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The EC’s recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) should allow the identification of a particulate nanomaterial based on the number-based metric criterion according to which at least 50% of the constituent particles have the smallest dimension between 1 and 100 nm. However, it has been recently demonstrated that the implementation of this definition for regulatory purposes is conditioned by the large deviations between the results obtained by different sizing methods or due to practical reasons such as high costs and time-consuming (SEM, TEM).
Within the European project NanoDefine (www.nanodefine.eu) a two-tier approach has been developed, whereby firstly a screening method is applied for the rough classification as a nano-/non-nanomaterial, and for borderline cases a confirmatory method (imaging methods or field flow fractionation) must be considered.
One of the measurement methods well suited to particulate powder is the determination of volume-specific surface area (VSSA) by means of gas adsorption as well as skeletal density. The value of 60 m2/cm3 corresponding to spherical, monodisperse particles with a diameter of 100 nm constitutes the threshold for decisioning if the material is a nano- or non-nanomaterial. The correct identification of a nanomaterial by VSSA method is accepted by the EU recommendation.
However, the application of the VSSA method is associated also by some limitations. The threshold of 60 m2/cm3 is dependent on the particle shape, so that it changes considerably with the number of nano-dimensions of the particles. For particles containing micro-pores or having a microporous coating false positive results will be produced. Furthermore, broad particle size distributions make necessary to adjust the threshold. Based on examples of commercially available ceramic powders, the applicability of the VSSA approach will be tested (in relation with SEM and TEM measurements) in order to expand the actual knowledge and to improve this good available and agglomeration tolerant method.
The EU recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) should allow the identification of a particulate nanomaterial based on the number-based metric criterion according to which at least 50% of the constituent particles have the smallest dimension between 1 and 100 nm. Within the European Project NanoDefine (www.nanodefine.eu) a two-tier approach has been developed, whereby firstly a screening method is applied for the rough classification as a nanomaterial or non-nanomaterial, and for borderline cases a confirmatory method (imaging methods or field flow fractionation) must be considered.
One of the measurement methods well suited to particulate powder is the determination of volume-specific surface area (VSSA) by means of gas adsorption as well as skeletal density. The value of 60 m2/cm3 corresponding to spherical, monodisperse particles with a diameter of 100 nm constitutes the threshold for decisioning if the material is a nanomaterial or non-nanomaterial. The correct identification of a nanomaterial by VSSA method (positive test) is accepted by the EU recommendation.
However, the application of the VSSA method is associated also by some limitations. The threshold of 60 m2/cm3 is dependent on the particle shape. For particles containing micro-pores or having a microporous coating, false positive results will be produced.
Furthermore, broad particle size distributions – as typically for ceramic materials – as well as multi-modal size distributions make necessary to adjust the threshold.
Based on examples of commercially available ceramic powders, the applicability of the VSSA approach will be tested (in relation with SEM and TEM measurements) in order to expand the actual knowledge and
improve the method.
Duplex (DSS) and austenitic stainless steels (ASS) are frequently used in many energy related applications. The duplex grade is considered to have outstanding mechanical properties as well as good corrosion resistance. The austenitic phase combines high ductility, even at low temperatures, with sufficient strength, and therefore such materials are applied in storage and transport of high-pressure hydrogen. During service in acidic environments large amounts of hydrogen can ingress into the microstructure and induce many changes in the mechanical properties of the steel. Embrittlement of steels by hydrogen remains unclear even though this topic has been intensively studied for several decades. The reason for that lies in the inability to validate the proposed theoretical models in the sub-micron scale. Among the very few available methods nowadays, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) enables a highly accurate mapping of hydrogen in the microstructure in a spatial resolution below 100 nm. In the present work ToF-SIMS was used as a main tool in order to investigate the effect of deuterium on a duplex microstructure of lean and standard DSSs during and after the electrochemical charging process. Electrochemical charging simulates the service of a component in acidic environments under conditions of cathodic protection that are commonly applied to prevent corrosion reactions. ToF-SIMS after multivariate data analysis (MVA) was combined with high resolution topographic images and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) data to characterize the structural changes. It was observed that the ferritic phase was affected almost identical in all steels whereas in the austenitic phase significant differences were obtained in the lean duplex in comparison to the standard DSS. The obtained results have been compared to similar investigations on a AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel. The advantage of the combined techniques is reflected by the ability to correlate the hydrogen distribution in the microstructure and the resulted phase transformation.
One-part geopolymers (OPGs) are a sort of alkali-activated materials (AAMs) which production avoids the use of highly-alkaline activator-solutions and contributes to a better acceptance of alternative mineral binders in terms of safety-related and economic aspects. In the present contribution OPGs were synthesized by blending silica sources (two industrial silicas and two biogenic silicas) with sodium aluminate and only water must be added to initiate the hardening, i.e. mixing is performed in the same way as for conventional Portland cements. The OPGs were characterized by XRD, and SEM and the degrees of reaction of the silicas were determined by a chemical dissolution method.
The industrial silicas led to the formation of geopolymer-zeolite composites, that contained, besides geopolymeric gel, crystalline tectosilicates (e.g. zeolite A and hydrosodalite) and depending on the starting composition also unreacted silica. The biogenic silicas provided a higher reactivity and avoided the formation of crystallite by-products. The differences in the microstructures caused differences in the mechanical strength of the specimens.
The treatment of the OPG composites at moderate elevated temperatures revealed promising behavior on thermal dehydration in terms of shrinkage and residual strength up to 700 °C. Above 700 °C sintering and partial melting occurred, and new phase formation commenced. After exposure to 1000 °C the specimens appeared virtually amorphous or formed stuffed silica structures of nepheline- or carnegieite-type type.
The investigations of the OPG based mortars on their resistance against sulfuric acid in accordance with DIN 19573 (Appendix A) revealed very high residual strengths up to 78 % after treatment with H2SO4 (pH 1) for 70d. A mechanism of dissolution of the primary aluminosilicate reaction products of the pastes and the precipitation of a silica gel that protects the remaining aluminosilicates and decelerates further corrosion was found to be the main reason for the good performance under acidic conditions. The addition of CaO-containing feedstocks enhanced hardening, but at a certain content the resistance against sulfuric acid decreased, due to the formation of gypsum on exposure to sulfate.
