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ZnO nanoparticles are found in different food and consumer products, and their toxicological effects are still under investigation. It is therefore important to understand their behavior in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we used an in vitro model to assess the physicochemical fate of ZnO nanoparticles during the digestive process in artificial saliva, stomach juice, and intestinal juice. Atomic absorption spectrometry and small-angle X-ray scattering were employed to investigate two ZnO nanomaterials, one intensively characterized reference material and soluble ZnCl2 in a broad range of concentrations between 25 and 1000 μg/mL in the intestinal fluid. Because food components may influence the behavior of nanomaterials in the gastrointestinal tract, starch, milk powder, and olive oil were used to mimic carbohydrates, protein, and fat, respectively. Additionally, ion release of all Zn species was assessed in cell culture media and compared to artificial intestinal juice to investigate relevance of typical cell culture conditions in ZnO nanotoxicology. ZnCl2 as well as the ZnO species were present as particles in artificial saliva but were solubilized completely in the acidic stomach juice. Interestingly, in the intestinal fluid a concentration-independent de novo formation of particles in the nanoscale range was shown. This was the case for all particles as well as for ZnCl2, regardless of the concentration used. Neither of the food components affected the behavior of any Zn species. On the contrary, all Zn species showed a Zn-concentration-dependent ion release in common cell culture medium. This questions the suitability of cell culture studies to investigate the effect of ZnO nanoparticles on intestinal cells. Our results show that Zn-containing nanoparticles reach the intestine. This underlines the importance of determining the influence of the test environment on nanoparticle fate.
Microplastic particles are currently detected in almost all environmental compartments. The results of detection vary widely, as a multitude of very different methods are used with very different requirements for analytical validity.
In this work four thermoanalytical methods are compared and their advantages and limitations are discussed. One of them is thermal extraction-desorption gas chromatography mass spectrometry (TED-GC/MS), an analysis method for microplastic detection that has become established in recent years. In addition, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR) and mass spectrometry (TGA-MS) were applied, two methods that are less common in this field but are still used in other research areas. Finally, microscale combustion calorimeter (MCC) was applied, a method not yet used for microplastic detection.
The presented results are taken from a recently published interlaboratory comparison test by Becker et al. (2020). Here a reference material consisting of suspended matter and specified added polymer masses was examined, and only the results of the recoveries were presented. In the present paper, however, the results for the individual polymers are discussed in detail and individual perspectives for all instruments are shown.
It was found that TED-GC/MS is the most suitable method for samples with unknown matrix and unknown, variable kinds and contents of microplastic. TGA-FTIR is a robust method for samples with known matrix and with defined kinds of microplastic. TGA-MS may offer a solution for the detection of PVC particles in the future. MCC can be used as a very fast and simple screening method for the identification of a potential microplastic load of standard polymers in unknown samples.
Recorded at the Better with Scattering workshop 2020, this talk highlights the complete set of data correction steps that we do for the MAUS, and how they can be used elsewhere too. This links well with the talk in this series by Dr. Tim Snow, and also highlights the details of the background subtraction that needs to be done.
A major source of capacity fade of the common vanadium redox flow battery (VRFB) is the vanadium ion transport through the separator. However, different transport models disagree significantly in the diffusion coefficient for the different V species and the influence of different transport mechanisms. The underlying hypothesis of this work is that reactions inside the membrane are partly responsible for these discrepancies. Accordingly, it was investigated if redox reactions inside the nanoscopic water body of Nafion 117 can occur. X-ray absorption near edge structure spectroscopy (XANES) was used to distinguish between the different V species inside hydrated Nafion 117 and novel PVDF-based membranes. It was validated that the speciation of vanadium can be performed using the pre-edge peak energy and intensity. The experiments were performed as follows: strips of the membrane were exposed from one site to a V3+ solution (green) and from the other site to a VO2+ solution (yellow). The ions could diffuse into the membrane from both sides. A change of color of the membrane strip was observed. The blue color in the middle of the strip indicated that VO2+ was formed where V3+ and VO2+ got in contact. Using XANES this reaction inside Nafion was proven.
Up to now, different analytical methods for single cell analysis exist focusing on key features such as size, shape, morphology and elemental composition. The combination of the latest ICP-MS techniques - ICP-ToF-MS - together with the latest developments in the field of sample delivery - micro droplet generator (MDG) – will allow a Deep insight into the composition and size of cells.
Microbiologically influenced corrosion (MIC) is an oxidation of metals affected by the presence or activity (or both) of microorganisms e.g. Shewanella Putrefaciens in biofilms on the surface of the corroding material. As this can happen for example in the soil on iron pipes of water pipes, in oil tanks or on steel sheet piling, there is great interest in MIC research, not only from various industrial sectors, but also from the environmental aspect.
This is the repository of all experimental raw data used in the Scientific Reports publication "Specific adsorption sites and conditions derived by thermal decomposition of activated carbons and adsorbed carbamazepine" by Daniel Dittmann, Paul Eisentraut, Caroline Goedecke, Yosri Wiesner, Martin Jekel, Aki Sebastian Ruhl, and Ulrike Braun.
