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Hybrid graphene oxide (GO) with metal ions have become very promising for many applications including catalyst, thermal conductive paper, magnetic devices, energy storage and electronics. In this paper, GO was mixed with trivalent rare earth ions, LaCl₃ to prepare GO/LaCl₃ hybrid composites. The GO/LaCl₃ hybrid composites were tunable by controlling the ratio of LaCl₃ to GO. The interaction between GO and LaCl₃ includes the coordination of La³⁺ with carboxyl groups at the edges of GO, the coordination of La³⁺ with epoxides and hydroxyls, and the electrostatic force between La³⁺ and aromatic bonds of GO. The La³⁺ preferred the coordination with the oxygen-containing groups of GO sheets first. However, the electrostatic absorption of La³⁺ was the main factor that controls the deposit of GO/LaCl₃ composites. The GO/LaCl₃ hybrid structures were also investigated.

Cancer threatens the life and well-being of human beings. Millions of newly diagnosed cancer cases and a large number of deaths caused by cancer are reported each year in the world. Early detection and effective treatment are key to reduce cancer mortality, which can be potentially realized by using “theranostics”. Theranostics are a group of hybrid nanoparticles that perform in cancer patients to provide both diagnostic and therapeutic functions through a single nano-sized structure. In particular, core-shell structured theranostics have shown unique physicochemical properties, allowing them to facilitate molecular/cell targeting, bio-imaging, and drug delivery functions. This review, therefore, aims to present and discuss the recent development of research on core-shell structured theranostics. Specifically, it focuses on core-shell structured theranostics made of metals, silica and polymers. Different aspects, such as synthesis and structure, of core-shell structured theranostics are discussed in this review. This review helps readers to have a good understanding of the design and fabrication of core-shell structured theranostics.