6.1 Oberflächen- und Dünnschichtanalyse
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Paper des Monats
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The present study reports on measurements on thin Fe-Ni films on silicon and first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide Substrate by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with the thin film analysis software Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. An excellent agreement has been obtained between the atomic fractions determined by EPMA and µ-XRF with the KRISS certified values.
There are different ways how to prove the quality of the analytical results obtained in a laboratory, e.g. use of validated standard operation procedures, participation in proficiency testing exercises, use of certified reference materials, etc. International standards provide requirements, specifications, Guidelines or characteristics of methods, instruments or samples with the final goal that these can be used consistently in accredited laboratories. In the field of electron microscopy and microbeam analysis standardization and metrology are terms which are encountered rather seldom at major conferences and scientific publications. Nevertheless, spectra formats like EMSA/MSA for spectral-data exchange or tagged image file format (TIFF) for SEM, guidelines for performing quality assurance procedures or for the specification of X-ray spectrometers as well as of certified reference materials (CRMs) in EPMA, or measurement of average grain size by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), or guidelines for calibrating image magnification in SEM or TEM are ISO standards already published and used successfully by a large part of the electron microscopy and microbeam analysis community. A main and continuous task of ISO/TC 202 and its subcommittees is to identify and evaluate feasible projects/proposals to be developed into new international standards, particularly with respect to recent but established technology, such the silicon drift detector (SDD) EDS.
An international platform in the frame of which pre-standardization work can be organized is VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards). International collaborative projects involving aim at providing the technical basis for harmonized measurements, testing, specifications, and standards to be further developed at ISO level. One key point of VAMAS activities is constituted by inter-laboratory comparisons for high-quality data. In the field of microbeam analysis, the technical working area (TWA) 37 Quantitative Microstructural Analysis deals with corresponding projects. Good ideas, e.g. on analysis of low-Z materials/elements and at low energies are particularly encouraged by directly contacting the author. Support and already available guidance will be supplied.
Analysis of Elemental Composition of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex Alloy Thin Films by EPMA and μ-XRF
(2019)
The present study reports on measurements on thin Fe-Ni films on silicon and first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide Substrate by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with the thin film analysis software Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. An excellent agreement has been obtained between the atomic fractions determined by EPMA and µ-XRF with the KRISS certified values.zeige mehr
NanoDefiner e-Tool: An Implemented Decision Support Framework for Nanomaterial Identification
(2019)
The European Commission’s recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) established an applicable standard for material categorization. However, manufacturers face regulatory challenges during registration of their products. Reliable categorization is difficult and requires considerable expertise in existing measurement techniques (MTs). Additionally, organizational complexity is increased as different authorities’ registration processes require distinct reporting.
The NanoDefine project tackled these obstacles by providing the NanoDefiner e-tool: A decision support expert system for nanomaterial identification in a regulatory context. It providesMT recommendations for categorization of specific materials using a tiered approach (screening/confirmatory), and was constructed with experts from academia and industry to be extensible, interoperable, and adaptable for forthcoming revisions of the nanomaterial definition. An implemented MT-driven material categorization scheme allows detailed description. Its guided workflow is suitable for a variety of user groups. Direct feedback and explanation enable transparent decisions. Expert knowledge is Held in a knowledge base for representation of MT performance criteria and physicochemical particle type
properties. Continuous revision ensured data quality and validity. Recommendations were validated by independent case studies on industry-relevant particulate materials. Besides supporting material identification and registration, the free and open-source e-tool may serve as template for other expert systems within the nanoscience domain.
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of thin porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material as well as the homogenous dispersion of the active species within the porous matrix. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques and requires new approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution we characterize thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by complementary analysis of SEM/EDS, ToF-SIMS, NanoSIMS, AES and spectroscopic ellipsometry.
Mesoporous iridium oxide - titanium oxide (IrOx-TiOx) films can be prepared by a well-established Synthesis route via soft-templating. IrOx-TiOx films are very sensitive to the conditions of synthesis. Analysis by SEM and NanoSIMS imaging suggests IrOx-TiOx films with and without a homogenous dispersion of IrOx within the TiOx film matrix under different synthesis conditions.
Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) analysis in the depth-profile mode as well as cross-section line-scan AES measurements of an inhomogeneous IrOx-TiOx film indicate the presence of an IrOx-rich Phase dispersion both at the surface of IrOx-TiOx film as well as within the film.
The contribution will assess in detail the sensitivity of the synthesis conditions and the characterization of the thin metal oxide films. Moreover, the correlation between and comparison to other measurement techniques will be discussed.
Small Area Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) is a powerful tool for investigating small surface features. It is often unclear, if the signal in the spectrum is an unwanted contamination of the Field of View (FoV) or is it originated from outside. The reason is, that XPS-spectra are affected by beam shapes. Scheithauer proposed to measure Pt apertures of different diameters and normalize the Pt4f count rate by a second measurement on the Pt metal. New reference materials were developed and tested in the VAMAS TWA2 A22 Project.
The test material EDS-TM001 together with an accompanying software package, “EDS spectrometer check”, have been made available in 2009 by BAM to be employed by EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer) users to check the performance of an EDS with a SEM. With EDS-TM001/002 test material, this periodical check is simplified to the acquisition of only one 10 kV spectrum. The software “EDS spectrometer check” is destined to evaluate automatically this spectrum and determine the EDS performance in terms of energy resolution and calibration, as well as possible alteration of low-energy efficiency due to detector contamination. Energy resolution can be compared with the specified values according to the international ISO standard ISO 15632:2012.
EDS-TM is a synthetic material consisting of a 6 μm thick layer of C, Al, Mn, Cu and Zr deposited on a steel (EDS-TM001) or silicon (EDS-TM002) substrate. The chemical composition of EDS-TM was chosen such as to give nearly equal intensities of the low energy lines in a 10 kV spectrum, thus, making it very sensitive against spectrometer efficiency changes. New results and gained experiences will be presented.
