Institute of Fundamental Technological Research

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) received tremendous interest lately due to its unique structural, electronic, and optoelectronic properties. VO2 has been extensively used in electrochromic displays and memristors and its VO2 (B) polymorph is extensively utilized as electrode material in energy storage applications. More studies are focused on VO2 (B) nanostructures which displayed different energy storage behavior than the bulk VO2. The present review provides a systematic overview of the progress in VO2 nanostructures syntheses and its application in energy storage devices. Herein, a general introduction, discussion about crystal structure, and syntheses of a variety of nanostructures such as nanowires, nanorods, nanobelts, nanotubes, carambola shaped, etc. are summarized. The energy storage application of VO2 nanostructure and its composites are also described in detail and categorically, e.g. Li-ion battery, Na-ion battery, and supercapacitors. The current status and challenges associated with VO2 nanostructures are reported. Finally, light has been shed for the overall performance improvement of VO2 nanostructure as potential electrode material for future application.

Periodontitis is a prevalent chronic, destructive inflammatory disease affecting tooth‐supporting tissues in humans. Guided tissue regeneration strategies are widely utilized for periodontal tissue regeneration generally by using a periodontal membrane. The main role of these membranes is to establish a mechanical barrier that prevents the apical migration of the gingival epithelium and hence allowing the growth of periodontal ligament and bone tissue to selectively repopulate the root surface. Currently available membranes have limited bioactivity and regeneration potential. To address such challenges, an osteoconductive, antibacterial, and flexible poly(caprolactone) (PCL) composite membrane containing zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles is developed. The membranes are fabricated through electrospinning of PCL and ZnO particles. The physical properties, mechanical characteristics, and in vitro degradation of the engineered membrane are studied in detail. Also, the osteoconductivity and antibacterial properties of the developed membrane are analyzed in vitro. Moreover, the functionality of the membrane is evaluated with a rat periodontal defect model. The results confirmed that the engineered membrane exerts both osteoconductive and antibacterial properties, demonstrating its great potential for periodontal tissue engineering.

electrospinning, guided tissue regeneration, osteoconductive, periodontal regeneration, zinc oxide