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Paper des Monats
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The mechanism of action of zirconium permanent modifiers on graphite surfaces was investigated in order to understand its influence on the analytical signal in atomic and molecular absorption spectrometry (AAS/MAS). For this, the molecule formation of CaF was studied, which is used for the indirect analytical determination of fluorine in high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace molecular absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-GFMAS). The kinetics of this reaction was established by monitoring its molecular spectrum at different atomisation temperatures. An Arrhenius plot showed a pseudo-first order reaction with respect to fluorine (n = 1). An intermediate state was isolated, and its structure was elucidated by spectroscopic methods: scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEMEDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XANES and EXAFS), and Raman microspectroscopy. We propose here a mechanism, where ZrO2 acts as a heterogeneous catalyst: after a pyrolytic step, an intermediate state of ZrO(OCaF) is activated, and at higher temperatures, CaF(g) is released from the zirconium-coated graphite surface. No evidence of the formation of zirconium carbide was found. Consequently, as the CaF formation is catalysed by a heterogeneous catalyst, surface modifications with ZrO2 nanoparticles and ZrO xerogels were investigated in order to increase the surface area. Their influence was evaluated in the molecule formation of CaF, CaCl, CaBr, and CaI. Graphite furnace modification with zirconium oxide nanoparticles proves to be the best choice for fluorine analysis with a signal enhancement of more than eleven times with respect a non-coated graphite furnace. However, the influence of zirconium modifications in the analytical signals of Cl, and I is lower than the F signals or even negative in case of the Br. Understanding zirconium modifiers as heterogeneous catalysts offers a new perspective to AAS and MAS, and reveals the potential of surface analytical methods for development of improved permanent modifiers and graphite furnace coatings.
Alkaline earth metal fluoride nanoparticles have been investigated for application in wood protection. Sols of MgF2 and CaF2 were synthesized and their efficacy was tested against fungi and termites (Rehmer 2016, Krahl et al. 2016). The sols were characterized by XRD and SEM. The wood specimens were vacuum impregnated with nanoparticles and then exposed to fungi and termites according to EU certified test conditions. Our results show that wood impregnated with metal fluoride nanoparticles significantly reduce cellulose hydrolysis by fungi and termites. The wood samples were exposed to brown-rot fungi; Coniophora puteana and Poria placenta. Between the two fungi, the overall mass lost due to fungal degradation was lower for treated (MgF2 and CaF2) wood samples exposed to Coniophora puteana. Thus, the metal fluoride nanoparticles impregnated in the wood samples were more efficient in reducing cellulose degradation from Coniophora puteana than from Poria placenta. However the mass loss in samples treated with MgF2 was similar to those treated with CaF2, irrespective of type of fungi. Therefore, it is likely that fungal degradation in treated samples was dependent on the biocidal action of fluorides rather than on the differences in chemical and physical properties of MgF2 and CaF2, respectively. Conversely, for termite exposure, wood samples treated with MgF2 had lower cellulose degradation compared to those treated with CaF2. A possible explanation for this difference in results could be fungi and termites use separate mechanisms for cellulose hydrolysis which will be further investigated. Future experiments include testing the leaching potential of MgF2 and CaF2 nanoparticles from wood. The results from the leaching experiment will test if metal fluoride nanoparticles can provide long-term and environmentally safe protection to wood.
Sol-gel synthesis was used to prepare nanoparticles of MgF2 and CaF2. These nanoparticles were tested for their application in wood protection. In comparison to control samples, wood specimens treated with MgF2 and CaF2 showed lower mass loss under exposure to termites and fungi. Samples treated with MgF2 performed better at protecting wood from cellulose degradation when exposed to termites. Conversely, in the presence of fungi, mass loss in treated samples was similar irrespective of the chemical composition (MgF2 and CaF2) of the treatment. A possible explanation for this difference in results between termites and fungi could be their different mechanism of cellulose hydrolysis. Thus, future wood preservatives would need to be customized according to their specific application.
In this study, a new reliable, economic, and environmentally-friendly one-step synthesis is established to obtain carbon nanodots (CNDs) with well-defined and reproducible photoluminescence (PL) properties via the microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment of starch and Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer as carbon sources. Three kinds of CNDs are prepared using different sets of above mentioned starting materials. The as-synthesized CNDs: C-CND (starch only), N-CND 1 (starch in TAE) and N-CND 2 (TAE only) exhibit highly homogenous PL and are ready to use without need for further purification.
The CNDs are stable over a long period of time (>1 year) either in solution or as freeze-dried powder. Depending on starting material, CNDs with PL quantum yield (PLQY) ranging from less than 1% up to 28% are obtained. The influence of the precursor concentration, reaction time and type of additives on the optical properties (UV-Vis absorption, PL emission spectrum and PLQY) is carefully investigated, providing insight into the chemical processes that occur during CND formation. Remarkably, upon freeze-drying the initially brown CND-solution turns into a non-fluorescent white/slightly Brown powder which recovers PL in aqueous solution and can potentially be applied as fluorescent marker in bio-imaging, as a reduction agent or as a photocatalyst.
Volume specific surface area (VSSA) by BET: concept and demonstration on industrial materials
(2017)
Volume specific surface area (VSSA) as measured by BET constituites a simple and reliable solution to (most) powders. Porous, coated, polydisperse/multimodal materials are to be treated with care, i.e. doubled by analysis with electron microscopy or more advanced BET analysis (e.g. t-plot)for each material in part.