When the FWHM of the X-ray lines in the EDS-TM spectrum are determined, the spectrum Background must be subtracted accurately. The applied physical background subtraction procedure is robust and considers the transmission of the detector window. While the previous version considers only Moxtek AP windows, the new software version includes selection of silicon nitride window and the case of windowless detector.
New reference material candidates for traceable size measurement of nonspherical nanoparticles
(2019)
Size measurement of nanoparticles (NP) becomes a challenging analytical problem when non-spherical shapes must be traceably measured. However, most industrial NPs have irregular shapes and broad size distribution making it often more complex to follow European regulatory to identify a material as a nanomaterial according to which accurate measurement of the smallest dimension and its size Distribution is necessary.
The European research project nPSize - Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements aims to fill this gap by developing potential non-spherical reference nanoparticles, measurement procedures and physical modelling to improve the traceability chain, comparability and compatibility for NP size measurements between different methods. Therefore, new model NP with well-controlled shape has been synthesized and are supposed to be systematically characterized using the traceable methods scanning/transmission electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy and small angle X-ray scattering.
Following NP candidates are under investigation with respect to their homogeneity and stability: (i) titania nanoplatelets (10-15 nm thickness x 50-100 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). In addition, sample preparation procedures as well as measurement analysis procedures with evaluation of appropriate measurands and descriptors for each material class and method are being developed to support standardization. To underpin the traceability of the size measurement of nonspherical NP, physical modelling of the signals in e.g. electron microscopy techniques will be used and in combination, the implementation of machine learning is aimed to facilitate measurement Analysis procedures, especially regarding the accurate thresholding/segmentation of the NPs.
Bacterial samples are typically freeze dried or cryo-prepared prior to XPS analysis to allow for measurements in ultra-high vacuum (UHV). The sample environment in the near-ambient pressure (NAP) XPS instrument EnviroESCA allows for measurements in up to 15 mbar water vapor, thus, sample preparation is no longer restricted to UHV-compatible techniques. For instance, biofilms grown in medium can be transferred directly from the medium to the measurements chamber, maintaining a humid environment throughout the measurements. Considering the complexity of bacterial samples, sample preparation must be carefully considered in order to obtain meaningful and reproducible results.
In this talk, various strategies for sample preparation of bacteria and biofilms for NAP-XPS measurements will be discussed. Model systems of planktonic bacteria, artificial biofilms resembling the exopolysaccharide matrix and biofilms have been characterised in various conditions. The stability and homogeneity of the samples was assessed by monitoring the C1s core level peak at different sample locations. The quality of the XPS-spectra is also influenced by the gas environment, which will be exemplified by core level spectra of P. Fluorescens acquired in air, water vapor and ultra-high vacuum.
Core-shell nanoparticles (CSNPs) have become indispensable in various industrial applications. However, their real internal structure usually deviates from an ideal core-shell structure. To control how the particles perform with regard to their specific applications, characterization techniques are required that can distinguish an ideal from a non-ideal morphology. In this work, we investigated PTFE-PMMA (four samples) and PTFE-PS (six samples) polymer CSNPs with constant core diameter (45 nm) but varying shell thickness (4-50 nm). As confirmed by transmission scanning electron microscopy (T-SEM), the shell completely covers the core for the PTFE-PMMA nanoparticles, while the encapsulation of the core by the shell material is incomplete for the PTFE-PS nanoparticles. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) was applied to determine the shell thickness of the nanoparticles. The software SESSA V2.0 was used to analyze the intensities of the elastic peaks and the QUASES software package to evaluate the shape of the inelastic background in the XPS Survey spectra.
For the first time, nanoparticle shell thicknesses are presented which are exclusively based on the analysis of the XPS inelastic background. Furthermore, principal component analysis (PCA) assisted time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) of the PTFE-PS nanoparticle sample set revealed a systematic variation among the samples and, thus, confirmed the incomplete encapsulation of the core by the shell material. Opposed to that, no variation is observed in the PCA scores plots of the PTFE-PMMA nanoparticle sample set. Consequently, the complete coverage of the core by the shell material is proved by ToF-SIMS with a certainty that cannot be achieved by XPS and T-SEM.
Nanomaterials are present in our everyday life. Paint coats, sunscreens, catalysts and additives for tyres are good examples for the use of such materials in mass-market products. The problem of the safety of nanomaterials is recognized as a problem for health and environment, which lead to the special registration of nanomaterials according to an annex of REACH as of 2020. But a great problem for the risk assessment of nanomaterials that several factors could influence the hazardous nature of them. Additional to composition, crystal structure, size and shape the surface properties of such particles belong to these parameters for risk assesment. The reason for the relevance of the surface is obvious: the smaller the particle, the higher is the share of the surface. Additionally, the surface is the region of the particle which interacts with the surrounding which is another crucial factor for the understanding the effect of a nanomaterial on health and environment. In the OECD Testing Programme on Manufactured Nanomaterials exists consequently an Endpoint 4.30 Surface Chemistry in Chapter 4. PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL PROPERTIES. In summary, there is obviously a need for a correlation between surface chemical analytic data and toxicity. To fill in this gap, we present surface analytic results obtained with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry and correlate them with cytotoxic data gain by high-throughput screening experiments. It must be noted, that these experiments were done at the same set of titania materials taken from the JRC (Joint Research Centre of the European Union) Nanomaterials Repository. As material TiO2 was chosen due to its widespread use in consumer products, e.g. paint coats and sunscreens. With this new approach a better understanding of the influence of surface properties on the toxicity can be expected leading to a better risk assessment of these materials.
A central challenge to ensure the sustainable production and use of nanotechnologies is to understand and effectively control the risks along the industrial innovation value chain. Knowledge about nanotechnology processes and nanosafety issues (hazards, fate, risk...) is growing rapidly but the effective use of this knowledge for risk management by market actors is lagging behind.