It includes
- overview_measurements.xlsx and overview_measurements.ods containing a list of all TGA experiments (TGA, TGA-FTIR, TED-GC-MS, and ramp-kinetics)
- TED-GC-MS.zip containing gas chromatography-mass spectrometry experimtent files for the Chemstation and OpenChrom
- TGA.zip containing thermogravimetric analyses raw data on evolved gas analyses experiments (TGA-FTIR and TED-GC-MS)
- TGA_kinetics.zip containing thermogravimetric analyses raw data on decomposition kinetic experiments (ramp-kinetics)
- TGA-FTIR.zip containing Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy series files for OMNIC
- XRF.zip containing x-ray flourescence data on elemental composition
Exploratory analysis of hyperspectral FTIR data obtained from environmental microplastics samples
(2020)
Hyperspectral imaging of environmental samples with infrared microscopes is one of the preferred methods to find and characterize microplastics. Particles can be quantified in terms of number, size and size distribution. Their shape can be studied and the substances can be identified. Interpretation of the collected spectra is a typical problem encountered during the analysis. The image datasets are large and contain spectra of countless particles of natural and synthetic origin. To supplement existing Analysis pipelines, exploratory multivariate data analysis was tested on two independent datasets. Dimensionality reduction with principal component analysis (PCA) and uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) was used as a core concept. It allowed for improved visual accessibility of the data and created a chemical two-dimensional image of the sample. Spectra belonging to particles could be separated from blank spectra, reducing the amount of data significantly. Selected spectra were further studied, also applying PCA and UMAP. Groups of similar spectra were identified by cluster analysis using k-means, density based, and interactive manual clustering. Most clusters could be assigned to chemical species based on reference spectra. While the results support findings obtained with a ‘targeted analysis’ based on automated library search, exploratory analysis points the attention towards the group of unidientified spectra that remained and are otherwise easily overlooked.
Three binary fcc-structured alloys (fcc–Ir0.50Pt0.50, fcc Rh0.66Pt0.33 and fcc–Rh0.50Pd0.50) were 14 prepared from [Ir(NH3)5Cl][PtCl6], [Ir(NH3)5Cl][PtBr6], [Rh(NH3)5Cl]2[PtCl6]Cl2 and 15 [Rh(NH3)5Cl][PdCl4]·H2O, respectively, as single-source precursors. All alloys were prepared by 16 thermal decomposition in gaseous hydrogen flow below 800 °C. Fcc–Ir0.50Pt0.50 and fcc–Rh0.50Pd0.50 17 correspond to miscibility gaps on binary metallic phase diagrams and can be considered as 18 metastable alloys. Detailed comparison of [Ir(NH3)5Cl][PtCl6] and [Ir(NH3)5Cl][PtBr6] crystal 19 structures suggests that two isoformular salts are not isostructural. In [Ir(NH3)5Cl][PtBr6], specific 20 Br…Br interactions are responsible for crystal structure arrangement. Room temperature 21 compressibility of fcc–Ir0.50Pt0.50, fcc–Rh0.66Pt0.33 and fcc–Rh0.50Pd0.50 has been investigated up to 50 GPa 22 in diamond anvil cells. All investigated fcc-structured binary alloys are stable under compression. 23 Atomic volumes and bulk moduli show good agreement with ideal solutions model. For fcc–24 Ir0.50Pt0.50, V0/Z = 14.597(6) Å3·atom-1, B0 = 321(6) GPa, B0' = 6(1); for fcc–Rh0.66Pt0.33, V0/Z = 14.211(3) 25 Å3·atom-1, B0 =259(1) GPa, B0' = 6.66(9); for fcc–Rh0.50Pd0.50, V0/Z = 14.18(2) Å3·atom-1, B0 =223(4) GPa, 26 B0' = 5.0(3).
Nature has continuously inspired science when practical problems need to be solved in a functional and efficient way. The challenge for researchers usually consists in the transfer of such biological functionalities to diverse types of technical materials with the available processing technologies. In this regard, femtosecond laser-based approaches offer a large flexibility to modify virtually any material (metals, semiconductors and dielectrics), provide the ability to work under different environment conditions (air, vacuum or reactive atmospheres) and when combined with the proper optics, they offer exceptional spatial resolutions that could be used to mimic effectively very complex functionalities. In the particular case of surface processing, lasers have been proven feasible to functionalize materials by customizing its optical properties, chemical composition and surface morphology in a controllable way and in some cases at industrially relevant speeds. In this work, we present a selection of technical applications based on surface modifications in the form of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) to tailor the material properties for utilization in optics, fluid transport, wetting control and tribology.
The irradiation of solids with high-intensity laser pulses can excite materials into extreme conditions, which then return to equilibrium via various structural and topographical relaxation mechanisms. Thus, ultrafast laser processing can manifest in various morphological surface transformations, ranging from direct contour shaping to large-area-surface functionalization through the generation of self-organized nano- and microstructures. The interaction mechanisms between semiconductors and metals with ultrashort laser pulses have been extensively studied using femtosecond laser sources, generating a general understanding of the main interaction mechanisms present during the processing of those materials. In the specific case of nanometer-scaled laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS), however, the general explanation that fits all the experimental outcomes is still to be completed. The most accepted explanation consists in the interference of the incoming laser pulse with light scattered at the rough surface, e.g. via surface plasmon polaritons. Such scattering and interference effects generate a spatially modulated pattern of the absorbed optical energy featuring maxima and minima with periods very close to the laser irradiation wavelength, λ. One general criterion that allows to classify LIPSS in terms of their spatial periodicity (Λ) for normally incident radiation is the following: low spatial frequency for Λ≈λ, and high spatial frequency for Λ≪λ. In this way, the right combination of irradiation parameters (laser fluence, number of pulses per spot area unit and repetition rate) could be used to cover a wide size range that can ultimately be exploited for different applications in optics, biology, fluidics and tribology among others.
Background, Motivation and Objective
Nanomaterials are at the core of some of the 21st century’s most promising technologies. In order to utilize and rationally design materials at the nanoscale the reliable characterization of their physico-chemical properties is highly important. Furthermore, the European Commission has taken measures via the REACH Regulations to control the classification of nanomaterials. REACH Annexes which entered into force in January 2020 require manufacturers to register nanomaterials that are traded in larger quantities (at least 1 ton). Every powder or dispersion where 50% (number distribution) of the constituent particles have sizes ≤ 100 nm in at least one dimension are defined as a nanomaterial. This creates a need for both industrial manufacturers and research and analytical service facilities to reliably characterize potential nanomaterials. Currently, BAM is working on developing reference nanoparticles, which shall expand the scarce list of worldwide available nano reference materials certified for particle size distribution, but also targeting other key parameters such as shape, structure (including porosity) and functional properties. Thus, candidate materials are considered to complement the already available spherical and monodisperse silica, Au and polystyrene reference nanoparticles, e.g. iron oxide and titanium oxide, with an average atomic number between those of silica and gold. Particularly for the imaging by electron microscopies, new nanoparticles of well-defined size in the range of 10 nm are decisive for the accurate particle segmentation by setting precise thresholds.