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 progress in activities on Microbeam Analysis under VAMAS/TWA 37 is reviewed. Particularly the liaison with the new projects within the ISO technical committee TC 202 is presented and discussed with respect to the possibility of identifying and launching related VAMAS projects. Need of more promotion for the engagement of more participants from industry and academia at national, European and international level is highlighted. Also, the competition with the other technical working areas (on 'nano' or materials-related) is critically discussed. Further, a short overview of the VAMAS areas of activities is given where Germany is involved.
Following points are presented and discussed: i) nPSize as an EMPIR project on the nanoparticle size and shape distribution of (more) complex particles including sample preparation and machine learning approaches; ii) parallel development of ISO 21363 (PSSD by TEM), ISO 19749 (PSSD by SEM), ISO 22292 (3D TEM), ISO 52408 (NP Prep for AFM and EM), iii) VAMAS and pre-standardisation, TWA 34 „Nanoparticle Populations“ with two nPSize ILC projects P15 & P16 – results to be published and integrated in ISO 21363 (PSSD by TEM); iv) Remaining challenges: platelets, 2D materials (TiO2 and GR2M); v) Reference data sets as part of a complete Characterisation Workflow.
Time-gated Förster resonance energy transfer (TG-FRET) between Tb complexes and luminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) provides highly advantageous photophysical properties for multiplexed biosensing. Multiplexed Tb-to-QD FRET immunoassays possess a large potential for in vitro diagnostics, but their performance is often insufficient for their application under clinical conditions. Here, we developed a homogeneous TG-FRET immunoassay for the quantification of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), neuron-specific enolase (NSE), and prostatespecific antigen (PSA) from a single serum sample by multiplexed Tb-to-QD FRET. Tb–IgG antibody donor conjugates were combined with compact QD-F(ab’)2 antibody acceptor conjugates with three different QDs emitting at 605, 650, and 705 nm. Upon antibody–antigen–antibody Sandwich complex formation, the QD acceptors were sensitized via FRET from Tb, and the FRET ratios of QD and Tb TG luminescence intensities increased specifically with increasing antigen concentrations.
Although limits of detection (LoDs: 3.6 ng/mL CEA, 3.5 ng/mL NSE, and 0.3 ng/mL PSA) for the triplexed assay were slightly higher compared to the single-antigen assays, they were still in a clinically relevant concentration range and could be quantified in 50 μL serum samples on a B·R·A·H·M·S KRYPTOR Compact PLUS clinical immunoassay plate reader. The simultaneous quantification of CEA, NSE, and PSA at different concentrations from the same serum sample demonstrated actual multiplexing Tb-to-QD FRET immunoassays and the potential of this technology for translation into clinical diagnostics.
Dielectric, anti-reflective or high reflective systems consist of low and high refractive index layers. Common systems are oxides. The preparation of low refractive index MgF2-films of optical quality by means of an anhydrous low temperature solgel synthesis is presented. The MgF2-sol is prepared by spin-coating on silicon and glass substrates. Various film thicknesses between 20 nm and 435 nm have been deposited. It has been shown that the thickness increase is proportional to the number of coating steps. The deposited MgF2-films consist of 10 nm to 20 nm large nanoparticles and have smooth surfaces with an average roughness (Ra) of (1.7 ± 0.3) nm. The optical constants n and k of the films are in agreement with the literature data of bulk-MgF2.
Die Bestimmung der Nanopartikelgrößen- und -formverteilung nach OECD TG 125 mit der Transmission and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM/TEM) wird punktuell vorgestellt:
- Generelles Messprinzip
- Beispiele
- Korrelative Mikroskopie
- Welchen Durchmesser misst die Methode?
- Welche Partikel kann diese Methode messen?
- Welche Informationen kann diese Methode liefern?
- Wo stößt die Methode an ihre Grenzen?
- Implementierung und Datenauswertung,
- Reporting.
Anschließend wurde eine Q&A-Session für die Imaging-Methoden organisiert.
The synthesis of TiO2 nanoplatelets with fluorine-containing reactants is carried out using titanium (IV) butoxide as precursor and concentrated HF as shape controller, the final product requires a working up in order to eliminate or at least to reduce the amount of residual fluorides, which is realized here by well-defined thermal treatment of the samples. Bulk and surface sensitive methods namely scanning electron microscopy with energydispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) have been applied to trace the presence of any fluorides in dependence on different information depths and measurement sensitivities of these methods.
The design of comparatively simple and modularly configurable artificial systems able to communicate through the exchange of chemical messengers is, to the best of our knowledge, an unexplored field. As a proof-of-concept, we present here a family of nanoparticles that have been designed to communicate with one another in a hierarchical manner. The concept involves the use of capped mesoporous silica supports in which the messenger delivered by a first type of gated nanoparticle is used to open a second type of nanoparticle, which delivers another messenger that opens a third group of gated nanoobjects. We believe that the conceptual idea that nanodevices can be designed to communicate with one another may result in novel applications and will boost further advances towards cooperative systems with complex behavior as a result of the communication between simple abiotic individual components.
Metal nanoparticles have a substantial impact across diferent felds of science, such as photochemistry, energy conversion, and medicine. Among the commonly used nanoparticles, silver nanoparticles are of special interest due to their antibacterial properties and applications in sensing and catalysis. However, many of the methods used to synthesize silver nanoparticles often do not result in well-defned products, the main obstacles being high polydispersity or a lack of particle size tunability. We describe an automated approach to on-demand synthesis of adjustable particles with mean radii of 3 and 5 nm using the polyol route. The polyol process is a promising route for silver nanoparticles e.g., to be used as reference materials. We characterised the as-synthesized nanoparticles using small-angle X-ray scattering, dynamic light scattering and further methods, showing that automated synthesis can yield colloids with reproducible and tuneable properties.