EC4SafeNano (European Centre for Risk Management and Safe Innovation in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies) promotes a harmonized vision of expertise in risk assessment and management for the public and private sectors to enable the safe development and commercialization of nanotechnology.
EC4SafeNano is operated together by major European risk institutes with the support of numerous associated partners, gathering all stakeholders involved in Nanomaterials and Nanotechnologies (regulators, industry, society, research, service providers...).
In a case study the surface chemical transformations upon 2 different ageing procedures (long-term UV irradiation or swimming pool water) of a representative set of titanium dioxide nanoparticles has been investigated. The materials have been analyzed by various analytical techniques. Each method addresses different aspects of the complex endpoint surface chemistry. The multi technique approach allows evaluation of the capabilities and limitations of the applied methods regarding their suitability to address the endpoint surface chemistry and their sensitivity to identify even small surface chemical transformations.
Results:
- To obtain a comprehensive picture, it is insufficient to concentrate on a single analysis technique.
- By using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) in combination with principal component analysis (PCA) it was possible to identify even subtle changes in the surface chemistry of the investigated materials.
- A general trend that was observed for the UV-aged samples is the decrease of organic material on the nanomaterial surface.
This project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 723623.
Secondary fluorescence is an inevitable effect that has to be taken into account in any algorithm for quantitative electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) as an additional correction. Moreover, secondary fluorescence worsens spatial resolution of EPMA. Secondary fluorescence is excited both by characteristic radiation and by the X-ray continuum. In most cases the correction is small. There are, however, cases, e.g. the determination of low heavy metal concentration in a light matrix, where the contribution of secondary fluorescence exceeds 10% of the measured X-ray line intensity.
For secondary fluorescence correction the measured X-ray line intensity has to be divided by the correction factor (1+I_flchar/I_p +I_flcont/I_p )≈(1+I_flchar/I_p )(1+I_flcont/I_p ) in order to get those intensity I_p, which is excited only by the primary electrons. I_flchar and I_flcont mean the calculated characteristic and continuums fluorescence intensities. In order to get the intensity of fluorescence radiation, the absorption of the exciting radiation in the specimen, the photoionization probability and the self-absorption of the emitted line must be calculated. The critical quantity is the X-ray yield of the exciting atoms in case of fluorescence by characteristic radiation and the bremsstrahlung yield of the specimen in case of continuum fluorescence. In the former case it is reasonable to apply the same physical model to calculate I_flchar and I_p.
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).
An inter-laboratory comparison on the surface charge, expressed as zeta potential ζ, of nanoscaled SiO2 has been performed using #14 BAM Silica (see D.5.41/5.42) nanoparticles. The comparability of results delivered by participants has been tested.
The Task 5.4 of NanoValid is designed to test, compare and validate current methods to measure and characterize physicochemical properties of selected engineered nanoparticles. The measurand is Surface charge expressed as zeta-Potential. The measurements are to be accompanied by estimates of the uncertainties at a confidence level of 95%, deduced from the standard uncertainties. Therefore an uncertainty budget comprising statistical (Type A) and systematic (Type B) errors has to be established and delivered for the measurand. The protocol comprises two Annexes addressing the establishment of uncertainty budgets following GUM. The final goal of the comparison is to identify those methods of measurement which have potential as reference methods in pc characterization of nanoparticles for the determination of a given measurand.
This Report describes an inter-laboratory comparison aiming on the establishment of the used method (BET) as a reference method. Another purpose was the certification of the porous reference material #15 BAM Titania as CRM BAM-P110 (cf. D 5.41/42). The certified values determined by nitrogen ad-sorption at 77.3 K according to the international standards ISO 15901-2 and ISO 9277 are summarized in the Table below.
An inter-laboratory comparison on the particle size, expressed as mean diameter d, of nanoscaled SiO2 (#14 BAM Silica (see NanoValid DoW, D.5.41/5.42)) has been performed. The majority of participants used Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS). A few used Electron Microscopy as method. Following methods had been applied by only one partner, respectively: Small Angle X-ray Scattering, Analytical Ultracentrifugation, Atomic Force Microscopy and Atomizer with electric mobility spectrometer.
As resistance to traditional drugs emerges for treatment of Virus infections, the need for new methods for virus inhibition increases. Graphene derivatives with large surface areas have shown strong activity against different viruses. However, the inability of current synthetic protocols to accurately manipulate the structure of graphene sheets in order to control their antiviral activity remains a major challenge. In this work, a series of graphene derivatives with defined polyglycerol sulfate and fatty amine functionalities have been synthesized and their interactions with herpes simplex Virus type 1 (HSV-1) are investigated. While electrostatic interactions between polyglycerol sulfate and virus particles trigger the binding of graphene to virus, alkyl chains induce a high antiviral activity by secondary hydrophobic interactions. Among graphene sheets with a broad range of alkyl chains, (C3–C18), the C12-functionalized sheets showed the highest antiviral activity, indicating the optimum synergistic effect between electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, but this derivative was toxic against the Vero cell line.
In contrast, sheets functionalized with C6- and C9-alkyl chains showed low toxicity against Vero cells and a synergistic Inhibition of HSV-1. This study shows that antiviral agents against HSV-1 can be obtained by controlled and stepwise functionalization of graphene sheets and may be developed into antiviral agents for future biomedical applications.
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material as well as the crystallinity of the framework. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques and requires new approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution we characterize thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at an SEM.
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material as well as the crystallinity of the framework. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques and requires new approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution we characterize thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at an SEM.
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material as well as the crystallinity of the framework. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques and requires new approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution we characterize thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at an SEM.
Analysis of elemental composition of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy thin films by EPMA and µ-XRF
(2019)
The present study reports on measurements on thin Fe-Ni films on silicon and first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide Substrate by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with the thin film analysis software Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. An excellent agreement has been obtained between the atomic fractions determined by EPMA and µ-XRF with the KRISS certified values.