In addition, the mortars exhibited excellent shrinkage behavior as well as good bond to concrete substrates with pull-off strength up to > 3 MPa. The workability of the fresh mortars provided very good manual applicability; automatic applications such as sprayed and spun mortars will require further optimization regarding rheological properties. In summary, the studied OPG are promising materials for the construction and the repair of concrete structures, such as sewers, that are affected by biogenic sulfuric acid corrosion.
Graphene and its derivatives have recently attracted much attention for sensing and deactivating pathogens. However, the mechanism of multivalent interactions at the graphene–pathogen interface is not fully understood. Since different physicochemical parameters of graphene play a role at this interface, control over graphene’s structure is necessary to study the mechanism of these interactions. In this work, different graphene derivatives and also zwitterionic graphene nanomaterials (ZGNMs) were synthesized with defined exposure, in terms of polymer coverage and functionality, and isoelectric points. Then, the switchable interactions of these nanomaterials with E. coli and Bacillus cereus were investigated to study the validity of the generally proposed “trapping” and “nano-knives” mechanisms for inactivating bacteria by graphene derivatives. It was found that the antibacterial activity of graphene derivatives strongly depends on the accessible area, i.e. edges and basal plane of sheets and tightness of their agglomerations. Our data clearly confirm the authenticity of “trapping” and “nano-knives” mechanisms for the antibacterial activity of graphene sheets.
The reduction of harmful emissions to the environment is one of the most urgent challenges of our time. To achieve this goal, it is inevitable to shift from using fossil fuels to renewable energy sources. Within this transition, hydrogen can play a key role serving as fuel in transportation and as means for energy storage.
The storage and transport of hydrogen using austenitic stainless steels as the infrastructure, as well as the use of these grades in hydrogen containing aggressive environments, remains problematic. The degradation of the mechanical properties and the possibility of phase transformation by ingress and accumulation of hydrogen are the main drawbacks. Advanced studies of the behaviour of hydrogen in austenite is necessary to fully understand the occurring damage processes. This knowledge is crucial for the safe use of components in industry and transportation facilities of hydrogen.
A powerful tool for depicting the distribution of hydrogen in steels, with high accuracy and resolution, is time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). We here present a comprehensive research on the hydrogen degradation processes in AISI 304L based on electrochemical charging and subsequent ToF-SIMS experiments. To obtain furthermore information about the structural composition and cracking behaviour, electron-backscattered diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were performed afterwards. All the gathered data was treated employing data fusion, thus creating a thorough portrait of hydrogen diffusion and its damaging effects in AISI 304L.
Specimens were charged with deuterium instead of hydrogen. This necessity stems from the difficulty to separate between artificially charged hydrogen and traces existing in the material or adsorbed from the rest gas in the analysis chamber. Similar diffusion and permeation behaviour, as well as solubility, allow nonetheless to draw onclusions from the experiments.
Das Ziel dieses Projektes ist die Entwicklung neuer Materialien, um den Rückhalt von Mikroplastik-Partikeln (MP) aus verschiedenen urbanen Eintragspfaden (Kläranlagenablauf, Mischwasserüberlauf und Straßenabfluss)zu optimieren.
Die im Rahmen des Projekts entwickelten Materialien sollten auf ihre Rückhaltefähigkeit von MP aus dem Kläranlagenklarlauf getestet werden. Für die Probenahme sowie für die Analytik wurden die entwickelten und optimierten Probenahme- sowie Analysetechniken angewendet.
A scanning transmission X‐ray microscopy (STXM)‐based methodology is introduced for determining the dimensions (shell thickness, core and total diameter) of core‐shell nanoparticles, which exhibit a strong X‐ray absorption contrast and a well‐defined interface between core and shell material. A low radiation dosage during data acquisition and, therefore, less X‐ray beam‐induced damage of the sample is achieved by recording STXM images only at 2 predetermined energies of maximum Absorption contrast, instead of recording a stack of images across the whole absorption edge.
A model core‐shell nanoparticle, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cores with polystyrene (PS) shell, is used for demonstration. Near‐edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy confirms the significant difference in X‐ray absorption behavior between PTFE and PS. Additionally, because of the insolubility of styrene in PTFE a well‐defined interface between particle core and shell is expected. To validate the STXM results, both the naked PTFE cores as well as the complete core‐shell nanoparticles are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The introduced STXM‐based methodology yields particle dimensions in agreement with the SEM results and provides additional information such as the position of the particle core, which cannot be extracted from a SEM micrograph.
The comparison required the assignment of the mass fraction of folic acid present as the main component in the comparison sample. Performance in the comparison is representative of a laboratory's measurement capability for the purity assignment of organic compounds of medium structural complexity [molecular weight range 300–500] and high polarity (pKOW < −2).
Methods used by the eighteen participating NMIs or DIs were based on a mass balance (summation of impurities) or qNMR approach, or the combination of data obtained using both methods. The qNMR results tended to give slightly lower values for the content of folic acid, albeit with larger associated uncertainties, compared with the results obtained by mass balance procedures. Possible reasons for this divergence are discussed in the report, without reaching a definitive conclusion as to their origin.
The comparison demonstrates that for a structurally complex polar organic compound containing a high water content and presenting a number of additional analytical challenges, the assignment of the mass fraction content property value of the main component can reasonably be achieved with an associated relative standard uncertainty in the assigned value of 0.5%
Following the 2017 meeting, progress with the Key Comparison CCQM-K153 related to the BET specific surface lead by UNIIM and the Pilot Study P-190 “Thickness Measurement of nm HfO2 Films” lead by KRISS will be discussed.
The 16th meeting of SAWG will focus on
•survey on CMC claims submitted with reference to K-129 and K-136.
•the overall and SAWG specific aspects of the CCQM Strategy process,
•a consideration of comparisons on convention methods as recommended by the CCQM Plenary Meeting 2017,
•the 2019 CCQM Workshop and paper(s) for Metrologia’s Special Issue,
•discussion of future comparisons.
Extraction of true, 3D shape (and size) of non-spherical nanoparticles (NPs) is associated with errors by conventional 2D electron microscopy using projection images. Significant efforts within the ISO technical committee TC 229 ‘Nanotechnologies’ are aimed at establishing accurate TEM and SEM measurement of NP size and shape as robust, standard procedures. Study groups have been organizing inter-laboratory comparisons on well-selected NP systems according to the market needs, such as aggregated titania nano-powder for which size and shape distribution of primary crystallites of irregular shape must be measured accurately. To be noticed is e. g. the fact that the measurement procedure allows only manual selection of the particles clearly distinguishable for analysis as well as manual definition of the contour of the imaged NPs.