Statement of Contribution/Methods
Synthesis: Highly monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles can be synthesized in large quantities by thermal decomposition of iron oleate or iron acetylacetonate precursors in high boiling solvents such as octadecene or dioctyl ether in the presence of oleic acid and oleylamine as capping agents.
Scanning Electron Microscope: An SEM of type Supra 40 from Zeiss has been used including the dedicated measurement mode transmission in SEM (STEM-in-SEM) with a superior material contrast for the nanoparticle analysis. The software package ImageJ has been used for the analysis of the STEM-in-SEM images and to determine the particle size distribution.
Dynamic Light scattering (DLS): Particles in suspension were measured in comparison by means of Zetasizer Nano (Malvern Panalytical; cumulants analysis) and NanoFlex (Microtrac; frequency power spectrum).
Results/Discussion
In this study iron oxide nanoparticles synthesized at BAM and pre-characterized by DLS, SEM (including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) are presented. The particles are spherical and highly monodisperse with sizes slightly larger than 10 nm.
Methods and materials are presented here, which enable the manufacturing of fine structures using a 3D-printing method known as two-photon polymerization (2PP). As traditional photolithography methods for structuring ceramic slurries do not function with 2PP, due to light scattering on ceramic particles, a novel water-based photoresist with high ceramic loading of extremely well dispersed ceramic nano particles was developed. This photoresist is basically a ceramic slurry containing a photocurable agent and a photoinitiator to be crosslinkable with the 780 nm wavelength femtosecond laser light source of the 2PP machine. It is demonstrated that it is possible to gain a highly transparent and low viscous slurry suitable for 2PP processing. This work shows the development of the slurry, first printing results and the post-printing processes required to form three dimensional ceramic microstructures consisting of alumina toughened zirconia (ATZ).
The products of thermal decomposition in an argon atmosphere of [Ni(NH3)6]3[Fe(CN)6]2 as a precursor has been studied. Decomposition products were studied up to 800◦C. Above 600◦C, all coordination bonds in the residues are broken with a formation of Ni3Fe, Fe, and free carbon with a small admixture of nitrogen. Elementary carbon can be easily separated from metals by treatment with a water solution of hydrochloric acid. Only carbon is responsible for the specific surface of the composite products. The released carbon has a high degree of graphitization and begins to oxidize in air above 500°C and is completely oxidized above 700°C.
Our aim is to develop a simple and inexpensive method for full field X-ray fluorescence imaging.We combine an energy-dispersive array detector with a coded aperture to obtain high resolution images. To obtain the information from the recorded image a reconstruction step is necessary. The reconstruction methods we have developed, were tested on simulated data and then applied to experimental data. The first tests were carried out at the BAMline @ BESSY II. This method enables the simultaneous detection of multiple elements, which is important e.g. in the field of catalysis.
The possibility of creating patient-specific individual implants makes Additive Manufacturing technologies of special interest for the medical sector. For substitution of bone defects, powder based Additive Manufacturing by Binder Jetting is a suitable method to produce complex scaffold-like structures made of bioceramics with easily adapted geometries and controlled porosity. The process inherent residual porosity in the printed part, even though desired as it supports bone ingrowth, also leads to limited mechanical strength. Currently, bioceramic scaffolds made by Binder Jetting feature suitable biocompatible and biodegradable properties, while a sufficient mechanical stability is rather challenging. The purpose of this work is to apply the gas flow assisted powder deposition introduced in 2014 by Zocca et al., to the powder bed during printing of bioceramic tablets and scaffolds using α-TCP powder as feedstock. This enables exploiting the advantages of an increased powder bed density, thereby improving the mechanical properties of the printed parts.
The Lycurgus cup is an ancient glass artefact that shows dichroism as it looks green when a white light is reflected on it and a red colouring appears when a white light is transmitted through it. This peculiar dichroic effect is due to silver and gold nanoparticles present in the glass. In this research we show the synthesis of dichroic silver nanoparticles and their embedding in a 3D printable nanocomposite. The addition of gold nanoparticles to the silver nanoparticle composite, gave a 3D printable nanocomposite with the same dichroism effect of the Lycurgus cup.
Gold nanocubes with a monodispersed size distribution (edge = 55 nm) deposited on a silicon wafer. These tiny uniform cubes were produced as reference nanoparticles in the frame of the European project nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements. SEM Image acquired at 10 kV with an in-lens secondary electron detector. Image colored in ImageJ using LUT “Orange hot.” Published in Microscopy and Microanalysis 25(S2) (2019) 2328.
By adding hyaluronic acid (HA) to dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (AOT)‐stabilized gold nanotriangles (AuNTs) with an average thickness of 7.5±1 nm and an edge length of about 175±17 nm, the AOT bilayer is replaced by a polymeric HA‐layer leading to biocompatible nanoplatelets. The subsequent reduction process of tetrachloroauric acid in the HA‐shell surrounding the AuNTs leads to the formation of spherical gold nanoparticles on the platelet surface. With increasing tetrachloroauric acid concentration, the decoration with gold nanoparticles can be tuned. SAXS measurements reveal an increase of the platelet thickness up to around 14.5 nm, twice the initial value of bare AuNTs. HRTEM micrographs show welding phenomena between densely packed particles on the platelet surface, leading to a crumble formation while preserving the original crystal structure. Crumbles crystallized on top of the platelets enhance the Raman signal by a factor of around 20, and intensify the plasmon‐driven dimerization of 4‐nitrothiophenol (4‐NTP) to 4,4′‐dimercaptoazobenzene in a yield of up to 50 %. The resulting crumbled nanotriangles, with a biopolymer shell and the absorption maximum in the second window for in vivo imaging, are promising candidates for biomedical sensing.