Secondary fluorescence is an inevitable effect that has to be taken into account in any algorithm for quantitative electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) as an additional correction. Moreover, secondary fluorescence worsens spatial resolution of EPMA, as discussed once more in two recent papers. Secondary fluorescence is excited both by characteristic radiation and by the X-ray continuum. In most cases the correction is small. There are, however, cases, e.g. the determination of low heavy metal concentration in a light matrix, where the contribution of secondary fluorescence exceeds 10% of the measured X-ray line intensity.
For secondary fluorescence correction the measured X-ray line intensity has to be divided by the correction factor (1+I_flchar/I_p +I_flcont/I_p )≈(1+I_flchar/I_p )(1+I_flcont/I_p ) in order to get those intensity I_p, which is excited only by the primary electrons and enables the determination of specimen composition. I_flchar and I_flcont mean the calculated characteristic and continuums fluorescence intensities. In order to get the intensity of fluorescence radiation, the absorption of the exciting radiation in the specimen, the photoionization probability and the self-absorption of the emitted line must be calculated. This can be performed in a straightforward way. The critical quantity is the X-ray yield of the exciting atoms in case of fluorescence by characteristic radiation and the bremsstrahlung yield of the specimen in case of continuum fluorescence. In the former case it is reasonable to apply the same physical model to calculate I_flchar and I_p.
There are different ways how to prove the quality of the results obtained by electron microscopy and related microanalysis techniques, e.g. use of validated standard operation procedures, participation in proficiency testing exercises, use of certified reference materials, etc. International standards are able to provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics of methods, instruments or samples with the final goal that these can be used consistently in accredited laboratories. In the field of electron microscopy and microbeam analysis standardization and metrology are terms which are encountered rather seldom at major conferences and scientific publications. Nevertheless, spectra formats like EMSA/MSA for spectral-data exchange or tagged image file format (TIFF) for SEM, guidelines for performing quality assurance procedures or for the specification of X-ray spectrometers as well as of certified reference materials (CRMs) in EPMA, or measurement of average grain size by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), or guidelines for calibrating image magnification in SEM or TEM are ISO standards already published and used successfully by a large part of the electron microscopy and microbeam analysis community. A main and continuous task of ISO/TC 202 and its subcommittees is to identify and evaluate feasible projects/proposals needed to be developed into new international standards, particularly in respect to recent but established technology, such the silicon drift detector (SDD) EDS one.
Another international platform in the frame of which pre-standardization work can be organized is VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards). International collaborative projects involving aim at providing the technical basis for harmonized measurements, testing, specifications, and standards to be further developed at ISO level. One key point of VAMAS activities is constituted by inter-laboratory comparisons for high-quality data. In the field of microbeam analysis, the technical working area (TWA) 37 Quantitative Microstructural Analysis deals with corresponding projects. Good ideas, e.g. on analysis of low-Z materials/elements and at low energies are particularly encouraged by directly contacting the author. Support and already available guidance will be supplied.
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).
Near-ambient pressure x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) is a less traditional form of XPS that allows samples to be analyzed at relatively high pressures, i.e., at greater than 2500 Pa. With NAP-XPS, XPS can probe moderately volatile liquids, biological samples, porous materials, and/or polymeric materials that outgas significantly. In this submission, we show survey, C 1s, O 1s, and N
1s narrow scans from an aqueous solution of a common protein, bovine serum albumin. The C 1s peak envelope is well fit to four symmetric peaks of equal width that correspond to carbon bonded to carbon and hydrogen (C-1), carbon singly bonded to oxygen (C-2), carbonyl and/or amide carbon (C-3), and carboxyl carbon (C-4). Two possible peak fits are considered for the N 1s and O 1s peak envelopes. The N 1s signal is fit to four peaks that correspond to amine (—NH2), Amide (OvCZNH2), ammonium (—NH3 +), and N2(g) nitrogen, and alternatively to three peaks that correspond to amine, amide, and N2(g) nitrogen. The O 1s peak envelope is similarly fit to three and four components.
Low temperature functionalization of two-dimensional boron nitride for electrochemical sensing
(2019)
Two-dimensional hexagonal boron nitride(h-BN)as an emerging nanomaterial exhibits uniquephysicochemical properties, making it suitable candidate for a wide spectrum of applications.However, due to its poor functionality, the processability of this nanomaterial is low. In this work, wereport on a straightforward and scalable approach for the functionalization of h-BN by nitrene[2+1]cycloaddition at room temperature. The triazine-functionalized h-BN(Trz-BNs)showed ahigh reactivity toward nucleophiles, through which post-modifications are performable. The post-modification of Trz-BNs by L-cysteine was studied using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulsevoltammetry. Taking advantage of the scalable and straightforward functionalization as well as abilityof triazine functional groups for the controlled post-modifications, Trz-BNs is a promisingnanoplatform for a wide range of future applications.
Biosensors are of essential importance in medical and biological diagnostics. Often, they are produced using silane chemistry on glass or silicon oxide surfaces.
However, controlling that silane chemistry is challenging. Here, we present an alternative strategy to form functional organic layers and biosensors on silicon Nitride (Si3N4). H-terminated Si3N4 films are used to generate reactive azide groups by various azidation methods. Biomolecular probes can then be immobilized using click chemistry reactions with the azide groups and due to its high sensitivity in XPS a fluorine-substituted test alkyne was utilized to optimize click chemistry conditions. After that a biotinylated alkyne was clicked to Si3N4 surfaces followed by immobilization of streptavidin as analyte in a model assay. The functionalized surfaces were thoroughly characterized by surface chemical analysis using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS)spectroscopy.