In this contribution different ways are explored with the aim to generate suitable training data for ‘non-ideal’ samples using various approaches, e.g., computer-generated images or unsupervised learning algorithms such as generative adversarial networks (GANs). We used these data to train simple CNNs to produce segmentation masks of SEM images and tested the trained networks on real SEM images of complex nanoparticle samples. The novel use of CNN for the automated analysis of the size of nanoparticles of complex shape and with a high degree of agglomeration has proved to be a promising tool for the evaluation of particle size distribution on a large number of constituent particles. Further development and validation of the preliminary model, respectively larger training and validation data sets are necessary.
In this contribution different ways are explored with the aim to generate suitable training data for ‘non-ideal’ samples using various approaches, e.g., computer-generated images or unsupervised learning algorithms such as generative adversarial networks (GANs). We used these data to train simple CNNs to produce segmentation masks of SEM images and tested the trained networks on real SEM images of complex nanoparticle samples. The novel use of CNN for the automated analysis of the size of nanoparticles of complex shape and with a high degree of agglomeration has proved to be a promising tool for the evaluation of particle size distribution on a large number of constituent particles. Further development and validation of the preliminary model, respectively larger training and validation data sets are necessary.
Most industrial nanoparticles have non-spherical shapes and also possess polydisperse size distributions, and due to their agglomeration/ aggregation state are difficult (or even impossible) to be addressed individually. Further, driven by regulatory purposes related to the identification of a material as a nanomaterial, the accurate measurement of the smallest dimension of a (nano)particulate material makes the analysis even more complex.
In the first phase of the EU Project nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements (https://www.bam.de/Content/DE/Projekte/laufend/nPSize/npsize.html), the efforts are focused on synthesis of nanoparticles of well-defined, non-spherical shape. Following candidates of reference materials (CRM) with certifiable particle size (distribution) are under characterization with respect to their homogeneity and stability: (i) titania nanoplatelets (10-15 nm thickness x 50-60 nm lateral), (ii) titania bipyramides (~60 nm length x 40 nm width), (iii) titania acicular particles (100 nm length x 15-20 nm width; aspect ratio 5.5/6), (iv) gold nanorods (~10 nm width x 30 nm length), and (v) gold nanocubes (~55 nm x 55 nm x 55 nm).
Measurement of nanoparticle size (distribution) becomes a challenging analytical problem when non-spherical nanoparticles must be accurately measured. Most industrial nanoparticles have not only non-spherical shapes but also possess polydisperse size distributions, and due to their agglomeration/aggregation state are difficult (or even impossible) to be addressed individually. Moreover, driven by regulatory purposes related to the identification of a material as a nanomaterial, the accurate measurement of the smallest dimension of a (nano)particulate material makes the analysis even more complex.
In the first phase of the EU Project nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements (https://www.bam.de/Content/DE/Projekte/laufend/nPSize/npsize.html), the efforts are focused on synthesis of nanoparticles of well-defined, non-spherical shape. Following candidates of reference materials (CRM) with certifiable particle size (distribution) are under characterization with respect to their homogeneity and stability: (i) titania nanoplatelets (10-15 nm thickness x 50-60 nm lateral), (ii) titania bipyramides (~60 nm length x 40 nm width), (iii) titania acicular particles (100 nm length x 15-20 nm width; aspect ratio 5.5/6), (iv) gold nanorods (~10 nm width x 30 nm length), and (v) gold nanocubes (~55 nm x 55 nm x 55 nm).
A series of different nanoparticle suspensions (Gold, Latex, and SiO2 in varying concentrations) were microprinted onto TEM grids in a 4 x 4 array in the concentration range 7x10^8 to 1x10^11 NP/mL and imaged with SEM and TSEM. Concentrations and printing conditions (temperature, relative humidity) were varied in order to minimize the coffee ring effect.
As part of the development of a library of accurate and efficient methods for measurement of nanoparticle properties, we develop and optimize a method for the efficient analysis of nanoparticle size distribution from suspensions via microprinting and digital analysis of electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) images, with the ultimate aim of automated quantitative concentration analysis (calculated from drop volume). A series of different nanoparticle suspensions (gold, latex, and SiO2 in varying sizes and concentrations) were printed onto TEM grids in a 4 x 4 array in the concentration range 7x10^8 to 1x10^11 nanoparticles/mL and imaged with SEM. Concentrations and printing conditions (temperature, relative humidity) were varied in order to minimize the coffee-ring effect.
In this paper one refined approach is applied to determine the exact orientation of bipyramidal TiO2 nanoparticles prepared with good dispersion as almost isolated particles on a carbon TEM grid. The advantages of the recently developed high-throughput Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) are used to identify quickly and reliably the geometrical orientation of the crystalline TiO2 nanoparticle bipyramids (anatase) on a statistically relevant number of particles.
In this paper one refined approach is applied to determine the exact orientation of bipyramidal TiO2 nanoparticles prepared with good dispersion as almost isolated particles on a carbon TEM grid. The advantages of the recently developed high-throughput Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction (TKD) are used to identify quickly and reliably the geometrical orientation of the crystalline TiO2 nanoparticle bipyramids (anatase) on a statistically relevant number of particles.