Multidrug resistance resulting from a variety of defensive pathways in Cancer has become a global concern with a considerable impact on the mortality associated with the failure of traditional chemotherapy. Therefore, further research and new therapies are required to overcome this challenge. In this work, a cyclic R10 peptide (cR10) is conjugated to polyglycerol-covered nanographene oxide to engineer a nanoplatform for the surmounting of multidrug resistance. The nuclear translocation of the nanoplatform, facilitated by cR10 peptide, and subsequently, a laser-triggered release of the loaded doxorubicin result in efficient anticancer activity confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The synthesized nanoplatform with a combination of different features, including active nucleus-targeting, highloading capacity, controlled release of cargo, and photothermal property, provides a new strategy for circumventing multidrug resistant cancers.
Hierarchical micro/-nanostructures were produced on polycarbonate polymer surfaces by employing a two-step UV-laser processing strategy based on the combination of Direct Laser Interference Patterning (DLIP) of gratings and pillars on the microscale (3 ns, 266 nm, 2 kHz) and subsequently superimposing Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS; 7–10 ps, 350 nm, 100 kHz) which adds nanoscale surface features. Particular emphasis was laid on the influence of the direction of the laser beam polarization on the morphology of resulting hierarchical surfaces. Scanning electron and atomic force microscopy methods were used for the characterization of the hybrid surface structures. Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations of the laser intensity distribution on the DLIP structures allowed to address the specific polarization dependence of the LIPSS formation observed in the second processing step. Complementary chemical analyzes by micro-Raman spectroscopy and attenuated total reflection Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy provided in-depth information on the chemical and structural material modifications and material degradation imposed by the laser processing. It was found that when the linear laser polarization was set perpendicular to the DLIP ridges, LIPSS could be formed on top of various DLIP structures. FDTD calculations showed enhanced optical intensity at the topographic maxima, which can explain the dependency of the morphology of LIPSS on the polarization with respect to the orientation of the DLIP structures. It was also found that the degradation of the polymer was enhanced for increasing accumulated fluence levels.
L-lactide was polymerized in bulk at 120, 140, 160 and 180°C with neat tin(II) 2-ethylhexanoate (SnOct2) as catalyst. At 180°C the Lac/Cat ratio was varied from 25/1 up to 8 000/1 and at 160°C from 25/1 up to 6 000/1. The vast majority of the resulting polylactides consist of cycles in combination with a small fraction of linear chains having one octanoate and one COOH end group. The linear chains almost vanished at high Lac/Cat ratios, as evidenced by MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry and measurements of intrinsic viscosities and dn/dc values. At Lac/Cat ratios <1000/1 the number average molar masses (Mn) are far higher than expected for stoichiometic initiation, and above 400/1 the molar masses vary relatively little with the Lac/Cat ratio. At 180° slight discoloration even at short times and degradation of the molar masses were observed, but at 160°C or below colorless products with weight average molar masses (Mw) up to 310 000 g mol-1 were obtained. The formation of high molar mass cyclic polylactides is explained by a ROPPOC (Ring-Opening Polymerizatiom with simultaneous Polycondensation) mechanism with intermediate formation of linear chains having one Sn-O-CH end group and one mixed anhydride end group. Additional experiments with tin(II)acetate as catalyst confirm this interpretation. These findings together with the detection of several transesterification mechanisms confirm previous critique of the Jacobson-Stockmayer theory.
The catalytic potential of bismuth subsalicylate (BiSub), a commercial drug, for ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of L-lactide was explored by variation of co-catalyst and polymerization time. Various monofunctional phenols or carboxylic acids, aromatic ortho-hydroxy acids and diphenols were examined as potential co-catalysts. 2,2´-Dihydroxybiphenyl proved to be the most successful co-catalyst yielding weight average molecular weights (uncorrected Mw values up to 185 000) after optimization of reaction time and temperature. Prolonged heating (>1-2h) depending on catalyst concentration) caused thermal degradation. In polymerization experiments with various commercial Bi(III) salts a better alternative to BiSub was not found. By means of matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry a couple of unusual and unexpected transesterification reactions were discovered. Finally, the effectiveness of several antioxidants and potential catalyst poisons was explored, and triphenylphosphine was found to be an effective catalyst poison.
The synthesis and optimization of superior and eco-friendly sorbents for Pb(II) pose a great challenge in the field of water treatment. The sorbent was developed by introducing graphene oxide (GO) into the matrix of polyvinyl formaldehyde (PVF) foam. The immobilization of GO in PVF results in significant increase in the maximum adsorption capacity (Qt) of GO powder for Pb(II), from ≈800 to ≈1730 mg g−1 in the case of GO/PVF foam. As compared with GO powder in Pb(II) aqueous solutions, PVF matrix keeps GO sheets stable without any agglomeration. The large surface area of GO sheet allows the abundant oxygenated functional groups on its surface to participate effectively in the Pb(II) adsorption process, leading to the huge increase of the Qt. Adsorption isotherms and kinetic studies indicated that the sorption process of Pb(II) on GO/PVF was done on heterogenous surface by ion-exchange reaction. The GO/PVF foam showed an excellent reusability for more than 10 cycles with almost the same efficiency and without any significant change in its physical properties.
A new kind of high melting (HTm) pol(L-lactide) was discovered when cyclic poly(L-lactide)s were prepared by ring-expansion polymerization with cyclic tin catalysts at 130–160 °C in bulk. By DSC measurements with 10 K min−1 melting temperatures (Tm) in the range of 190–196 °C were found. The WAXS and SAXS measurements evidenced that not a new crystal lattice but a well-ordered morphology and a higher perfection of the crystallites are responsible for the high Tm values and high crystallinities. Under identical reaction conditions SnOct2-catalyzed and alcohol-initiated ROPs do not yield these crystallites.
Furthermore, it was found that the standard crystallites are kinetically favored upon rapid crystallization, whereas the high melting form of poly(L-lactide) is thermodynamically more stable.