Over the last few decades, there has been a tremendous increase in research on antibacterial surface coatings as an alternative strategy against bacterial infections. Although there are several examples of effective strategies to prevent bacterial adhesion, the effect of the wetting properties on the coating was rarely considered as a crucial factor. Here we report an in-depth study on the effect of extreme wettability on the antibacterial efficiency of a silver nanoparticles (AgNPs)-based coating. By Controlling surface polymerization of mussel-inspired dendritic polyglycerol (MI-dPG) and post-functionalization, surfaces with wetting properties ranging from superhydrophilic to superhydrophobic were fabricated.
Subsequently, AgNPs were embedded into the coatings by applying in situ reduction using the free catechols-moieties present in the MI-dPG coating. The resulting polymer coatings exhibited excellent antibacterial ability against planktonic Escherichia coli (E. coli) DH5a and Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) SH1000. The antibacterial efficiency of the coatings was analyzed by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and bacterial viability tests. Furthermore, the Antifouling properties of the coatings in relation to the antibacterial properties were evaluated.
Iron (oxyhydr)oxides play an important role in controlling the mobility and toxicity of arsenic (As) in contaminated soils and groundwaters. However, dynamic subsurface geochemical conditions can potentially impact As sequestration since this is highly dependent on the dominant iron mineral phases present and the pathways through which they form. In this study, we investigated the Fe2+-induced transformation of As(V)-bearing ferrihydrite (As-FH) to more crystalline phases under relevant anoxic subsurface conditions. Specifically, we examined the influence of varying Fe2+(aq)/Fe(III)solid¬ ratios on the behavior and speciation of the mineral-bound As species during the mineralogical transformation of As-FH at pH 6.5 for 24 h. At lower Fe2+(aq)/Fe(III)solid¬ ratios (0.5 to 1), goethite, green rust sulfate (GR¬SO4) and lepidocrocite formed within the first 2 hours of the reaction, but only goethite and some unreacted FH remained after 24 h. At Fe2+(aq)/Fe(III)solid¬ ratio = 2, GRSO4 remained stable throughout the 24 h reaction, alongside goethite and unreacted FH. Despite >82% of the As-FH being transformed to goethite GRSO4 in these reactions, no significant As release (>99.9% removal) was observed. However, while As remained mineral-bound, partial oxidation of the initially added As(V) was reduced to As(III), most likely, by the goethite-Fe2+(aq) redox couple. The extent of As(V) reduction increased from ~40% to ~50%, as the Fe2+(aq)/Fe(III)solid¬ ratio increased from 0.5 to 2. Overall, these results provide important insights into transformation pathways of iron (oxyhydr)oxide minerals in As contaminated, anoxic soils and sediments, and also demonstrate the great impact these can have on As oxidation state and, hence, toxicity and mobility in these environments.
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material as well as the crystallinity of the framework. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge for modern analytical techniques and requires approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution we characterize thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE).
Mesoporous iridium oxide - titanium oxide (IrOx-TiOx) films were prepared via dip-coating of a solution containing a triblock-copolymer as structure-directing agent, an iridium precursor as well as a titanium precursor in ethanol. Deposited films with different amounts of iridium (0 wt%Ir to 100 wt%Ir) were synthesized and calcined in air. The thin films were analyzed with SE using the Bruggeman effective medium approximation (BEMA) for modelling. The results were compared with electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) as part of a combined SEM/EDS/STRATAGem Analysis.
Understanding the interaction between boehmite and epoxy and the formation of their interphases with different mechanical and chemical structures is crucial to predict and optimize the properties of epoxy-boehmite nanocomposites. Probing the interfacial properties with atomic force microscopy (AFM)-based methods, especially particle-matrix long-range interactions, is challenging. This is due to size limitations of various analytical methods in resolving nanoparticles and their interphases, the overlap of interphases, and the effect of buried particles that prevent the accurate interphase property measurement. Here, we develop a layered model system in which the epoxy is cured in contact with a thin layer of hydrothermally synthesized boehmite. Different microscopy methods are employed to evaluate the interfacial properties. With intermodulation atomic force microscopy (ImAFM) and amplitude dependence force spectroscopy (ADFS), which contain information about stiffness, electrostatic, and van der Waals forces, a soft interphase was detected between the epoxy and boehmite. Surface potential maps obtained by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPM) revealed another interphase about one order of magnitude larger than the mechanical interphase. The AFM-infrared spectroscopy (AFM-IR) technique reveals that the soft interphase consists of unreacted curing agent. The long-range electrical interphase is attributed to the chemical alteration of the bulk epoxy and the formation of new absorption bands.
Hydrogen production via formate photoreforming on TiO2 is characterized by marked dependence on the ratio between {101} and {001} surfaces for anatase nanoparticles. We observed higher rates of hydrogen Evolution with the increase of the {101} facets presence, owing to their reductive nature.
This helps the Pt photodeposition in the early stages of Irradiation and, then, the hydrogen ion reduction reaction. The selective photodeposition of 2 nm Pt nanoparticles on {101} facets was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) micrographs. The results are confirmed also by experiments carried out without the use of Pt as cocatalyst and by photoelectrochemical measurements.
The work also explains the marginal effect of the fluorination on the H2 evolution.
The efficiency, relatively low cost and eco-friendly nature of hydrogen peroxide-assisted photocatalysis treatment procedures are significant advantages over conventional techniques for wastewater remediation. Herein, we evaluate the behaviour of g-cyclodextrin (g-CD) immobilised on either bare or chitosan (CS)–functionalised Fe3O4 nanoparticles, for photodegrading Bisphenol A (BPA) in ultrapure water and in real wastewater samples. The BPA removal efficiencies with Fe3O4/g-CD and Fe3O4/CS/g-CD were compared with those of Fe3O4/b-CD, and were monitored under UVA irradiation at near-neutral pH. The addition of H2O2 at low concentrations (15 mmol L-1) significantly increased BPA photodegradation in the presence of each nanocomposite. The highest catalytic activity was shown by both Fe3O4/g-CD and Fe3O4/CS/g-CD nanocomposites (,60 and 27%BPA removal in ultrapure water and real wastewater effluent, respectively). Our findings reveal the superior performance of g-CD-functionalised Fe3O4 relative to that of Fe3O4/b-CD. The use of CD-based nanocomposites as photocatalytic materials could be an attractive option in the pre- or post-treatment stage of wastewaters by advanced oxidation processes before or after biological treatment.