Transparent dispersions of hydrophobic SrF2 :Eu3+ nanoparticles in cyclohexane with up to 20% europium were obtained by fluorolytic sol-gel synthesis followed by Phase transfer into cyclohexane through capping with sodium dodecylbenzenesulfonate (SDBS). The particles were characterized by TEM, XRD and DLS as spherical objects with a diameter between 6 and 11 nm in dry state. 1H-13CP MAS NMR experiments revealed the binding of the anionic sulfonate head group to the particle surface. The particles show bright red luminescence upon excitation of the aromatic capping agents, acting as antennas for an Energy transfer from the benzenesulfonate unit to the Eu3+ centers in the particles. This synthesis method overcomes the current obstacle of the fluorolytic sol-gel synthesis that transparent dispersions can be obtained directly only in hydrophilic solvents. To demonstrate the potential of such hydrophobized alkaline-earth fluoride particles, transparent luminescent organic-inorganic composites with 10% SrF2 :Eu3+ embedded into polyTEGDMA, polyBMA, poly-BDDMA and polyD3MA, respectively, were prepared, endowing the polymers with the luminescence features of the nanoparticles.
Laser and plasma processing of materials is a rapidly growing field in fundamental science and materials technology requiring both a multidisciplinary approach and a wide-ranging knowledge. The topical issue Laser and plasma processing for advanced materials of the Journal of Optoelectronics and Advanced Materials covers a number of recent research highlights. The production of thin functionalized films, nanoparticles and nanocomposites using pulsed laser ablation (PLA) and deposition (PLD) or plasma treatment is discussed in a number of papers. Additionally, experiments using matrix assisted pulsed laser evaporation (MAPLE) are described. It is shown in this book that nanoparticles are generated and/or processed by laser or plasma interaction in very different environments ranging from gaseous and liquid to solid phase. Material properties change if the particle size is reduced below a critical limit allowing e.g. optical, electronic, biomedical, and environmental applications. Micro- and nanostructuring of surfaces (2D) and within the bulk of transparent materials (3D) is presented in various articles. In many cases, ultrashort laser pulses were applied. Furthermore, nanoparticles interacting with laser radiation can be used for nanostructuring purposes. Apart from experimental investigations, numerical modeling of the interaction of femtosecond laser pulses with materials has also been performed to understand structure formation theoretically. Especially for bio-functionalization, selective deposition of sensitive materials (e.g. proteins, cells) on surfaces is needed. A sophisticated process used for this purpose is known as laser induced forward transfer (LIFT). Recent findings regarding the LIFT method are depicted in this issue. Laser annealing of implanted dopants and thin films aiming to enhance structural and electrical properties, sensor dicing by laser radiation, and laser or plasma surface modification for the improvement of solar cells or polymer wettability change are but a few of the subjects focusing on applied research. Additionally, hybrid processes combining plasma spraying and laser-induced melting to control microstructure of coatings are introduced. Last but not least, achievements regarding analytical techniques are outlined. Laser induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) make up a large part of this class. Additionally, the contributions to optical emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry of plasma processes are significant.
These files contain cell models for TOPAS/Geant4 and the inclusion of nano particles in particle scattering simulations. A simple spherical cell with nanoparticles can be generated in a fast manner. The user has the option to include the following organelles: nucleus, mitochondria, cell membrane. Additionally nanoparticles can be included in the cytosol and at the surface of the nucleus and/or the mitochondria.
The C++ classes in this repository extend the functionality of the TOPAS (http://www.topasmc.org/) Monte-Carlo program, which is itself a wrapper of the Geant4 MCS Toolkit (http://geant4.org). The sourcecode together with examples and scorers are provided.
"If you use this extension please cite the following literature:
Hahn, M.B., Zutta Villate, J.M. "Combined cell and nanoparticle models for TOPAS to study radiation dose enhancement in cell organelles." Sci Rep 11, 6721 (2021).
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-85964-2 "
Silver nanoparticles (SNPs) are among the most commercialized nanoparticles because of their antibacterial effects. Besides being employed, e.g. as a coating material for sterile surfaces in household articles and appliances, the particles are also used in a broad range of medical applications. Their antibacterial properties make SNPs especially useful for wound disinfection or as a coating material for prostheses and surgical instruments. Because of their optical characteristics, the particles are of increasing interest in biodetection as well. Despite the widespread use of SNPs, there is little knowledge of their toxicity. Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and laser post-ionization secondary neutral mass spectrometry (Laser-SNMS) were used to investigate the effects of SNPs on human macrophages derived from THP-1 cells in vitro. For this purpose, macrophages were exposed to SNPs. The SNP concentration ranges were chosen with regard to functional impairments of the macrophages. To optimize the analysis of the macrophages, a special silicon wafer sandwich preparation technique was employed; ToF-SIMS was employed to characterize fragments originating from macrophage cell membranes. With the use of this optimized sample preparation method, the SNP-exposed macrophages were analyzed with ToF-SIMS and with Laser-SNMS. With Laser-SNMS, the three-dimensional distribution of SNPs in cells could be readily detected with very high efficiency, sensitivity, and submicron lateral resolution. We found an accumulation of SNPs directly beneath the cell membrane in a nanoparticular state as well as agglomerations of SNPs inside the cells.
Due to the recent widespread application of nanomaterials to biological systems, a careful consideration of their physiological impact is required. This demands an understanding of the complex processes at the bio–nano interface. Therefore, a comprehensive and accurate characterization of the material under physiological conditions is crucial to correlate the observed biological impact with defined colloidal properties. As promising candidates for biomedical applications, two SiO2-based nanomaterial systems were chosen for extensive size characterization to investigate the agglomeration behavior under physiological conditions. To combine the benefits of different characterization techniques and to compensate for their respective drawbacks, transmission electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation were applied. The investigated particle systems were (i) negatively charged silica particles and (ii) poly(organosiloxane) particles offering variable surface modification opportunities (positively charged, polymer coated). It is shown that the surface properties primarily determine the agglomeration state of the particles and therefore their effective size, especially under physiological conditions. Thus, the biological identity of a nanomaterial is clearly influenced by differentiating surface properties.