The technological advances in lasers enabled the wide application of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) as a powerful analytical means for elemental analyses. Rather than commonly used lasers that operate at several to several-tens of Hz, the high repetition rate ones that operate at tens of kHz showed superior analytical advantages while implying unique excitation pathways. Specifically, the production of excited atomic hydrogen and oxygen, which can serve as internal standards, is quite different from that in commonly reported double-pulse LIBS. In this part of the work, it was found that the atomic emitters stemming from water are not related to cavitation bubbles. Moreover, the emitter productions of dissolved species, e.g., Na+, and water-related species, e.g., H-α, are two distinctive mechanisms. Towards analytical applications of the high repetition-rate system, the fundamental investigation can provide important guidelines to address real-life challenges. In this part of the work, the high repetition-rate regime of operation is explored from a more kinetic perspective.
In recent years, laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) has gained significant attention as a means for simple elemental analyses. The suitability of LIBS for contactless analysis allows it to be a perfect candidate for underwater applications. While the majority of LIBS systems still rely upon sub-kHz pulsed lasers, this contribution introduces 10s-kHz low pulse-energy lasers into underwater LIBS to improve the throughput and statistical validity. Interestingly, the spectral component significantly changed above a critical laser repetition-rate threshold. Spectral lines of atomic hydrogen and oxygen stemming from water become visible beyond a ∼10 kHz repetition rate. This observation suggests a different plasma dynamic compared to low repetition rates. When the pulse-to-pulse interval becomes sufficiently short, a cumulative effect begins to be significant. Apparently, the new phenomena occur on a timescale corresponding to a threshold rate of ∼10 kHz, i.e. ∼100 μs. Analytically, the high repetition rates result in improved statistical validity and throughput. More plasma events per unit time allowed the use of low efficiency Echelle spectrometers without compromising on the analytical performance. Meanwhile, the presence of H I and O I out of the water (as the matrix) also offers internal standardization in underwater elemental analysis. Since the laser fluence was on the lower edge of the plasma threshold, an additional ultrasound source was introduced to induce external perturbation, which significantly improved the plasma formation stability. A huge advantage of LIBS is the possibility of detecting almost all elements within a sample simultaneously. Throughout the periodic table, chlorine is one of the most challenging elements. Consequently, Ca2+ and Na+ were used as samples to demonstrate the capability of this high repetition-rate LIBS platform. As an ambitious benchmark for our system, chlorine detection in water was also discussed.
How the rock-inhabiting fungus K. petricola A95 enhances olivine dissolution through attachment
(2020)
Free-living and mycorrhizal fungi are able to enhance the weathering of rock and other solid substrates. Deciphering the exact mechanisms of these natural processes requires their experimental simulation. Moreover, by performing these simulations with genetically amenable rock-weathering fungi, one can knock-out certain fungal traits and consequently identify their weathering-relevant function. Here, the effect of the rock-inhabiting fungus, Knufia petricola A95, on the dissolution kinetics of an Fe-bearing olivine (Mg1.86Fe0.19SiO4) is investigated at 25 °C and pH 6 using reproducible batch and mixed flow experiments. The availability of a melanin-deficient mutant (ΔKppks) of K. petricola A95, which produces more extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) than the wild type (WT), enables the comparative study of the role of melanin and EPS in olivine dissolution. In abiotic dissolution experiments, the olivine dissolution rate decreased considerably over time at pH 6 but not at pH 3.5. This inhibition of abiotic olivine dissolution at pH 6 was most likely caused by the in-situ oxidation of ferrous Fe and/or the precipitation of ferric hydroxides at the olivine surface. In corresponding biotic experiments at pH 6, both the wild type K. petricola and its melanin-deficient mutant ΔKppks solubilised and bound significant amounts of Fe released by olivine dissolution. Fe oxidation and precipitation were thus prevented and olivine dissolution proceeded faster than in the abiotic experiments. By sequestering Fe directly at the olivine surface, the attached wild type K. petricola cells were particularly efficient at preventing the oxidation of Fe at the mineral surface: the slowdown of olivine dissolution almost completely disappeared. The attachment capacity of these wild type cells is most likely mediated by wild type-specific EPS. Our presented experimental systems allow the oxidation of mineral-released Fe and include a rock-inhabiting fungus, thus simulating chemical, physical and biological conditions that set dissolution rates in a way that is relevant to natural ecosystems.
This presentation is structured in two parts: i) Hybrid metrology by combining SEM with AFM (N. Feltin) and ii) hybridization and corelative microscopy by SEM, STEM-in-SEM, TEM, EDS, Auger Electron Microscopy, TKD and more (D. Hodoroaba).
The first part is focused on the metrological part of the hybrid measurement SEM-AFM, the second part offers some further possibilities of correlative microscopy of nanoparticles based on practical examples.
High-entropy alloys (HEAs) are characterized by a solid solution of minimum five and medium-entropy alloys (MEAs) of minimum three principal alloying elements in equiatomic proportions. They show exceptional application properties, such as high-strength and ductility or corrosion resistance. Future HEA/MEA-components could be exposed to hydrogen containing environments like vessels for cryogenic or high-pressure storage where the hydrogen absorption and diffusion in these materials is of interest. In our study, we investigated the HEA Co20Cr20Fe20Mn20Ni20 and the MEA Co33.3Cr33.3Ni33.3. For hydrogen ingress, cathodic charging was applied and diffusion kinetic was measured by high-resolution thermal desorption spectros-copy using different heating rates up to 0.250 K/s. Peak deconvolution resulted in high-temperature desorption peaks and hydrogen trapping above 280 °C. A total hydrogen concentration > 40 ppm was identified for the MEA and > 100 ppm for HEA. This indicates two important effects: (1) delayed hydrogen diffusion and (2) considerable amount of trapped hydrogen that must be anticipated for hydrogen assisted cracking phenomenon. Local electrochemical Volta potential maps had been measured for the hydrogen free condition by means of high-resolution Scanning Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy (SKPFM).