An inter-laboratory exercise on titania NPs (pure anatase, grown by hydrothermal synthesis) of well-defined non-spherical shape, i.e. bipyramidal has been recently started within ISO/TC 229 under similar conditions as for the irregular shaped titania. Overlapped particles were allowed to be considered, as long as they are clearly distinguishable. One decisive NP selection criterion was to analyze only those NPs with a roundness value below 0.7, i.e. the NPs laying on the support foil and, hence, with projection areas clearly deviating from perfect circles (R=1). The overall evaluation (for 15 labs) of the size descriptors (area, Feret, minFeret, perimeter) and shape descriptors (aspect ratio, roundness, compactness, extent) by analysis of variance is just to be finished and included in ISO/WD 21363 Nanotechnologies -- Protocol for particle size distribution by transmission electron microscopy.
Coming as response to the needs expressed by The European Commission mandating CEN, CENELEC and ETSI to develop European standards for methods that can characterize reliably manufactured nanomaterials, a new European metrology research project ‘nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements’ has received funding for the next three years. The project will develop methods, reference materials and modelling to improve the traceability chain, comparability and compatibility for nanoparticle size measurements to support standardization.
nPSize has selected only those nanoparticle sizing techniques which are able to provide traceable results: electron microscopy (SEM, TSEM and TEM), AFM and SAXS. Metrologists from national metrological or designated institutes (PTB, LNE, LGC, VSL, SMD and BAM) will work together with scientists with know-how in development of new nano reference nanoparticles (CEA, University of Turin, LGC, BAM) and with experts in advanced data processing, e.g. by machine learning (POLLEN). With the support of DIN, the project outcomes will be channelized to standardization bodies such as ISO/TC 229 ‘Nanotechnologies’/JWG 2 ‘Nanoparticle Measurement and Characterization’ (SEM, TSEM and TEM), CEN/TC 352 ‘Nanotechnologies’ (SEM, TSEM and TEM), ISO/TC 201/SC 9 (AFM), ISO/TC 24/SC 4 (SAXS).
Three technical work packages will ensure input for impact to standardization community, nanoparticle manufacturers, instrument manufacturers, and (accredited) service laboratories:
- WP1 Performance and traceability of characterization methods
- WP2 Reference materials - Preparation and Characterization
- WP3 Modelling and development of measurement procedures
Well-defined non-spherical nanoparticles shapes such as cubes, platelets, bipyramids, rods/acicular will be developed, with mono- and polydisperse size distribution, as well as with accurate particle number concentration (by SAXS and isotopically enrichment for ICP-MS).
Physical modelling of the signal for TSEM, SEM, 3D-AFM and SAXS will be used to feed machine learning modeling from a-priori measurement data. Further, data fusion will be developed for hybrid sizing techniques: SEM with TSEM/TEM, SEM/TSEM with AFM, SEM/TSEM with SAXS with the final aim of improving the true shape and size of non-spherical nanoparticles by a better estimation of the measurement uncertainties.
In the second half-time of the project dedicated workshops (focused on method improvement and reference materials development) will be organized to disseminate the gained knowledge to end-users. Further, a data library with relevant tagged measurement data is planned to be organized and made publicly available. Inter-laboratory comparisons based on the newly developed multi-modal nano reference materials will be organized preferably within VAMAS/TWA 34 ‘Nanoparticle populations’.
Controlled electrospray deposition of nanoparticles for improved analysis by electron microscopy
(2018)
Of many experimental techniques for measuring particle sizes and size distributions, electron microscopy (EM) is considered as the gold standard, especially in the nano range (1–100 nm). Furthermore, high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in conjunction with EM can be applied to individual NPs. Preparation of an EM sample for generic particulate materials is a difficult task. Usually, the particles in a suspension are deposited on a support. However, this procedure includes the drying of larger solvent amounts on the substrate itself, and this can affect the spatial distribution of the deposited particles. One possibility to overcome this is the use of an electrospray system, where the suspension of particles is sprayed onto the substrate in charged droplets that are so small that they either dry off on the substrate immediately without affecting the position of particles, or even already during their flight time to the substrate. Additionally, the charging of particles minimizes agglomeration and aggregation, maximizing the collection of the EM grids. The prototype of an electrospray deposition system from RAMEM under its trademark IONER (www.ioner.eu) was tested.
Electrospray is theoretically described since a long time, but no dedicated commercial instruments are available for the preparation of TEM grids yet, apart from electrostatic deposition of aerosols. Several materials have been sprayed onto TEM grids and the resulting particle distributions were evaluated. Operation parameters such as the sample flow-rate, capillary – substrate distance, electric field strength and sampling period length have been optimized. It was found that the particles deposited by electrospray generally show a much more homogeneous spatial distribution on the substrate and a substantial increase of the number of single particles (suited to automatic analysis).
The project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement No 604347.
Multi-functional coatings are a key requirement for surface engineering. General demands are adhesion and long-term stability under service conditions. The modification of surfaces by means of PVD-, ECD- or hybrid processes allows an add-on functionalization of surfaces by a huge diversity of materials with both lateral and vertical micro-/nano-designs. This fact is a prerequisite for micro- and sensor-systems in lab-on-chip and sensor-on-chip technology. Two layer-based sensor principles are presented, i.e. surface plasmon resonance enhanced spectroscopic ellipsometry (SPREE) for detection of hazardous gases and magneto-optical sensors on smart-coated fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) for structural health monitoring (SHM).
The interdependence of substrate features, coating properties, and layer design is discussed firstly for gas sensitivity and selectivity of SPREE-sensors and secondly for sensitivity and selectivity of magneto-strictive coatings to mechanical strain or external magnetic fields resulting in an optical displacement of the Bragg wavelength of FBG-sensors. Moreover, generic features such long-term stability, crucial process-related fabrication conditions, and effects of operational and environmental parameters are discussed with respect to the sensor performance. It has been shown that appropriate layer design and adapted selection of layer materials (SnOx/Au, Fe/Ni:SnOx/Au; Ni/NiFe-Cu-Cr) result in improved sensor parameters and may enable new sensor applications.