The combination of nanomaterials as solid supports and supramolecular concepts has led to the development of hybrid materials with improved functionalities. These hetero-supramolecular ideas provide a means of bridging the gap between molecular chemistry, materials sciences, and nanotechnology. In recent years, relevant examples have been reported on functional aspects, such as enhanced recognition and sensing by using molecules on preorganized surfaces, the reversible building of nanometer-sized networks and 3D architectures, as well as biomimetic and gated chemistry in hybrid nanomaterials for the development of advanced functional protocols in three-dimensional frameworks. This approach allows the fine-tuning of the properties of nanomaterials and offers new perspectives for the application of supramolecular concepts.
The spherical gold nanoparticle reference materials RM 8011, RM 8012, and RM 8013, with a nominal radius of 5, 15, and 30 nm, respectively, have been available since 2008 from NIST. These materials are recommended as standards for nanoparticle size measurements and for the study of the biological effects of nanoparticles, e.g., in pre-clinical biomedical research. We report on determination of the size distributions of these gold nanoparticles using different small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) instruments. Measurements with a classical Kratky type SAXS instrument are compared with a synchrotron SAXS technique. Samples were investigated in situ, positioned in capillaries and in levitated droplets. The number-weighted size distributions were determined applying model scattering functions based on (a) Gaussian, (b) log-normal, and (c) Schulz distributions. The mean radii are 4.36 ± 0.04 nm (RM 8011), 12.20 ± 0.03 nm (RM 8012), and 25.74 ± 0.27 nm (RM 8013). Low polydispersities, defined as relative width of the distributions, were detected with values of 0.067 ± 0.006 (RM 8011), 0.103 ± 0.003, (RM 8012), and 0.10 ± 0.01 (RM 8013). The results are in agreement with integral values determined from classical evaluation procedures, such as the radius of gyration (Guinier) and particle volume (Kratky). No indications of particle aggregation and particle interactions-repulsive or attractive-were found. We recommend SAXS as a standard method for a fast and precise determination of size distributions of nanoparticles.
Due to their unique physico-chemical properties, nanoparticles are well established in research and industrial applications. A reliable characterization of their size, shape, and size distribution is not only mandatory to fully understand and exploit their potential and develop reproducible syntheses, but also to manage environmental and health risks related to their exposure and for regulatory requirements. To validate and standardize methods for the accurate and reliable particle size determination nanoscale reference materials (nanoRMs) are necessary. However, there is only a very small number of nanoRMs for particle size offered by key distributors such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Joint Research Centre (JRC) and, moreover, few provide certified values. In addition, these materials are currently restricted to polymers, silica, titanium dioxide, gold and silver, which have a spherical shape except for titania nanorods. To expand this list with other relevant nanomaterials of different shapes and elemental composition, that can be used for more than one sizing technique, we are currently building up a platform of novel nanoRMs relying on iron oxide nanoparticles of different shape, size and surface chemistry. Iron oxide was chosen as a core material because of its relevance for the material and life sciences.
Elemental imaging of biological samples using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) provides spatially resolved information on element distribution in thin sections. By rastering with a laser across the sample, a two-dimensional image of the elemental distribution can be reconstructed that shows the intensities of the respective elements. Using overlapping laser shots the area ablated from single cells or thin sections (thickness 5 to 10 µm) can be reduced significantly so that the pixel size of the intensity measurement is significantly reduced. Having in mind that a laser shot ablates thin biological samples completely, we can make use of a new concept for calibration in the laser ablation method: the concept of total consumption. This calibration strategy allows production of simple matrix matched standards and provides an internal standardisation by ink jet technology, where a metal containing inks is printed on as thin layer on top of a biological sample.
Different applications will be presented where our concepts have been applied. In the first example we used nanoparticle suspension of given particle numbers to quantify the uptake of metallic nanoparticles by biological cells. In the second example antibodies have been tagged by metals to measure protein expression in prostata cancer. In this approach application of house keeping proteins are investigated additionally to compensate variations in thickness and density of the biopsy samples. In the third application different nephrotoxic behaviour of Pt containing drugs have been investigated to study the local enrichement in kidney samples of mice treated with these three different compounds. Here the internal standard is required to allow intercomparisons between different individual mouse tissues.
At the end of the lecture future trends will be discussed for elemental microscopy.
This paper discusses the feasibility of a novel strategy based on the combination of bioprinting nano-doping technology and laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis for the preparation and characterization of gelatin- based multi-element calibration standards suitable for quantitative imaging. To achieve this, lanthanide up-conversion nanoparticles were added to a gelatin matrix to produce the bioprinted calibration standards. The features of this bioprinting approach were com- pared with manual cryosectioning standard preparation, in terms of throughput, between batch repeatability and elemental signal homogeneity at 5 μm spatial resolution. By using bioprinting, the between batch variability for three independent standards of the same concentration of 89 Y (range 0–600 mg/kg) was reduced to 5% compared to up to 27% for cryosectioning. On this basis, the relative standard deviation ( RSD ) obtained between three independent calibration slopes measured within 1 day also reduced from 16% (using cryosectioning ) to 5% (using bioprinting), supporting the use of a single standard preparation replicate for each of the concentrations to achieve good calibration performance using bioprinting. This helped reduce the analysis time by approximately 3-fold. With cryosectioning each standard was prepared and sectioned individually, whereas using bio-printing it was possible to have up to six different standards printed simultaneously, reducing the preparation time from approximately 2 h to under 20 min (by approxi- mately 6-fold). The bio-printed calibration standards were found stable for a period of 2 months when stored at ambient temperature and in the dark.