Current analyses show a widespread occurrence of microplastic particles in food products and raise the question of potential risks to human health. Plastic particles are widely considered to be inert due to their low chemical reactivity and therefore supposed to pose, if at all only minor hazards. However, variable physicochemical conditions during the passage of the gastrointestinal tract gain strong importance, as they may affect particle characteristics. This study aims to analyze the impact of the gastrointestinal passage on the physicochemical particle characteristics of the five most produced and thus environmentally relevant plastic materials polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyethylene terephthalate and polystyrene. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and subsequent image analysis were employed to characterize microplastic particles. Our results demonstrate a high resistance of all plastic particles to the artificial digestive juices. The present results underline that the main stages of the human gastrointestinal tract do not decompose the particles. This allows a direct correlation between the physicochemical particle characteristics before and after digestion. Special attention must be paid to the adsorption of organic compounds like proteins, mucins and lipids on plastic particles since it could lead to misinterpretations of particle sizes and shapes.
Herein, Ti6Al4V alloy is surface modified by femtosecond laser ablation. The microstructure image obtained by secondary electron microscopy reveals a combination of micrometer spikes or cones superimposed by nanoripples (laser‐induced periodic surface structures). To make the surface hydrophilic, anodization is performed resulting in further smoothness of microstructure and a final thickness of 35 ± 4 nm is estimated for oxide produced after anodization at 10 V (scan rate = 0.1 V s−1) versus standard hydrogen electrode. The obtained electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) is approximately 8 times larger compared with flat mirror polished Ti6Al4V surface. Combined chemical analysis by Pourbaix diagram and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analyses reveal that titanium and aluminum are passivating into TiO2 and Al2O3, but the dissolution of aluminum in the form of solvated ion is inevitable. Finally, cell seeding experiments on anodized and laser‐treated titanium alloy samples show that the growth of murine fibroblast cells is significantly suppressed due to unique surface texture of the laser‐treated and anodized titanium alloy sample.
In this work, we present various promising sample preparation procedures aiming to avoid drying artifacts and guarantee homogeneously distributed NP samples for imaging techniques like TEM, SEM or AFM. This involves retarded drying in an environment of high relative humidity as well as spin coating or freeze drying of the sample on the substrate.
Depending on the type of the NPs, different techniques are successful in obtaining homogenous sample deposition. Simple drying at ambient conditions often results in heavily agglomerated NPs densely packed in coffee ring traces. Retardation of the drying speed in an environment of high relative humidity, however, yields homogeneous NP deposition in the case of bimodal SiO2 and bimodal gold NP’s. In contrast, a sample of bipyramidal TiO2, heavily agglomerated when commonly dried, is successfully dispersed by spin coating the suspension on the substrate. The analysis of the particle size distribution of the bimodal silica and gold samples yielded number ratios resembling the nominal number ratios. The reliable measurement of the NP concentration of polydisperse samples by electron microscopy, even if relative, is new and of special relevance because up to now only the size of the particles, i.e. the abscissa of the PSD, can be measured reliably.
Various promising sample preparation procedures aiming to avoid drying artifacts and guarantee homogeneously distributed NP samples for imaging techniques like TEM, SEM or AFM are presented. This involves retarded drying in an environment of high relative humidity as well as spin coating or freeze drying of the sample on the substrate.
Depending on the type of the NPs, different techniques are successful in obtaining homogenous sample deposition. Simple drying at ambient conditions often results in heavily agglomerated NPs densely packed in coffee ring traces. Retardation of the drying speed in an environment of high relative humidity, however, yields homogeneous NP deposition in the case of bimodal SiO2 and bimodal gold NP’s. In contrast, a sample of bipyramidal TiO2, heavily agglomerated when commonly dried, is successfully dispersed by spin coating the suspension on the substrate.
The analysis of the particle size distribution of the bimodal silica and gold samples yielded number ratios resembling the nominal number ratios. The reliable measurement of the NP concentration of polydisperse samples by electron microscopy, even if relative, is new and of special relevance because up to now only the size of the particles, i.e. the abscissa of the PSD, can be measured reliably.
Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence (TXRF) is a small footprint, ressource efficient micro-analytical tool for trace elemental determination. However, depending on the matrix TXRF is also challenging in several ways: the preparation of a representative aliquot maybe difficult for slurries, shading effects and matrix effects may occur and the applicability of an IS maybe hampered by interferences (fitting may be impaired as well) or inhomogeneities. It is therefore crucial to understand and if applicable mitigate the influence of the before mentioned phenomena. We have used the small volume approach using pL droplets to study shading in TXRF previously.Using this approach thin specimens in a favorable geometry are prepared with a well defined morphology; this way minimizing matrix effects and shading. To be used as standard it is also necessary to determine the delivered elemental amounts. Here we will present on the performance of a commercial ink-jet printer cartridge to deliver defined volumes and elemental amounts. The microscopic specimens obtained have been successfully applied to determine relative sensitivities in TXRF and prepare references to study coded apertures in grazing incidence full field micro-XRF.The homogeneous lateral distribution of analyte and IS may be probed by micro-XRF, to obtain information on alikeness of analyte and IS. To study the alikeness of the in depth distribution (film-like or particle-like) angle scans can deliver valuable data. Here we present first results on angle scans using a prototype GIXRF set up and a commercial TXRF instrument.
We present an approach towards the in situ solid state NMR monitoring of mechanochemical reactions in a ball mill. A miniaturized vibration ball mill is integrated into the measuring coil of a home-built solid state NMR probe, allowing for static solid state NMR measurements during the mechanochemical reaction within the vessel. The setup allows to quantitatively follow the product evolution of a prototypical mechanochemical reaction, the formation of zinc phenylphosphonate from zinc acetate and phenylphosphonic acid. MAS NMR investigations on the final reaction mixture confirmed a reaction yield of 89% in a typical example. Thus, NMR spectroscopy may in the future provide complementary information about reaction mechanisms of mechanochemical reactions and team up with other analytical methods which have been employed to follow reactions in situ, such as Raman spectroscopy or X-ray diffraction.
