanoscience, Nanoscale Horizons has truly distinguished itself over the past ten years, and that’s no easy achievement. What I appreciate most are several key aspects that make it a great place for publishing impactful work. The journal’s rapid publication process ensures that findings reach the community quickly. Its wide readership allows innovative research to connect with a diverse audience. Additionally, the focus on interdisciplinary work aligns well with current trends in nanoscience, fostering collaborative advancements. Overall, I believe Nanoscale Horizons is an excellent platform for researchers looking to make a meaningful impact.

See some of Xiaolu Zhuo’s work here: 

Polydopamine-based plasmonic nanocomposites: rational designs and applications

Shengyan Wang,  Yiou Cui,    Tarun Dalani,   King Yin Sit, Xiaolu Zhuo  and  Chun Kit Choi

Chem. Commun., 2024,60, 2982-2993

Dennis Christensen, Community Board Member

Technical University of Denmark (DTU)

Dennis Christensen is a senior researcher at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU). Dennis received his PhD from DTU in 2017 and was offered a tenure track position at the same university thereafter. He has worked internationally in several locations including University of Basel, Paul Scherrer Institute and Bar-Ilan University. Dennis has received numerous innovation and scientific prizes, incl. 13 young investigator awards and 5 graduate student awards. His research focuses on developing and using magnetic sensors for visualizing internal processes in oxide energy materials.

Perspectives on oxide heterostructures – the curious case of γ-Al₂O₃/SrTiO₃

Dennis Valbjørn Christensen

Nanoscale, 2023,15, 3704-3712

Amina Benchohra, Community Board Member

University of Western Brittany, France

I admit that it was a complete discovery for me but I particularly enjoy stepping out of my daily world to engage with people from different (scientific) backgrounds. Also, one of the most important interest to me as a member of the early career Advisory Board is the possibility to echo the perspectives and expectations of the younger scientific audience, and to help the journal initiatives benefit them as much as possible. In that sense, it constantly prompts me to identify the challenges early-career researchers could face and to remain aware of them.

2) What do you think of Nanoscale Horizons as a place to publish impactful nanoscience and nanotechnology research?

With regard to its high-ethical commitments, I consider Nanoscale Horizons as a reliable publication platform. In my opinion, the journal resonance stems from (i) the large disciplinary range covered, and (ii) its specific focus on breakthrough conceptual research rather than incremental innovations. Above all Nanoscale Horizons is receptive to feedbacks from its entire community (through surveys for instance) to tailor its engagement plan relevantly with the needs of its audience.

3) Where do you see the nanoscience field in the next 10 years?

It is very interesting as this question will surely raise multiple points of view. Nanosciences have undoubtedly been source of tremendous progress, catalysing technology revolutions with far -reaching societal impacts (e.g., in medicine, electronics). I think that this versatile field can be an interesting auxiliary of change and may again contribute to the next societal transitions by tackling some of today’s major environmental and socio-economic challenges.

4) In your opinion, how could members of the community be more involved with the journal?

We could consider to create a group on a discussion platform to promote exchanges between members. In that sense, members involved on past and ongoing initiatives may inspire others to get started. More precisely, this sharing of experience could help members in appreciating the time and efforts required for the different actions, which may be overestimated at first.

In the same spirit, quarterly ‘round-tables’ sessions (videoconferences) could be interesting for the members to share their point of views and stimulate new ideas.

Fangfang Cao, Community Board Member

National University of Singapore

A: Nanoscale Horizons is a leading platform for high-impact nanoscience and nanotechnology research. I appreciate its strong focus on originality, interdisciplinary collaboration, and fundamental advances with broad implications. The journal showcases cutting-edge work in areas like nanocatalysis, biomedical applications, and smart materials, ensuring wide visibility for pioneering studies. With its rigorous yet efficient peer-review process and excellent editorial support, it is an ideal venue for impactful publications. Expanding outreach through social media, academic forums, and platforms like WeChat could further enhance its influence, attracting a broader readership and fostering cross-disciplinary collaborations.

2) In your opinion, how could members of the community be more involved with the journal?

The academic community can engage with Nanoscale Horizons in several meaningful ways. First, submitting high-quality, original research helps push the field forward. Second, serving as a reviewer ensures the journal maintains its rigorous scientific standards. Researchers can also promote the journal by presenting it at academic conferences and sharing it on social media, thereby increasing its visibility. Additionally, suggesting and organizing themed collections on emerging research topics can keep Nanoscale Horizons at the forefront of nanoscience. Furthermore, it would be valuable for the journal to participate in or host nanoscience-related conferences, providing a platform for in-depth discussions and showcasing the latest breakthroughs, which would strengthen its influence within the global scientific community.