Water vapor sorption surface areas and sorption energies of untreated
and thermally modified Norway spruce [Picea abies (L.) Karst.], sycamore maple (Acer pseudoplatanus L.) and European ash (Fraxinus excelcior L.) were investigated by means of dynamic vapor sorption (DVS) measurements and excess surface work (ESW) evaluation method, respectively. Adsorption and desorption experiments in the hygroscopic range and desorption tests from water saturation were conducted.
Thermodynamically, ESW is the sum of the surface free energy and the isothermal isobaric work of sorption. From the amount adsorbed in the first Minimum a specific surface area similar to the BET surface area can be obtained. The results show that untreated spruce has a significantly higher specific water vapor Sorption surface and sorption energy compared to both hardwoods maple and ash. Thermal modification of the woods leads to a significant reduction of water vapor Sorption surface and sorption energy. The determined surface area and energy are higher in desorption direction than in adsorption direction, whereby the highest values in Desorption direction from water saturation, especially for maple and ash, were obtained.
The surface areas calculated by means of the ESW method are similar to the surface areas calculated by means of the BET method, particularly in adsorption direction.
The application of PVD-coatings ranges from mechanical engineering, i.e. thicker tribological coatings, to precision optics, i.e. thinner optical coatings. For physical vapor deposition (PVD) technologies such as evaporation, sputtering, ion beam assisted/driven deposition, vacuum is a prerequisite for two reasons: at first process-related ones (evaporation source, plasma discharge, and mean free path) and at second coating-related ones (pure, perfect, and dense films). Usually, the goal is a homogenous coating of defined stoichiometry and micro-structure without any imperfection.
However, the implementation of micro- or nano-particles may occur accidentally or delibe-rately. Independent of the particle origin, there are two fundamental rules regarding coating functionality: at first, the larger the particle diameter to coating thickness ratio the more affected the functionality of the coating, and at second, the larger the material contrast in terms of the functional feature of interest the more affected the coating performance. Hence, embedded particles have to be avoided for the majority of thin films by all means. The unintended implementation of particles usually results in a malfunction of the coating from the beginning or is at least considered as a weak point of the coating creating a time-dependent defect under service conditions. The intended implementation of particles on surfaces and in coatings may create add-on features, topographic ones and functional ones, however, the facts mentioned hold true.
Examples of particle-initiated coating defects are demonstrated in dependence on the origin and the field of application. Strategies for deliberate attachment/embedding of particles on surfaces/in coatings are discussed regarding process compatibility and coating integrity. For industrial applications, both the validation of process compatibility of particle injection and the plasma resistance of particles under vacuum and plasma conditions have to be confirmed. Further points of interest are the homogeneity of particle distribution and the avoidance of particle agglomeration which is still a crucial point for dry dispersed particles. So far, technical applications are limited to PVD hybrid coatings, plasma dispersion coatings are still a challenge except for applications where homogeneity is not required as in case of product authentication.
We present an in situ triple coupling of synchrotron X-ray diffraction with Raman spectroscopy, and thermography to study milling reactions in real time. This combination of methods allows a correlation of the structural evolution with temperature information. The temperature information is crucial for understanding both the thermodynamics and reaction kinetics. The reaction mechanisms of three prototypical mechanochemical syntheses, a cocrystal formation, a C@C bond formation (Knoevenagel condensation), and the formation
of a manganese-phosphonate, were elucidated. Trends in the temperature development during milling are identified. The heat of reaction and latent heat of crystallization of the product contribute to the overall temperature increase. A decrease in temperature occurs via release of, for example, water as a byproduct.
Solid and liquid intermediates are detected. The influence of the mechanical impact could be separated from temperature effects caused by the reaction.
The electrochemical behavior of UNS N08031 was investigated as a function of electrode potential in Green-Death solution at 40 °C. The UNS N08031 surface is in a stable passive state during cyclic potentiodynamic polarization without an initiation and/or propagation of localized corrosion. In potentiostatic polarization of UNS N08031 for 3600 s, passive current density increases with an increase in the passivation potential from 0.7 to 1.0 VSSE (silver/silver chloride reference electrode in saturated potassium chloride) Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) and Mott-Schottky (M-S) analysis showed that a more defective n-type semiconductive passive film forms as the potential increases. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) revealed that passive film consists of mainly chromium and minor iron and nickel oxides. The mechanism of the defective passive film formation is discussed. The increase of the applied potential is considered to be a reason for the change in passive film stability.
Core-shell nanoparticles are widespread in nature, industrial applications and nanotechnology research. Facile ways of modern synthesis will be discussed and possibilities to reveal their structures with small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS). A recent review on using block copolymer templates as one of the most reliable routes for tuning size and shape of nanoparticles is provided by Li et al.1 Ferritin and apoferritin are archetypical examples for protein-based core-shell nanoparticles. Their structures are easily accessed by synchrotron SAXS2 but also with commercial instruments and allow fast performance tests.3 SASfit4 is a suitable program tool based on classical curve fitting and McSAS5 is a complementary program based on a Monte Carlo technique. Detailed refinements of SAXS data evaluation are on the way for better data analysis.6 A sub nanometer resolution is state-of-the-art for quantification of the size distribution of polyacrylic acid stabilized silver nanoparticles.3 Such particles are useful in catalysis.7 It was observed that the catalytic activity can be tuned easily by varying the shell material of the particles.
In-situ SAXS techniques
(2018)
This project studies the orientation of nanoparticles under the influence of external stimuli such as electric fields, magnetic fields and ultra-sonic vibrations. A set of functional sample holders that fit inside the sample chamber of a state-of-the-art Small Angle X-ray Scattering (SAXS) machine, called the “Multi-scale Analyzer for Ultrafine Structures” (MAUS).
The MAUS has been custom engineered to serve as a miniaturized Synchrotron, thus enabling standard material to be characterized to a high standard. Our work is needed to detail the fine characterization of reference nano-particles, not only on the nano-scale, but also coupled with external agents.
A second aim of this project is to verify a few proof-of-concept designs for the alignment of nano-particles. Where the alignment of nano-particles In-Situ is intended to further develop 3D printing technologies, and SAXS is an ideal choice to study the alignment of an oriented ensemble.