Hydrocarbons fuel our economy. Furthermore, intermediate goods and consumer products are often hydrocarbon-based. Beside all the progress they made possible, hydrogen-containing substances can have severe detrimental effects on materials exposed to them. Hydrogen-assisted failure of iron alloys has been recognised more than a century ago. The present study aims to providing further insight into the degradation of the austenitic stainless steel AISI 304L (EN 1.4307) exposed to hydrogen. To this end, samples were electrochemically charged with the hydrogen isotope deuterium (2H, D) and analysed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron back-scatter diffraction (EBSD) and time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). It was found that deuterium caused a phase transformation from the original γ austenite into ε- and α’-martensite. Despite their low solubility for hydrogen, viz. deuterium, the newly formed phases showed high deuterium concentration which was attributed to the increased density of traps. Information about the behaviour of deuterium in the material subjected to external mechanical load was gathered. A four-point-bending device was developed for this purpose. This allowed to analyse in-situ pre-charged samples in the ToF-SIMS during the application of external mechanical load. The results indicate a movement of deuterium towards the regions of highest stress.
The present study investigates the possibility of improving the selective oxidation of methane to formaldehyde over V-SBA-15 catalysts in two different ways. In a classical approach of catalyst optimization, the in situ synthesis of V-SBA-15 catalysts was optimized with regard to the applied pH value. Among the set of catalysts synthesized, a higher amount of incorporated vanadium, a higher content of polymeric VOx species as well as a less ordered structure of the support material were observed by increasing the pH values from 2.0 to 3.0. An optimum in performance during the selective oxidation of methane to formaldehyde with respect to activity and selectivity was found over V-SBA-15 prepared at a pH value of 2.5. With this knowledge, we have now evaluated the possibilities of reaction control using this catalyst. Specifically, artificial neural network modelling was applied after the collection of 232 training samples for obtaining insight into the influence of different reaction parameters (temperature; gas hourly space velocity (GHSV); and concentration of O2, N2 and H2O) onto methane conversion and selectivity towards formaldehyde.
This optimization of reaction conditions resulted in an outstanding high space-time yield of 13.6 kgCH2O∙kgcat∙h−1
Polymers with intrinsic microporosity are promising candidates for the active separation layer in green gas separation membranes and as active materials for electronic applicatons. Here, by means of inelastic neutron scattering, the vibrational density of states (VDOS) and the molecular mobility were investigated for PIM-1, the prototypical polymer with intrinsic microporosity. The results are compared to data measured for a more conventional high-performance polyimide used in gas separation membranes (Matrimid).
The measured data show the characteristic low frequency excess contribution to the VDOS above the Debye sound wave level, generally known as the Boson peak in glass-forming materials. In comparison to the Boson peak of Matrimid, that of PIM-1 is shifted to lower frequencies. This shift is discussed considering the microporous, sponge-like structure of PIM-1 as providing a higher compressibility at the molecular scale than for conventional polymers.
Elastic fixed window scans were measured on a neutron backscattering spectrometer to have an overview about the molecular dynamics at a time scale of ca. 1 ns. The temperature dependence of the estimated mean squared displacement shows a step-like increase in the temperature range from 100 K to 250 K indicating the onset of some molecular mobility. The nature of this motional process was analysed in detail by quasielastic neutron scattering combining Time-of-Flight and backscattering where the data are discussed with regard to both the q- and the temperature dependence.
The concept of direct mass-spectrometric analysis, especially exploited by ambient desorption/ionization (ADI) methods, provides numerous means for convenient sample analysis. While many simple and versatile ionization sources have been developed, challenges lay in achieving efficient sample introduction. In previous work, a sample introduction method employing direct current corona discharge (CD) coupled to a surface acoustic wave nebulization (SAWN) device enhanced sampling performance for both polar and nonpolar analytes by up to 4 orders of magnitude. In fact, the SAWN-CD method generated a multiply charged peptide ion signal comparable to that of conventional ESI. Unfortunately, the high cost of the SAWN devices themselves limits their accessibility. Herein, we report on an analogous implementation of CD with an inexpensive ultrasonic nebulizer (USN) on the basis of a commercial room humidifier demonstrating equivalent exemplary performance. We subsequently compare the two methods of SAWN-CD and USN-CD in a screening application of milk for the detection of two antibiotic drugs, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. Finally, we further investigate the relative softness of these CD-coupled acoustic nebulization methods in comparison to that of ESI using a survival yield study of the thermometer ion nitrobenzylpyridinium.
Insight of the thermal decomposition of ammonium hexahalogenoiridates(IV) and hexachloroiridate(III)
(2020)
Thermal decomposition of (NH4)3[IrCl6]·H2O, (NH4)2[IrCl6] and (NH4)2[IrBr6] in reductive and inert atmospheres has been investigated in situ using quick-EXAFS and temperature-resolved powder X-ray diffraction. For the first time, (NH4)2[Ir(NH3)Cl5] and (NH4)2[Ir(NH3)Br5] have been proven as intermediates of thermal decomposition of (NH4)3[IrCl6]·H2O, (NH4)2[IrCl6] and (NH4)2[IrBr6]. Thermal degradation of (NH4)2[IrCl6] and (NH4)2[IrBr6] is a more complex process as suggested previously and includes simultaneous formation of (NH4)2[Ir(NH3)Cl5] and (NH4)2[Ir(NH3)Br5] intermediates mixed with metallic iridium. In the inert atmosphere, complexes (NH4)[Ir(NH3)2Cl4] and (NH4)[Ir(NH3)2Br4] as well as [Ir(NH3)3Br3] were proposed as possible intermediates before formation of metallic iridium particles
Insights into the In Vitro Formation of Apatite from Mg‐Stabilized Amorphous Calcium Carbonate
(2020)
A protein‐free formation of bone‐like apatite from amorphous precursors through ball‐milling is reported. Mg2+ ions are crucial to achieve full amorphization of CaCO3. Mg2+ incorporation generates defects which strongly retard a recrystallization of ball‐milled Mg‐doped amorphous calcium carbonate (BM‐aMCC), which promotes the growth of osteoblastic and endothelial cells in simulated body fluid and has no effect on endothelial cell gene expression. Ex situ snapshots of the processes revealed the reaction mechanisms. For low Mg contents (<30%) a two phase system consisting of Mg‐doped amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and calcite “impurities” was formed. For high (>40%) Mg2+ contents, BM‐aMCC follows a different crystallization path via magnesian calcite and monohydrocalcite to aragonite. While pure ACC crystallizes rapidly to calcite in aqueous media, Mg‐doped ACC forms in the presence of phosphate ions bone‐like hydroxycarbonate apatite (dahllite), a carbonate apatite with carbonate substitution in both type A (OH−) and type B (PO43−) sites, which grows on calcite “impurities” via heterogeneous nucleation. This process produces an endotoxin‐free material and makes BM‐aMCC an excellent “ion storage buffer” that promotes cell growth by stimulating cell viability and metabolism with promising applications in the treatment of bone defects and bone degenerative diseases.