Jaime Andrés Pérez Taborda, Community Board Member

National University of Colombia

My research focuses on citizen science and how nanotechnology can and should address real-world challenges to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable populations. My team and I are working on three strategic lines: Water, Energy, and Plasmonics.

Water: We have developed low-cost, portable devices co-designed and co-built by rural communities in Colombia. These allow communities—predominantly indigenous and rural populations in the Amazon, La Guajira, Boyacá, and Cesar, as well as urban areas like Bogotá—to assess water quality and ensure safe consumption. More importantly, this initiative integrates STEAM education into schools, training citizen scientists to make data-driven decisions and empowering them through science.

Energy: We are developing energy harvesting technologies, such as thermoelectric devices (using materials like Ag₂Se, Cu₂Se, and SiGe) and piezoelectric nanogenerators based on ZnO/PDMS and ZnO/PVDF nanocomposites. We aim to enable IoT devices to power themselves, reducing reliance on batteries—an essential aspect in remote and ecologically sensitive regions like the Amazon Rainforest.
Plasmonics: We are developing colourimetric sensors based on gold nanoparticles, designed as time-temperature indicators (TTIs) utilizing localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR). These battery-free sensors have applications ranging from detecting cold-chain disruptions in food storage to monitoring heavy metal contamination (e.g., mercury) in water sources.

2) What advice would you give emerging scholars, and how could community members be more involved with the journal?

I believe that doing science in the Global South presents significant challenges and immense opportunities. Despite tackling problems of global importance, Latin American researchers often face limited access to major scientific research facilities and constrained funding. Furthermore, scientific research in many countries remains primarily confined to academia, and private industry has yet to grasp the full potential of R&D-driven innovation.

During my master’s at the Synchrotron Alba particle accelerator in Barcelona and my PhD at the CSIC’sCSIC’stute of Micro and Nanotechnology in Madrid, I witnessed firsthand what I consider the true miracle of our times—the creative force of honest, altruistic scientific work aimed at improving life for all. It may sound idealistic, but we must revive that passion and enthusiasm—believing that science and technology can change the world. And here we are, scientists from all over the world, working to make that happen.

Science is undoubtedly facing significant challenges today. However, our students are the driving force behind scientific progress. We can bridge gaps and push cutting-edge research by fostering international collaborations—with Europe, China, the United States, and other regions.

At Nanostructures and Applied Physics Research Group (NanoUpar), we use nanotechnology to tackle critical challenges such as water security, sustainable energy, and food safety. These challenges demand local solutions while considering their global impact. Of course, we do not have the sophisticated facilities available in the Global North. Still, we have passionate students eager to stand on the shoulders of giants and continue this journey.

I am a professor at the National University of Colombia, La Paz campus, a recently established institution in the Caribbean region, near the Sierra Nevada and the Venezuelan border. This area has long been shaped by coal mining and has historically been neglected by the central government. However, alongside my colleagues and students, I firmly believe in the power of productive diversification, quality education, interdisciplinary research, and strategic alliances—between industry, academia, civil society, and government. We envision transforming this region into a technology hub for the northern Colombian Caribbean.

My invitation is simple: let’s collaborate: Science must be interdisciplinary, innovative, and deeply connected to societal needs. Only by working together can nanotechnology make a tangible difference in the lives of the most vulnerable populations.

Jiandong Yao, Community Board Member

Sun Yat-sen University

The appeal of serving as a member for Nanoscale Horizons lies in the valuable opportunity to engage in promoting cutting-edge research in the field of nanoscience. It’s always exciting to collaborate and exchange ideas with scientists worldwide, jointly deepening scientific understanding and fostering innovations in the nanoscience field.

2) What do you think of Nanoscale Horizons as a place to publish impactful nanoscience and nanotechnology research?

Nanoscale Horizons serves as a pivotal platform for publishing world-class research in the realm of nanoscience and nanotechnology. It is renowned for rigorous and timely review process as well as broad readership, establishing it as an ideal forum for researchers to showcase their groundbreaking innovations within the sphere of nanotechnology research.

Jianfang Wang, Advisory Board Member

The Chinese University of Hong Kong

The nanoscience field will penetrate into more research fields and find many more practical applications. It will gradually become a mature discipline.

2) In your opinion, how could members of the community be more involved with the journal?

The Nanoscale Horizons journal can offer more engaging activities to the community members, such as inviting to review manuscripts, inviting to contribute manuscripts (previews, perspectives, research articles, reviews), organizing small workshops/symposia, etc.