For more information about the MAUS;
https://www.bam.de/Content/DE/Pressemitteilungen/2018/AnalyticalSciences/2018-01-31-mit-maus-an-die-spitze-der-nano-forschung.html
The utilization of silver nanoparticles in consumer related products has significantly increased over the last decade, especially due to their antimicrobial properties. Today they are used in a high variety of products ranging from food containers over children toys and textiles. Therefore, research on the toxicological potential of silver nanoparticles becomes increasingly important for a high amount of studies. Unfortunately, the results of these studies are extremely diverse and do not lead to a consistent evaluation. The central problem lies in the use of a wide range of silver nanoparticles, which show a broad size distribution. To overcome this problem we report on the synthesis and application of small silver nanoparticles with a narrow size distribution (R = 3.1 nm, σ = 0.6 nm). The poly(acrylic acid) stabilized particles are thoroughly characterized by small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering and UV/Vis spectroscopy. The particles are highly stable and show no aggregation for more than six months. It is foreseen to use these thoroughly characterized nanoparticles as reference material to compare the catalytic and biological properties of functionalized silver nanoparticles. As a first step the particles are used in the first world-wide inter-laboratory comparison of SAXS. Furthermore, the stabilizing ligand PAA can be easily exchanged by biomolecules to modify the surface functionality. Replacements of PAA with glutathione (GSH) and bovine serum albumin (BSA) have been performed as examples. With this flexible system first applications regarding biological application in an artificial digestion procedure have been performed. Thereby the changes in size distribution and aggregation state were monitored by SAXS. Additionally these particles show a high catalytic activity of (436 ± 24) L g-1 s-1 in the reduction of 4- nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol. This activity is two orders of magnitude higher than for other silver particles in the literature.
Solution doping of off-the-shelf plastic optical fibers (POFs) represents rather simple and cheap way for preparing custom cladding-doped POFs (CD-POFs) with short to medium lengths. CD-POFs are especially attractive for environmental sensing applications, but might be of interest for illumination task as well. In this work, the proposed doping technique is tested with three different commercial low-cost polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) POFs; Eska CK-40 and Eska GK-40 from Mitsubishi Rayon and Raytela PGU-FB1000 from Toray. The aim of the work is to aid the selection of the most suitable fiber yielding highest optical quality of prepared CD-POFs. Firstly, the optimal doping times are determined for the individual fiber types using short fiber samples. Secondly, longer 10 m CD-POFs are prepared from all tested fibers using the optimized doping procedure. Finally, attenuation of pristine POFs and prepared CD-POFs is measured using optical time domain reflectometry in order to characterize the impacts of the doping on fiber optical properties. In addition, the importance of post-doping drying procedure for CD-POF optical performance is investigated as well. The results suggest that, although doping of all tested fibers is generally feasible, Eska CK-40 is the most suitable candidate with regard to the doping efficiency and fiber post-doping performance.
Solution doping of off-the-shelf plastic optical fibers (POFs) represents rather simple and cheap way for preparing custom cladding-doped POFs (CD-POFs) with short to medium lengths. CD-POFs are especially attractive for environmental sensing applications, but might be of interest for illumination task as well. In this work, the proposed doping technique is tested with three different commercial low-cost polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) POFs; Eska CK-40 and Eska GK-40 from Mitsubishi Rayon and Raytela PGU-FB1000 from Toray. The aim of the work is to aid the selection of the most suitable fiber yielding highest optical quality of prepared CD-POFs. Firstly, the optimal doping times are determined for the individual fiber types using short fiber samples. Secondly, longer 10 m CD-POFs are prepared from all tested fibersusing the optimized doping procedure. Finally, attenuation of pristine POFs and prepared CD-POFs is measured using optical time domain reflectometry in order to characterize the impacts of the doping on fiber optical properties. In addition, the importance of post-doping drying procedure for CD-POF optical performance is investigated as well. The results suggest that, although doping of all tested fibers is generally feasible, Eska CK-40 is the most suitable candidate with regard to the Doping efficiency and fiber post-doping performance.
Laser texturing is an emerging technology for generating surface functionalities on basis of optical, mechanical, or chemical properties. Taking benefit of laser sources with ultrashort (fs) pulse durations features outstanding precision of machining and negligible rims or burrs surrounding the laser-irradiation zone. Consequently, additional mechanical or chemical post-processing steps are usually not required for fs-laser surface texturing (fs-LST). This work aimed to provide a bridge between research in the field of tribology and laser materials processing. The paper reviews the current state-of-the-art in fs-LST, with a focus on the tribological performance (friction and wear) of specific self-organized surface structures (so-called ripples, grooves, and spikes) on steel and titanium alloys. On the titanium alloy, specific sickle-shaped hybrid micro-nanostructures were also observed and tribologically tested. Care is taken to identify accompanying effects affecting the materials hardness, superficial oxidation, nano- and microscale topographies, and the role of additives contained in lubricants, such as commercial engine oil.
Ever since increasing a reaction’s yield while shortening the reaction time is the main objective in synthesis optimization. Microwave reactors meet these demands. In literature however their usage is under discussion due to claims of the existence of non-thermal effects resulting from the microwave radiation. Especially for nano-reference-material syntheses it is of crucial importance to be aware of influences on the reaction pathway. Therefore, we compare ultra-small silver nanoparticles with mean radii of 3 nm, synthesized via conventional and microwave heating.
We employed a versatile one-pot polyol synthesis of poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) stabilized silver nanoparticles, which display superior catalytic properties. No microwave specific effects in terms of particle size distribution characteristics, as derived by small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and dynamic light scattering (DLS), are revealed. Due to the microwave reactor’s characteristics of a closed system, syntheses can be carried out at temperatures beyond the solvent’s boiling point. Particle formation was accelerated by a factor of 30 by increasing the reaction temperature from 200 °C to 250 °C. The particle growth process follows a cluster coalescence mechanism.
A post-synthetic incubation step at 250 °C induces a further growth of the particles while the size distribution broadens. Thus, utilization of microwave reactors enables an enormous decrease of the reaction time as well as the opportunity of tuning the particles’ size. Possibly, decomposition of the stabilizing ligand at elevated temperatures results in reduced yields. A temperature of 250 °C and a corresponding reaction time of 30 s represent a compromise between short reaction times and high yields.