The status of standardization related to x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ESCA) at ASTM International (Subcommittee E42.03) and ISO (TC 201) is presented and commented upon in a structured manner. The survey also identifies other active bodies, here VAMAS Technical Working Area 2 and the Surface Analysis Working Group at the International Meter Convention, contributing to prestandardization Research and metrology of XPS and reports their specific activities. It is concluded that existing standardization is delivering good practices in the use of XPS and has a high potential to avoid the recently observed erroneous use, misapplications, and misinterpretation by new and inexperienced users of the method—which seems to be the main reason for the “reproducibility crisis” in the field of XPS applications. A need for a more proactive publicizing of international documentary standards by experienced XPS users, specifically those who are involved in standardization, is identified. Because the existing portfolio of standards addressing the use of XPS is not complete, future standardization projects planned or already ongoing are mentioned. The way the standardization bodies are identifying future needs is shortly explained.
This chapter provides an overview of what standards are, why they are important, and how they are developed. There is a focus on the work of standards committees relevant to nanotechnology measurement and characterization with tables detailing the standards that are currently available for a large number of different techniques, materials, and applications at the nanoscale.
Introduction
(2020)
The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive collection of analytical methods that are commonly used to measure nanoparticles, providing information on one, or more, property of importance. The chapters provide up-to-date information and guidance on the use of these techniques, detailing the manner in which they may be reliably employed. Within this chapter, we detail the rationale and context of the whole book, which is driven by the observation of a low level of reproducibility in nanoparticle research. The aim of the book is to encourage awareness of both the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods used to measure nanoparticles and raise awareness of the range of methods that are available. The editors of the book have, for many years, been engaged in European projects and standardization activities concerned with nanoparticle analysis and have identified authors who are experts in the various methods included within the book. This has produced a book that can be used as a definitive guide to current best practice in nanoparticle measurement.
Imaging and small-spot (small area) XPS have become increasingly important components of surface chemical analysis during the last three decades, and its use is growing. Some ambiguity in the use of terminology, understanding of concepts, and lack of appropriate reference materials leads to confusing and not always reproducible data. In this paper, it is shown that by using existing knowledge, appropriate test specimens, and standardized approaches, problems of comparability and such reproducibility issues recently observed for XPS data reported in the scientific literature can be overcome. The standardized methods of ISO 18516:2019, (i) the straight-edge, (ii) the narrow-line, and (iii) the grating method, can be used to characterize and compare the lateral resolution achieved by imaging XPS instruments and are described by reporting examples. The respective measurements are made using new test specimens. When running an XPS instrument in the small-spot (small area) mode for a quantitative analysis of a feature of interest, the question arises as to what contribution to the intensity originates from outside the analysis area. A valid measurement approach to control the intensity from outside the nominal analysis area is also described. As always, the relevant resolution depends on the specific question that needs to be addressed. The strengths and limitations of methods defining resolution are indicated.
Introduction to SAXS
(2020)
The electrocatalytic conversion of water into molecular hydrogen and oxygen under the utilization of excess renewable energies, such as wind power, photovoltaics and hydroelectric power is one possible pathway to establish a sustainable hydrogen economy. The obtained hydrogen is either stored and used in a fuel cell or consumed on-site in industrial applications.
Water electrolysis systems (WES) are based on two half cell reactions, such as oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) which both proceed simultaneously. The OER suffers from slow reaction kinetics and thus limits the overall performance.
The most promising compounds in acidic electrolysis are IrO2 and RuO2. Due to their rare abundance and extremely high price a wide use of acidic WES was prevented. Lowering the catalysts noble metal content by mixing iridium with titanium reduces the production costs.
Thin films are produced by dip coating a solution of metal oxide precursors alongside with a polymer template dissolved in ethanol. The obtained samples are subsequently calcined to the remove the template and adjust crystallinity. Finally, an additional iridium deposition step was performed on the outer surface plane area.
Understanding the influence of structural and morphological aspects on the OER-activity is beneficial to further optimize WES. The current presentation will thus give detailed insights to structural aspects obtained by Raman spectroscopy, small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering which are then combined with electrochemical parameters to deduce structure-activity relationships.
Control over the bottom up synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NP) depends on many experimental factors, including the choice of stabilising and reducing agents. By selectively manipulating these species, it is possible to control NP characteristics through solution-phase synthesis strategies. It is not known, however, whether NPs produced from mechanochemical syntheses are governed by the same rules. Using the Au NPs mechanosynthesis as a model system, we investigate how a series of common reducing agents affect both the reduction kinetics and size of Au NPs. It is shown that the relative effects of reducing agents on mechanochemical NP synthesis differ significantly from their role in analogous solution-phase reactions. Hence, strategies developed for control over NP growth in solution are not directly transferrable to environmentally benign mechanochemical approaches. This work demonstrates a clear need for dedicated, systematic studies on NP mechanosynthesis.