The present series of reports, the NanoDefine Methods Manual, has been developed within the NanoDefine project 'Development of an integrated approach based on validated and standardized methods to support the implementation of the EC recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial'1 funded by the European Union's 7th Framework Programme, under grant agreement 604347.
In 2011 the European Commission (EC) published the recommendation (2011/696/EU) for a definition of the term 'nanomaterial'1, the EC NM Definition, as a reference to determine whether an unknown material can be considered as a 'nanomaterial' for regulatory purposes. One challenge is the development of methods that reliably identify, characterize and quantify nanomaterials (NM) both as substances and in various products and matrices.
The overall goal of NanoDefine was to support the implementation of the EC NM Definition. It can also support the implementation of any NM definition based on particle size. The project has developed an integrated approach, which allows identifying any material as a nano or non-nano material according to the EC NM Definition. NanoDefine explicitly supported the governance challenges associated with the implementation of legislation concerning nanomaterials by:
- addressing the issues on availability of suitable measuring techniques, reference materials, validated methods, acceptable to all - developing an integrated and interdisciplinary approach and a close international co-operation and networking with academia, commercial firms and standardization bodies.
Thus, the NanoDefine Methods Manual provides guidance on practical implementation of the EC NM Definition throughout the nanomaterial characterization process, and on the characterization techniques employed as well as their application range and limits. It assists the user in choosing the most appropriate measurement method(s) to identify any substance or mixture for a specific purpose, according to the EC NM Definition of a nanomaterial. The NanoDefine project also explored how to assess a material against the criteria of the definition through proxy solutions, i.e. by applying measurement techniques that indirectly determine the D50. Those findings were developed through empirically based scientific work and are included in Part 1 of this Manual. As they go beyond the text of the EC NM Definition, they may be used as practical approach to indicate whether a material is a nanomaterial or not, but keeping in mind that they should not be taken as recommendation for the implementation of the EC NM Definition in a regulatory context.
The NanoDefine Methods Manual consists of the following three parts:
Part 1: The NanoDefiner Framework and Tools
Part 2: Evaluation of Methods
Part 3: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Part 1 covers the NanoDefiner framework, general information on measurement methods and performance criteria and tools developed by NanoDefine such as a materials categorisation system, a decision support flow scheme and an e-tool.
Part 2 discusses the outcome of the evaluation of the nanomaterials characterisation methods for measuring size.
Part 3 presents the 23 Standard Operating Procedures developed within the NanoDefine project. The current document is part 3.
The present series of reports, the NanoDefine Methods Manual, has been developed within the NanoDefine project 'Development of an integrated approach based on validated and standardized methods to support the implementation of the EC recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial', funded by the European Union's 7th Framework Programme, under grant agreement 604347.
In 2011 the European Commission (EC) published a recommendation for a definition of the term 'nanomaterial', the EC NM Definition, as a reference to determine whether an unknown material can be considered as a 'nanomaterial' for regulatory purposes1. One challenge is the development of methods that reliably identify, characterize and quantify nanomaterials (NM) both as substances and in various products and matrices.
The overall goal of NanoDefine was to support the implementation of the EC NM Definition. It can also support the implementation of any NM definition based on particle size. The project has developed an integrated approach, which allows identifying any material as a nano- or not a nanomaterial according to the EC NM Definition. NanoDefine explicitly supported the governance challenges associated with the implementation of legislation concerning nanomaterials by:
- addressing the issues on availability of suitable measuring techniques, reference materials, validated methods, acceptable to all stakeholders (authorities, policy makers, commercial firms),
- developing an integrated and interdisciplinary approach and a close international co-operation and networking with academia, commercial firms and standardization bodies.
Thus, the NanoDefine Methods Manual provides guidance on practical implementation of the EC NM Definition throughout the nanomaterial characterization process, and on the characterization techniques employed as well as their application range and limits. It assists the user in choosing the most appropriate measurement method(s) to identify any substance or mixture for a specific purpose, according to the EC NM Definition of a nanomaterial. The NanoDefine project also explored how to assess a material against the criteria of the definition through proxy solutions, i.e. by applying measurement techniques that indirectly determine the x50. Those findings were developed through empirically based scientific work and are included in Part 1 of this Manual. As they go beyond the text of the EC NM Definition, they may be used as practical approach to indicate whether a material is a nanomaterial or not, but keeping in mind that they should not be taken as recommendation for the implementation of the EC NM Definition in a regulatory context.
The NanoDefine Methods Manual consists of the following three parts:
Part 1: The NanoDefiner Framework and Tools
Part 2: Evaluation of Methods
Part 3: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Part 1 covers the NanoDefiner framework, general information on measurement methods and performance criteria and tools developed by NanoDefine such as a materials categorisation system, a decision support flow scheme and an e-tool.
Part 2 discusses the outcome of the evaluation of the nanomaterials characterisation methods for measuring size.
Part 3 presents the 23 Standard Operating Procedures developed within the NanoDefine project.
The current document is part 2.
The present series of reports, the NanoDefine Methods Manual, has been developed within the NanoDefine project 'Development of an integrated approach based on validated and standardized methods to support the implementation of the EC recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial', funded by the European Union's 7th Framework Programme, under grant agreement 604347.
In 2011 the European Commission (EC) published a recommendation for a definition of the term 'nanomaterial', the EC NM Definition, as a reference to determine whether an unknown material can be considered as a 'nanomaterial' for regulatory purposes1. One challenge is the development of methods that reliably identify, characterize and quantify nanomaterials (NM) both as substances and in various products and matrices.