A series of new Ba-based coordination polymers (CPs) were mechanochemically synthesized by milling Ba-hydroxide samples with perfluorinated and fluorine-free benzene-dicarboxylic acids, including tetrafluoroisophthalic acid (H2mBDC-F4), tetrafluorophthalic acid (H2oBDC-F4), isophthalic acid (H2mBDC) and phthalic acid (H2oBDC). The new fluorinated CPs: [Ba(mBDC-F4)$0.5H2O] (1) and [Ba(oBDC-F4)·1.5H2O] (2) are compared to their nonfluorinated counterparts: [Ba(mBDC)·2.5H2O] (3), and [Ba(oBDC)·1H2O] (4). These materials are thoroughly characterized using powder X-ray diffraction. The products obtained by milling are all hydrated but vary in their water contents. Compositions and local structures are investigated by elemental analysis, thermal analysis, MAS NMR and attenuated total reflectioninfrared spectroscopy. These materials exhibit high thermal stabilities but small surface areas that remain unchanged even after thermal treatments.
Heterogeneous catalysis is a key technology in modern industrial societies. The main steps of a catalytic process take place at the surfaces of complex materials. For the investigations of these surfaces X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy is widely used and fits ideally. At some suitable examples, it will be explained how XPS can help to understand such catalysts better. The focus is on selective oxidation catalysts, one of the main challenges of present research. Here it will illustrate, how changes in the near surface region influence the catalyst performance and, herewith the different stages (activation, maximum performance and deactivation) in the life of catalysts. Additionally, it will be stressed out how important information at different depth regions (surface, near-surface region, bulk) can be useful for comprehensive understanding of the material.
Another important subject is nanostructured catalysts with molecular sieves as supports or defined complexes as precursors. Finally, the combination of XPS with other methods used in the analysis of catalysts, e.g. electron microscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and low energy ion scattering will be discussed.
The damage caused by ionizing radiation to DNA and proteins is the reason to treat cancer by radiation therapy. A better understanding of the molecular processes and quantification of the different damaging mechanisms is the prerequisite to develop more efficient therapies. Hereby the understanding of the processes involved in the damage to DNA are of key interest due to its central role in reproduction and mutation.
For radiation with low linear energy transfer (LET), most of the damage is caused by the secondary particles produced by scattering of the ionizing radiation with water. Thereby a multitude of species are produced, whereby especially kinetic low energy electrons, prehydrated electrons, OH-radicals and ions are of importance. With higher LET the relative amount of the direct damaging effects increases. This is especially important considering the increased usage of high LET nucleons in radiation therapy. Therefore, the quantification of the contribution to DNA damage of direct and indirect effects and the different secondary species is of high interest due to the increase of radio biological efficiency when applying high LET radiation.
Here we present an approach to investigate the relative contributions to DNA strand break yield for radiation of different LET within a single electron microscope in combination with electron scattering simulations.
A scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM) based methodology is introduced for determining the dimensions (shell thickness, core and total diameter) of core-shell nanoparticles which exhibit a strong x-ray absorption contrast and a well-defined interface between core and shell material. A low radiation dosage during data acquisition and, therefore, less x-ray beam induced damage of the sample is achieved by recording STXM images only at two predetermined energies of maximum absorption contrast, instead of recording a stack of images across the whole absorption edge. A model core-shell nanoparticle, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) cores with polystyrene (PS) shell, is used for demonstration. Near edge x-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy confirms the significant difference in x-ray absorption behavior between PTFE and PS. Additionally, due to the insolubility of styrene in PTFE a well-defined interface between particle core and shell is expected. In order to validate the STXM results, both the naked PTFE cores as well as the complete core-shell nanoparticles are examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The introduced STXM based methodology yields particle dimensions in agreement with the SEM results and provides additional information such as the position of the particle core which cannot be extracted from a SEM micrograph.
During the energy transformation from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, the use of hydrogen as fuel and energy storage can play a key role. This presents new challenges to industry and the scientific community alike. The storage and transport of hydrogen, which is nowadays mainly realized by austenitic stainless steels, remains problematic, which is due to the degradation of mechanical properties and the possibility of phase transformation by hydrogen diffusion and accumulation. The development of materials and technologies requires a fundamental understanding of these degradation processes. Therefore, studying the behavior of hydrogen in austenitic steel contributes to an understanding of the damage processes, which is crucial for both life assessment and safe use of components in industry and transportation. As one of the few tools that is capable of depicting the distribution of hydrogen in steels, time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry was conducted after electrochemical charging. To obtain further information about the structural composition and cracking behavior, electron-backscattered diffraction and scanning electron microscopy were performed. Gathered data of chemical composition and topography were treated employing data fusion, thus creating a comprehensive portrait of hydrogen-induced effects in the austenite grade AISI 304L. Specimens were electrochemically charged with deuterium instead of hydrogen. This arises from the difficulties to distinguish between artificially charged hydrogen and traces existing in the material or the rest gas in the analysis chamber. Similar diffusion and permeation behavior, as well as solubility, allow nonetheless to draw conclusions from the experiments.
In laser machining with ultrashort laser pulses unwanted X-ray radiation in the keV range can be generated when a critical laser intensity is exceeded. Even if the emitted X-ray dose per pulse is low, high laser repetition rates can lead to an accumulation of X-ray doses beyond exposure safety limits. For 925 fs pulse duration at a center wavelength of 1030 nm, the X-ray emission was investigated up to an intensity of 2.6 × 10^14 W/cm2. The experiments were performed in air with a thin disk laser at a repetition rate of 400 kHz. X-ray spectra and doses were measured for various planar target materials covering a wide range of the periodic table from aluminum to tungsten. Without radiation shielding, the measured radiation doses at this high repetition rate clearly exceed the regulatory limits. Estimations for an adequate radiation shielding are provided.
tNegatively charged ultrathin gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) were synthesized in a vesicular dioctyl sodiumsulfosuccinate (AOT)/phospholipid-based template phase. These “naked” AuNTs with localized surfaceplasmon resonances in the NIR region at about 1300 nm and special photothermal properties are ofparticular interest for imaging and hyperthermia of cancerous tissues. For these kinds of applicationsthe toxicity and the cellular uptake of the AuNTs is of outstanding importance. Therefore, this studyfocuses on the toxicity of “naked” AOT-stabilized AuNTs compared to polymer-coated AuNTs. Poly-meric coating consisted of non-modified hyperbranched poly(ethyleneimine) (PEI), maltose-modifiedpoly(ethyleneimine) (PEI-Mal) and heparin. The toxicological experiments were carried out with twodifferent cell lines (embryonic kidney carcinoma cell line HEK293T and NK-cell leukemia cell line YTS).This study revealed that the heparin-coating of AuNTs improved biocompatibility by a factor of 50 whencompared to naked AuNTs. Of note, the highest nontoxic concentration of the AuNTs coated with PEI andPEI-Mal is drastically decreased. Overall, this is mainly triggered by the different surface charges of poly-meric coatings. Therefore, AuNTs coated with heparin were selected to carry out uptake studies. Theirpromising high biocompatibility and cellular uptake may open future studies in the field of biomedicalapplications.