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are suitable materials for gas storage of small molecules due to their nanoporous, crystalline structure. The extensively studied MOF HKUST-1 consist of Cu(II)-dimers in a paddlewheel structure, with 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) as organic linker. Instability to humidity remains an issue for many types of MOFs, and for HKUST-1, it has been found that exposure to water vapor creates a surface barrier which reduces the gas uptake rate.
Near-ambient pressure XPS (NAP-XPS) is a promising method for investigations of the stability and interaction of HKUST-1 with various gas molecules. The oxidation state of copper can be monitored before, during and after exposure to various gases. This does not only provide information on the stability of the MOFs, but also on the interaction with the gas molecules and the reversibility of the processes.
NAP-XPS measurements of HKUST-1 exposed to methanol, pyridine and water vapor were performed with EnviroESCA, a laboratory NAP-XPS instrument developed by SPECS. Cu 2p, O 1s and C 1s core level spectra were acquired in pressure ranging from 10-5 to 8 mbar to assess the oxidation state of copper and the stability of the organic linker. HKUST-1 does not show interaction with pyridine, but there are indications of copper-reduction upon exposure to methanol and water vapor. Radiation induced damage is considered and two different approaches for determining the ratio of Cu(I) to Cu(II) will be discussed.
The 44th Meeting of the Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards (VAMAS) Steering Committee has just taken place at NIST in Boulder (CO, USA). BAM participates with significant contributions in Technical Working Areas on nanoparticle and surface chemistry characterization, but also has positioned itself to new global material challenges and trends in the developement of advanced materials and their characterization, such as thermal properties, self-healing materials, and micro- and nanoplastic.
Chemical effects during the formation of femtosecond laser-induced periodic surface structures
(2019)
The processing of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) on metals and semiconductors in ambient air is usually accompanied by superficial oxidation effects – a fact that is widely neglected in the current literature. In this contribution, chemical, structural, and mechanical alterations in the formation of femtosecond LIPSS are characterized by a variety of surface analytical techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro Raman spectroscopy (µ-RS), and depth-profiling Auger electron microscopy (AEM). Alternative routes of electrochemical and thermal oxidation allow to qualify the relevance of superficial oxidation effects on the tribological performance in oil lubricated reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTT). It is revealed that the fs-laser processing of near-wavelength sized LIPSS on metals leads to the formation of a few hundreds of nanometers thick graded oxide layers, consisting mainly of amorphous oxides. Regardless of reduced hardness and limited thickness, this nanostructured surface layer efficiently prevents a direct metal-to-metal contact in the RSTT and may also act as an anchor layer for specific wear-reducing additives contained in the used engine oil.
Measurement of elemental composition of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy thin films by EMPA and µ-XRF
(2019)
It was demonstrated in the past that the electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) can be applied to determine accurately both elemental composition and thickness of thin films by using the dedicated software package for thin film analysis Stratagem. A relatively small number of film materials such as pure metallic films of platinum and nickel, binary alloys of Fe-Ni, and Pt-Ni-Co ternary alloy films has been reported in literature as working successfully. Further, the software can be applied ‘inversely’, i.e., by feeding it with the thickness of the film and using the determined mass coating, one can easily calculate the film density, which for porous layers leads us to the true film porosity.
The present study repeats measurements on an already tested system of Fe-Ni thin films on silicon and reports for the first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide substrate. Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results. Compared to EPMA, XRF has a larger information depth and a higher elemental sensitivity because of a generally lower background.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. The atomic fractions of all the samples including the references have been certified by RBS (Rutherford backscattering spectrometry) and ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy).
Microbeam analysis data are of continuously improving quality, this owing mainly to developments in instrumentation (hardware and software) and computer performance. The knowledge and skills of the operators must be also kept correspondingly updated. To be deemed as technically competent, the laboratories must be accredited according to an accreditation scheme, mostly following ISO/IEC 17025.
International standards are able to provide requirements, specifications, guidelines or characteristics of methods, instruments or samples with the final goal that these can be used consistently in accredited laboratories. In the field of electron microscopy and microbeam Analysis standardisation and metrology are terms that are encountered rather seldom at major conferences and scientific publications. Several ISO standards already published and used successfully by a large part of the electron microscopy and microbeam analysis community. For example, file formats such as EMSA/MSA for spectral-data exchange or tagged image file format (TIFF) for SEM images; procedures for the specification of X-ray spectrometers, the specification of certified reference materials (CRMs), and for measurement of average grain size by electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD); and guidelines for calibrating image magnification in SEM or TEM. A main task of ISO technical committee TC 202 ‘Microbeam Analysis’ is to identify feasible projects/proposals needed to be developed into new international standards, particularly in respect to recent technology, such the silicon drift detector (SDD).
As far as the metrological aspects are regarded, The International Bureau of Weights and Measures (BIPM) through the Consultative Committee for the Amount of Substance (CCQM) is concerned with the metrological aspect in Chemistry and Biology. In particular, the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) assists in identifying and establishing inter-laboratory work to test the consistency as well as to improve the traceability of spatially resolved chemical surface analysis at the micro and nanoscale. Examples of recent projects on quantitative microbeam analysis at low energies, such as the quantification of light elements such as carbon and nitrogen will be presented.
The significant sources of measurement uncertainty will be emphasized. These are: quality of the unknown and the reference materials used, the quantification model, instrumental parameters like take-off-angle, spectrometer efficiency, and particularly the beam current. The crucial importance of working with uniform and well-defined measurement and data evaluation protocols will be discussed in compliance with the ISO document “Guide to the expression of uncertainty in measurement (GUM)”.