The overall goal of NanoDefine was to support the implementation of the EC NM Definition. It can also support the implementation of any NM definition based on particle size. The project has developed an integrated approach, which allows identifying any material as a nano- or not a nanomaterial according to the EC NM Definition. NanoDefine explicitly supported the governance challenges associated with the implementation of legislation concerning nanomaterials by:
- addressing the issues on availability of suitable measuring techniques, reference materials, validated methods, acceptable to all stakeholders (authorities, policy makers, commercial firms),
- developing an integrated and interdisciplinary approach and a close international co-operation and networking with academia, commercial firms and standardization bodies.
Thus, the NanoDefine Methods Manual provides guidance on practical implementation of the EC NM Definition throughout the nanomaterial characterization process, and on the characterization techniques employed as well as their application range and limits. It assists the user in choosing the most appropriate measurement method(s) to identify any substance or mixture for a specific purpose, according to the EC NM Definition of a nanomaterial. The NanoDefine project also explored how to assess a material against the criteria of the definition through proxy solutions, i.e. by applying measurement techniques that indirectly determine the x50. Those findings were developed through empirically based scientific work and are included in Part 1 of this Manual. As they go beyond the text of the EC NM Definition, they may be used as practical approach to indicate whether a material is a nanomaterial or not, but keeping in mind that they should not be taken as recommendation for the implementation of the EC NM Definition in a regulatory context.
The NanoDefine Methods Manual consists of the following three parts:
Part 1: The NanoDefiner Framework and Tools
Part 2: Evaluation of Methods
Part 3: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Part 1 covers the NanoDefiner framework, general information on measurement methods and performance criteria and tools developed by NanoDefine such as a materials categorisation system, a decision support flow scheme and an e-tool.
Part 2 discusses the outcome of the evaluation of the nanomaterials characterisation methods for measuring size.
Part 3 presents the 23 Standard Operating Procedures developed within the NanoDefine project.
The current document is part 1.
This document is a collection of three JRC Technical Reports that together form the “NanoDefine Methods Manual”, which has been developed within the NanoDefine project ‘Development of an integrated approach based on validated and standardized methods to support the implementation of the EC recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial’, funded by the European Union’s 7th Framework Programme, under grant agreement 604347. The overall goal of the NanoDefine project was to support the implementation of the European Commission Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU). The project has developed an integrated empirical approach, which allows identifying a material as a nano- or not a nanomaterial according to the EC Recommendation. The NanoDefine Methods Manual consists of three parts: Part 1: The NanoDefiner Framework and Tools, which covers the NanoDefiner framework, general information on measurement methods and performance criteria, and tools developed by NanoDefine such as a materials categorisation system, a decision support flow scheme and an e-tool. Part 2: Evaluation of Methods, which discusses the outcome of the evaluation of the nanomaterials characterisation methods for measuring size. Part 3: Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), which presents the 23 Standard Operating Procedures developed within the NanoDefine project. In this combined document, these three parts are included as stand-alone reports, each having its own abstract, table of contents, page, table and figure numbering, and references.
The importance of plasmonic heating for the plasmondriven photodimerization of 4-nitrothiophenol
(2019)
Metal nanoparticles form potent nanoreactors, driven by the optical generation of energetic electrons and nanoscale heat. The relative influence of these two factors on nanoscale chemistry is strongly debated. This article discusses the temperature dependence of the dimerization of 4-nitrothiophenol (4-NTP) into 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) adsorbed on gold nanoflowers by Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS). Raman thermometry shows a significant optical heating of the particles. The ratio of the Stokes and the anti-Stokes Raman signal moreover demonstrates that the molecular temperature during the reaction rises beyond the average crystal lattice temperature of the plasmonic particles. The product bands have an even higher temperature than reactant bands, which suggests that the reaction proceeds preferentially at thermal hot spots. In addition, kinetic measurements of the reaction during external heating of the reaction environment yield a considerable rise of the reaction rate with temperature. Despite this significant heating effects, a comparison of SERS spectra recorded after heating the sample by an external heater to spectra recorded after prolonged illumination shows that the reaction is strictly photo-driven. While in both cases the temperature increase is comparable, the dimerization occurs only in the presence of light. Intensity dependent measurements at fixed temperatures confirm this finding.
A Round Robin study has been carried out to estimate the impact of the human element in small-angle scattering data analysis. Four corrected datasets were provided to participants ready for analysis. All datasets were measured on samples containing spherical scatterers, with two datasets in dilute dispersions, and two from powders.
Most of the 46 participants correctly identified the number of populations in the dilute dispersions, with half of the population mean entries within 1.5 % and half of the population width entries within 40 %, respectively. Due to the added complexity of the structure factor, much fewer people submitted answers on the powder datasets.
For those that did, half of the entries for the means and widths were within 44 % and 86 % respectively. This Round Robin experiment highlights several causes for the discrepancies, for which solutions are proposed.
This paper reports a systematic study into the effect of nitrogen on iron-catalyzed graphitization of biomass. Chitin, chitosan, N-acetylglucosamine, gelatin and glycine were selected to represent nitrogen-rich saccharides and amino-acid/polypeptide biomass precursors. The materials were pyrolyzed with an iron catalyst to produce carbons with a wide range of chemical and structural features such as mesoporosity and nitrogen-doping. Many authors have reported the synthesis of nitrogen-doped carbons by pyrolysis and these have diverse applications. However, this is the first systematic study of how nitrogen affects pyrolysis of biomass and importantly the catalytic graphitization step. Our data demonstrates that nitrogen inhibits graphitization but that some nitrogen survives the catalytic graphitization process to become incorporated into various chemical environments in the carbon product.