UCST-type thermoresponsive polymers (i.e. that phase separate from solution upon cooling) present a tremendous potential not only in aqueous media with applications in the field of drug delivery, diagnostic and microfluidic applications, but also in water/alcohol mixtures, where they can be used for instance in sensing systems for alcohol-soluble drugs. However, only a few thermoresponsive polymers have been reported that present an UCST in a relevant temperature range and “green” solvents such as water or ethanol.
In this context, acrylamide-based monomers can be very useful building blocks for designing novel non-ionic UCST-type polymers because of their hydrophilic nature (with the appropriate side chain) and propensity to form hydrogen bonds. We will present our latest results on the UCST-type thermoresponsive behaviour of acrylamide- and/or 2,6-diaminopyridine-based homopolymers and copolymers in water or water/alcohol mixtures, and give some insights about the rational design of UCST polymers relying on H-bonding.
Eine neue Art einer Ring-Expansion Polymerization (REP) von zyklischen Polylaktiden mittels neuer Katalysatoren wird präsentiert.
MALDI-TOF Massenspektrometrie und andere analytische Techniken wurden zur Aufklärung des Mechanismus eingesetzt. Dabei zeigte sich, dass im Gegensatz zu anderen REP, ausschließlich zyklische Polymere gebildet wurden. Diese stellen neue Kandidatenmaterialien für zukünftige neue CRM dar.
We will report on a new kind of ring-expansion polymerization (REP) of cyclic esters based of three classes of catalysts.
In contrast to REP described previously these new polymerizations are characterized by a self-extrusion of the catalysts resulting in cyclic homopolyesters as the only reaction product. These REP of L-lactide were performed in bulk at temperatures between 100 and 180°C without racemization. A simplified scheme of a REP catalyzed by BuCa or SnBi is presented below. With meso-lactide temperatures down to 60°C were realized. Depending on catalyst, time and temperature with equal quantities of even and odd-numbered cycles a strong predominance of either even or odd-numbered cycles was found.
Cost-effective water cleaning approaches using improved Treatment technologies, for instance based on catalytic processes with high activity catalysts, are urgently needed. The aim of our study was to synthesize efficient Fenton-like photo-catalysts for rapid degradation of persistent organic micropollutants in aqueous medium. Iron-based nanomaterials were chemically synthesized through simple procedures by immobilization of either iron(II) oxalate (FeO) or iron(III) citrate (FeC) on magnetite (M) nanoparticles stabilized with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Various investigation techniques were performed in order to characterize the freshly prepared catalysts. By applying advanced oxidation processes, the effect of catalyst dosage, hydrogen peroxide concentration and UV-A light exposure were examined for Bisphenol A (BPA) conversion, at laboratory scale, in mild conditions. The obtained results revealed that BPA degradation was rapidly enhanced in the presence of low-concentration H2O2, as well as under UV-A light, and is highly dependent on the surface characteristics of the catalyst. Complete photo-degradation of BPA was achieved over the M/PEG/FeO catalyst in less than 15 minutes. Based on the catalytic performance, a hierarchy of the tested catalysts was established: M/PEG/FeO > M/PEG/FeC > M/PEG. The results of cytotoxicity assay using MCF-7 cells indicated that the aqueous samples after treatment are less cytotoxic.
The damage caused by ionizing radiation to DNA and proteins is the reason to treat cancer by radiation therapy. A better understanding of the molecular processes and quantification of the different damaging mechanisms is the prerequisite to develop more efficient therapies. Hereby the understanding of the processes involved in the damage to DNA are of key interest due to its central role in reproduction and mutation.
For radiation with low linear energy transfer (LET), most of the damage is caused by the secondary particles produced by scattering of the ionizing radiation with water. Thereby a multitude of species are produced, whereby especially kinetic low energy electrons, prehydrated electrons, OH-radicals and ions are of importance. With higher LET the relative amount of the direct damaging effects increases. This is especially important considering the increased usage of high LET nucleons in radiation therapy. Therefore, the quantification of the contribution to DNA damage of direct and indirect effects and the different secondary species is of high interest due to the increase of radio biological efficiency when applying high LET radiation.
Here we present an approach to investigate the relative contributions to DNA strand break yield for radiation of different LET within a single electron microscope in combination with electron scattering simulations.
The damage caused by ionizing radiation to DNA and proteins is the reason to treat cancer by radiation therapy. A better understanding of the molecular processes and quantification of the different damaging mechanisms is the prerequisite to develop more efficient therapies. Hereby the understanding of the processes involved in the damage to DNA are of key interest due to its central role in reproduction and mutation.
For radiation with low linear energy transfer (LET), most of the damage is caused by the secondary particles produced by scattering of the ionizing radiation with water. Thereby a multitude of species are produced, whereby especially kinetic low energy electrons, prehydrated electrons, OH-radicals and ions are of importance. With higher LET the relative amount of the direct damaging effects increases. This is especially important considering the increased usage of high LET nucleons in radiation therapy. Therefore, the quantification of the contribution to DNA damage of direct and indirect effects and the different secondary species is of high interest due to the increase of radio biological efficiency when applying high LET radiation.
Here we present an approach to investigate the relative contributions to DNA strand break yield for radiation of different LET within a single electron microscope in combination with electron scattering simulations.
The EC Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial1, based solely on size of the constituent particles, foresees development of harmonised measurement methods ensuring ‘consistent results across materials and over time’. The EU/FP7 large research project NanoDefine (http://www.nanodefine.eu) has been exclusively dedicated to support the implementation of this EC Recommendation for the European Union’s legislation. For the first time, measurement techniques able to determine the size of nanoparticles have been evaluated systematically on a well-defined set of quality control materials (spherical, monodisperse) as well as industrial materials of complex shapes and considerable polydispersity. Particularly based on the analytical performance of the measurement techniques as tested on the challenging real-world particulate materials, it was possible to formulate recommendations for use of a new tiered approach consisting of screening and confirmatory techniques. Thus, a consistent framework of guidance for nanomaterial identification according to the EC Definition has been issued in form of the NanoDefiner e-tool (https://labs.inf.fh-dortmund.de/NanoDefiner), with a transparent decision flow scheme and an extensive user manual. Selected examples of analysis and classification as nano-/non-nanomaterials will be given, highlighting the limits of applicability of the available measurement techniques in dependence on sample properties. On some recent relevant developments in sample preparation – as a crucial part for an accurate analysis - will be also reported.