Another international platform where pre-standardisation work can be organised is VAMAS (Versailles Project on Advanced Materials and Standards). International collaborative Projects aim at providing the technical basis for harmonised measurements, testing, specifications, and standards to be further developed at ISO level. One key point of VAMAS activities is constituted by inter-laboratory comparisons for high-quality data. In the field of microbeam analysis, the technical working area (TWA) 37 Quantitative Microstructural Analysis deals with corresponding projects. Good ideas, e.g., on analysis at low energies, are particularly encouraged by directly contacting the author. Support and guidance will be supplied.
Porous materials play an important role in several fields of technology, especially for energy applications like photovoltaics, electrolysis or batteries. The activity of porous films is affected by properties like porosity, film thickness, chemical composition of the material, as well as the crystallinity of the framework. The complex morphology of such porous films constitutes a challenge even for modern analytical techniques and requires new approaches employing the combination/complementation of data of different analytical methods. In this contribution, we characterise thin mesoporous iridium-titanium mixed oxide film properties by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) at an SEM.
Mesoporous iridium oxide - titanium oxide (IrOx-TiOx) films were prepared via dip-coating of a solution containing a triblock-copolymer as structure-directing agent, an iridium precursor as well as a titanium precursor in ethanol. IrOx-TiOx films were synthesized with different amounts of iridium and calcined in air. The SEM micrographs reveal for all films the achievement of a well-ordered mesoporous structure and homogeneous films with thicknesses between 67 nm and 152 nm.
For the determination of film elemental composition and porosity, EPMA can be used as part of a combined SEM/EDS/STRATAGem analysis. Elemental compositions and mass depositions (in μg cm-2) of IrOx-TiOx films were calculated with the thin film analysis Software STRATAGem via k-values measured with SEM/EDS. Pure bulk Ir, TiO2 and Si were measured as references. The average density of the films was obtained from the mass Deposition and the film thickness as measured by cross-section SEM. The porosity was then extracted from the measured average film density divided by a theoretical bulk density. The latter is calculated from the weight fractions of IrOx and TiOx as determined with STRATAGem and the bulk mass densities of IrO2 and TiO2 (rutil) from literature.
The fitting results of the k-values from the STRATAGem software, which are in fair agreement with the measured k-values.
The application of the SEM/EDS/STRATAGem approach for accurate porosity determination on pure mesoporous TiOx films and pure porous IrOx films has been recently demonstrated.
The porosities of pure IrOx, TiOx and mixed IrOx-TiOx films in this study have been determined. The contribution will assess in detail the advantages and limitations of the combined SEM/EDS/STRATAGem analysis for the morphology and porosity of thin metal oxide films. Moreover, the comparison with other measurement techniques and the combination of datasets from multiple measurements will be discussed.
It was demonstrated in the past that the electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) can be applied to determine accurately both elemental composition and thickness of thin films by using the dedicated software package for thin film analysis Stratagem. A relatively small number of film materials such as pure metallic films of platinum and nickel, binary alloys of Fe-Ni, and Pt-Ni-Co ternary alloy films has been reported in literature as working successfully. Further, the software can be applied ‘inversely’, i.e., by feeding it with the thickness of the film and using the determined mass coating, one can easily calculate the film density, which for porous layers leads us to the true film porosity.
The present study repeats measurements on an already tested system of Fe-Ni thin films on silicon and reports for the first-time results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide substrate. Standard-based and standardless EPMA (with EDS) results were used in combination with Stratagem for the quantification.
Further, X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) can be used for the determination of elemental composition and thickness of such films as well. In this case, XRF with a μ-focus X-ray source (μ-XRF) attached to a SEM was applied. For quantification, a fundamental parameter (FP) approach has been used to calculate standard-based and standardless results. Compared to EPMA, XRF has a larger information depth and a higher elemental sensitivity because of a generally lower background.
Both thin film systems have been chosen as samples of an international round robin test (RRT) organised in the frame of standardisation technical committee ISO/TC 201 ‘Surface chemical analysis’, under the lead of KRISS. The main objective of the RRT is to compare the results of atomic fractions of Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex alloy films obtained by different surface Analysis techniques, such as X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES), and secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) applied in the depth-profiling operation mode.
Five samples of different atomic fractions of each thin film system, i.e., Fe1-xNix and Si1-xGex, have been grown by ion beam sputter deposition on silicon and Al2O3 wafers, respectively. Reference FeNi and SiGe films with well-known elemental composition and thickness have been also supplied for standard-based analysis. The atomic fractions of all the samples including the references have been certified by RBS (Rutherford backscattering spectrometry) and ICP-AES (inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy).
The test material EDS-TM001 together with an accompanying software package, “EDX spectrometer check”, have been made available in 2009 by BAM to be employed by EDS (energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer) users to check the performance of an EDS attached to the SEM. Particularly for test laboratories operating under accreditation schemes like ISO/IEC 17025, a periodical control of the critical instrumental parameters in end-user laboratories is required. With EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 (second generation) test material, this periodical check is simplified to the acquisition of only one 10 kV spectrum. The software “EDX spectrometer check” is destined to evaluate automatically this spectrum and determine the performance of the EDS in terms of energy resolution and calibration, as well as possible alteration of low-energy Efficiency due to detector contamination. Energy resolution can be compared with the specified values according to the international ISO standard ISO 15632:2012. EDS-TM is a synthetic material consisting of a 6 μm thick layer of C, Al, Mn, Cu and Zr deposited on a steel (in case of EDS-TM001) or silicon (in case of EDS-TM002) substrate. The chemical composition of EDS-TM was chosen such as to give nearly equal intensities of the low energy lines in a 10 kV spectrum, thus, making it very sensitive against spectrometer efficiency changes. Meanwhile, about 150 laboratories use the EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 test material for the periodical check of their EDS. A detailed description of the test material and software together with examples of application was published recently. New results and gained experiences will be presented as well. When the FWHM of the X-ray lines in the EDS-TM spectrum are determined, the spectrum background must be subtracted accurately. The applied physical background subtraction procedure is robust and takes into account the transmission of the detector window. While the previous version considers only Moxtek AP windows, the new version includes selection of silicon Nitride window and the case of windowless detector. Moreover, the new version allows importing of spectra in Bruker spx-format and EMSA/MSA files from EDAX TEAM software.