Fluorides are well-known as wood preservatives. One of the limitations of fluoride-based wood preservatives is their high leachability. Alternative to current fluoride salts such as NaF used in wood protection are low water-soluble fluorides. However, impregnation of low water-soluble fluorides into wood poses a challenge. To address this challenge, low water-soluble fluorides like calcium fluoride (CaF2) and magnesium fluoride (MgF2) were synthesized as nanoparticles via the fluorolytic sol−gel synthesis and then impregnated into wood specimens. In this study, the toxicity of nano metal fluorides was assessed by termite mortality, mass loss and visual analysis of treated specimens after eight weeks of exposure to termites, Coptotermes formosanus. Nano metal fluorides with sol concentrations of 0.5 M and higher were found to be effective against termites resulting in 100% termite mortality and significantly inhibited termite feeding. Among the formulations tested, the least damage was found for specimens treated with combinations of CaF2 and MgF2 with an average mass loss less than 1% and visual rating of “1”. These results demonstrate the efficacy of low water-soluble nano metal fluorides to protect wood from termite attack.
Polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) were doped with an oxygen-sensitive near-infrared (NIR)-emissive palladium meso-tetraphenylporphyrin and an inert reference dye which are both excitable at 635 nm. The nanosensors were characterized with special emphasis on fundamental parameters such as absolute photoluminescence quantum yield and fluorescence lifetime. The PS-NPs were employed for ratiometric dual-wavelength and lifetime-based photoluminescent oxygen sensing. They were efficiently taken up by cultured murine alveolar macrophages, yielding a characteristic and reversible change in ratiometric response with decreasing oxygen concentration. This correlated with the cellular hypoxic status verified by analysis of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) accumulation. In addition, the surface of PS-NPs was functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the monoclonal antibody herceptin, and their binding to HER2/neu-overexpressing tumor cells was confirmed in vitro. First experiments with tumor-bearing mouse revealed a distinctive ratiometric response within the tumor upon hypoxic condition induced by animal sacrifice. These results demonstrate the potential of these referenced NIR nanosensors for in vitro and in vivo imaging that present a new generation of optical probes for oncology.
The acid catalyzed solgel type synthesis of polyorganosiloxane core-shell nanoparticles with removable PDMS core in aqueous dispersion leads to the inherent formation of a bimodal size distribution with smaller spheres having approximately 26 nm radii and larger nanoparticles with 60 nm in radius. The origin of the self-organized bimodality is investigated and finally attributed to a combination of stabilization of the growing particles due to i) a miniemulsion-type stabilization by the ultrahydrophobe PDMS and ii) by surface co-stabilization by the employed surfactant. The significant influence of temperature, pH, stirrer speed and amount of the surfactant on the particle sizes allows for the design and fine-tuning of different nanoparticles sizes and distributions.
Titanium dioxide is one of the most studied metal oxides due to its chemical, surface, electronic and (photo)catalytic properties, providing this material of multisectorial applications ranging from healthcare, photocatalysis, smart materials with self cleaning and self sterilizing properties and solar energy harvesting. However it is difficult to correlate the functional properties of TiO2 nanomaterials to the properties at single nanoparticle level due to the high polydispersity in shape, size and surface features of the currently available TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs). Although intensive experimental and theoretical studies have been conducted on the reactivity of different surfaces of metal oxides such as TiO2 much less attention is paid on the dependence of functional properties, like photocatalytic activity, dye adsorption, open circuit potential and fill factor in dye sensitized solar cells, on crystal facets in different orientations. One of the goal of SETNanoMetro project was the development of design rules to tune crystal facets of TiO2 NPs in order to optimize and control functional properties. In the present work we have developed a series of design rules in order to obtain sets of anatase TiO2 NPs with low polydispersity and to tune their shape and size by hydrothermal processing of Ti(IV)-Triethanolamine complex in presence of different shape controllers. Through a careful experimental design, a predictive soft model was developed. The model is able to predict the synthesis outcome allowing to tune the shape factor from 5 (prisms) to 1.5 (bipyramids) to 0.2 (platelets). This allows to control the main crystal facets exposed ranging from (100) to (001). Due to the dependence of functional properties of nanomaterials on shape distribution and not only size, the availability of NPs sets with uniform and well defined and tunable shapes can be of paramount relevance in order to produce reference nanomaterials for shape measurement.
We present the synthesis of monodisperse monometallic Ni nanoparticles (NPs) and bimetallic NiCu respectively NiCo NPs. The NPs were investigated using SAXS, STEM, EDX, and XANES, showing that the NPs are size tunable and stable while the surface is not entirely covered. Nickel NPs have exhibited immense potential as important catalyst for the Sabatier reaction, i.e. converting waste to energy via transformation of CO2 into CH4.
Nanoparticles (NP) have become important materials for a variety of chemical technologies. The enhanced surface-area-to-volume ratio of NPs, making them excellent for use as catalyst, in analytical assays, and for antimicrobial applications.
Nickel NPs have exhibited immense potential as important catalyst for the Sabatier reaction, i.e. converting waste to energy via transformation of CO2 into CH4, and could replace the rare earth elements such as Ru, PT, or Rh. In this work we describe the solvothermal synthesis of monometallic and bimetallic nickel nanoparticles.
Monodisperse monometallic Ni NPs were synthesized using Oleylamin as solvent and reducing agent. The nanoparticles were investigated using small angle scattering (SAXS), scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), showing that the NPs are stable while the surface is not entirely covered. However, Ni has a high propensity to undergo oxidation, and becoming deactivated by coke formation. Hence, we further explore the preparation of bimetallic NPs, where a second metal is added to stabilize the Ni.
Bimetallic Cu-Ni NPs were synthesized by simultaneous solvothermal reduction. These bimetallic NPs exhibit excellent catalytic properties are promising candidates to be used as catalysts for efficient energy storage.