Controlled deposition of nanoparticles by electrospray for improved analysis by imaging techniques
(2018)
Of many experimental techniques for measuring particle sizes and size distributions, electron microscopy (EM) is still considered as the gold standard, especially in the nano range (1–100 nm).
Furthermore, high-resolution X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) in conjunction with EM can be applied to individual NPs. Preparation of an EM sample for generic particulate materials is a difficult task. Usually the particles in a suspension are deposited on a support. However, this procedure includes the drying of larger solvent amounts on the substrate itself, and this can affect the spatial distribution of the deposited particles. One possibility to overcome this is the use of an electrospray system, where the suspension of particles is sprayed onto the substrate in charged droplets that are so small that they either dry off on the substrate immediately without affecting the position of particles, or even already during their flight time to the substrate. Additionally, the charging of particles minimizes agglomeration and aggregation, maximizing the collection of the EM grids. The prototype of an electrospray deposition system from RAMEM under its trademark IONER (www.ioner.eu) was tested. Electrospray is theoretically described since a long time, but no dedicated commercial instruments are available for the preparation of TEM grids yet, apart from electrostatic deposition of aerosols.2 Several materials have been sprayed onto TEM grids and the resulting particle distributions were evaluated. Operation parameters such as the sample flow-rate, capillary – substrate distance, electric field strength and sampling period length have been optimized. It was found that the particles deposited by electrospray generally show a much more homogeneous spatial distribution on the substrate and a substantial increase of the number of single particles (suited to automatic analysis).
We discuss the role of the volume specific surface area (VSSA) as determined from the specific surface area measured by the (extended) Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) technique, in the identification process of powdered nano- and non-nanomaterials in line with the EU definition of nanomaterial. Results obtained in the NanoDefine project demonstrate that under appropriate conditions, VSSA can be used as proxy to the number-based particle size distribution. The extent of agreement between nano/non-nano classification by electron microscopy (EM) and classification by VSSA is investigated systematically on a large set of diverse particulate substances, representing most of the cases expected in regulatory practice. Thus, parameters such as particle shape, size polydispersity/multi-modality, and particle (inner or coating) porosity are evaluated. Based on these results, we derive a tiered screening strategy for powders, involving the use of VSSA for the purpose of implementing the definition of nanomaterial, and recommend it for inclusion in a technical guidance for the implementation of the definition.
The analysis of nanomaterials is currently an important task - especially in case of risk assessment – as the properties of these material class are not well understood. The rather high surface area of these objects renders their interactions significantly different to their corresponding bulk. Thus, the surface’s chemical composition must be investigated to get a better understanding and prediction of the nanomaterials’ behavior. ToF-SIMS and XPS have proven to be powerful tools to determine the general chemical composition. The superior surface sensitivity of ToF-SIMS furthermore allows us to study mainly the utmost atomic layer and thus gives us an idea of the interactions involved. Here, we present initial data on the analysis of Hyflon®-polystyrene core-shell nanoparticles which can be used as a model system due to the known preparation and a rather good chemical as well as physical separation of core and shell. Furthermore, principle component analysis (PCA) will be used to detect the influence of sample preparation and for a better separation of different samples. ToF-SIMS imaging is desired to be implemented for single particle detection as well.
Interfaces provide the structural basis for function as, for example, encountered in nature in the membrane-embedded photosystem or in technology in solar cells. Synthetic functional multilayers of molecules cooperating in a coupled manner can be fabricated on surfaces through layer-by-layer self-assembly. Ordered arrays of stimuli-responsive rotaxanes undergoing well-controlled axle shuttling are excellent candidates for coupled mechanical motion. Such stimuli-responsive surfaces may help integrating synthetic molecular machines in larger systems exhibiting even macroscopic effects or generating mechanical work from chemical energy through cooperative action. The present work demonstrates the successful deposition of ordered mono- and multilayers of chemically and photochemically switchable rotaxanes on gold surfaces. Two substrates are investigated – silicon and gold. Of these materials, only gold showed to be suitable for the development of highly preferential oriented rotaxane layers. XPS indicates for both substrates that our layer-by-layer approach worked and a layer growth with every deposition step is present. NEXAFS showed that both stimuli cause an increase of the multilayer's preferential orientation and that the switching is reversible. However, these effects are only observed for the multilayers on gold surfaces.
The analysis of nanomaterials is current an important task - especially in case of risk assessment, as the properties of these material class are not well understood currently. The rather high surface area of these objects renders their interactions significantly different to their corresponding bulk. Thus, the surfaces chemical composition has to be investigated to get a better understanding and prediction of the nanomaterials' behavior. ToF-SIMS has proven as a powerful tool to determine said chemical composition. Its superior surface sensitivity allows us to study mainly the utmost atomic layer and therefore gives us an idea of the interactions involved. Here, we show first result from the validation of the method for the analysis of polystyrene and gold nanoparticles. ToF-SIMS will be compared to other methods like XPS, T-SEM or REM. Furthermore, principle component analysis (PCA) will be used to detect the influence of different sample preparation performed by an innovative microfluidic device. ToF-SIMS imaging is desired to be implemented for single particle detection as well.
Equipping ZIF particles with a polyelectrolyte membrane provides functional groups at their interface, enabling further conjugations necessary for applications such as targeted drug delivery. Previous approaches to coat ZIF particles with polyelectrolytes led to surface corrosion of the template material. This work overcomes previous limitations by performing a Layer-by-Layer (LbL) polyelectrolyte coating onto ZIF-8 and ZIF-67 particles in nonaqueous environment. Using the 2-methylimidazolium salt of polystyrensulfonic acid instead of the acid itself and polyethyleneimine in methanol led to intact ZIF particles after polyelectrolyte coating. This was verified by electron microscopy. Further, zetapotential and atomic force microscopy measurements confirmed a continuous polyelectrolyte multilayer built up. The here reported adaption to the well-studied (LbL) polyelectrolyte selfassembly process provides a facile method to equip ZIF particles with a nanometer thin polyelectrolyte multilayer membrane.