Windowless detectors have been also tested demonstrating long-term stability after repeated heating and cooling cycles. In this case, the appropriate Background subtraction is decisive for accurate detector characterization. Detailed results will be presented.
The simultaneous detection of different analytes has gained increasing importance in recent years, especially in the fields of environmental and health monitoring. Particularly suitable formats for multiplexing are bead-based assays. The beads employed need to fulfil size and density requirements important for instance for flow cytometry and shall exhibit an as high as possible surface area for anchoring capture probes to allow for low limits of detection. Core/shell particles are ideally suited in this sense because of their modularity in design and adaptability for various (bio)analytical assays. Here, polystyrene particles coated with different kinds of mesoporous silica shells are presented, possessing distinctly higher surface areas in comparison to non-porous core/shell particles. Different factors such as pH and amount and type of mediator salt used during shell preparation were evaluated with shell inspection by scanning/transmission scanning electron microscopy (SEM/tSEM) being key to architecture control of the monodisperse particles.
For a cytometric model assay, the optimized core/shell particles were functionalized with capture oligonucleotides for DNA detection. After covalent attachment of single-stranded DNA to the silane-modified silica surface, a hybridisation assay using labelled t-DNA complementary strands was carried out to demonstrate particle performance, showing how tailoring of the shell’s surface area controls sensitivity and dynamic range of the assay. Finally, a multiplex assay for the determination of DNA from different human papilloma virus (HPV) lines was developed. Using our optimized particles, we were able to detect down to 10 amolμl‒1, which is an improvement of one order of magnitude compared to assays using non-porous particles reported in the literature. In addition, multiplexed detection could successfully be demonstrated.
This report describes a standard operation procedure for dispersion of nanomaterials in liquids prior to toxicological or ecotoxicological testing. Main factors, who determine the state of agglomeration and aggregation of ENMs after dispersion are specific energy input, particle concentration and fluid composition. The method was validated in two round robin tests, where two typical nanomaterials (a nanopowder and a nanodispersion) were investigated. One main result arising out of the data comparison was that only those participants, who were able to follow the instructions in the SOPs completely, received similar results regarding particle size and zeta potential. The SOP is easy to adapt for other types of nanomaterials. The results provide the standardization process and were presented at DIN working group.
A new method for top‐down, one‐pot, gram‐scale production of high quality nanographene by incubating graphite in a dilute sodium hypochlorite solution at only 40 °C is reported here. The produced sheets have only 4 at% oxygen content, comparable with nanographene grown by chemical vapor deposition. The nanographene sheets are covalently functionalized using a nondestructive nitrene [2+1] cycloaddition reaction that preserves their π‐conjugated system. Statistical analyses of Raman spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicate a low number of sp3 carbon atoms on the order of 2% before and 4% after covalent functionalization. The nanographene sheets are significantly more conductive than conventionally prepared nanographene oxide, and conductivity further increases after covalent functionalization. The observed doping effects and theoretical studies suggest sp2 hybridization for the carbon atoms involved in the [2+1] cycloaddition reaction leading to preservation of the π‐conjugated system and enhancing conductivity via n‐type doping through the bridging N‐atom. These methods are easily scalable, which opens the door to a mild and efficient process to produce high quality nanographenes and covalently functionalize them while retaining or improving their physicochemical properties.
The uncertainty of measurement in quantitative XPS analysis can be reduced by using a calibrated spectrometer transmission function T (E), which is usually determined by taking spectra from Au, Ag, Cu and Ge elemental reference materials. However, this approach is quite time-consuming due to required sample preparation steps like sputter cleaning etc., and the relatively big number of samples to be measured. This contribution proposes the use of the ionic liquids [C2C1im][NTf2] and [C3C1im][NTf2] as reference materials for a determination of T(E). These multi-elemental samples deliver five intensive photoemission peaks, F 1s, O 1s, N 1s, C 1s and S 2p, in an energy window from 160 eV to 700 eV which is of specific interest for applications of quantitative XPS for surface chemical analysis of soft matter, one of the major applications of XPS.
The SAWG was established as an ad-hoc working group in 2003 before being established as a permanent working group. The first comparison was in 2007. Dr Unger recalled the terms of reference for the group, which paralleled those of the CCQM itself, with a focus on spatially resolved chemical surface analysis at the micro- and nano-scale. The group also had a remit to act as a forum for exchange of information on research and development of surface analysis, establish contact with relevant stakeholders and promote the development of SI traceable chemical surface measurements. The group currently had participants from 18 institutes, although five had not sent participants to recent meetings.
Reporting progress on studies, Dr Unger said that P-190CCQM-K-157 (measurement of HfO2 in thin film) had been completed, and the subsequent K-157 approved is ongoing and that for CCQM-K153 (Measurement of Specific Adsorption of N2 and Kr on nonporous SiO2 at liquid nitrogen temperature by BET) was at the draft B was completed stageand distributed to CCQM WG chairpersons for approval.
Dr Unger reported that CCQM-K-153 had covered measurement of specific absorption of nitrogen or krypton on nonporous silica at liquid nitrogen [ambient] temperature. This included an application of the BET method, a standard method for determination of surface area. This fitted into the ‘nonporous’ region of the SAWG measurement space, which included microporous, mesoporous and microporous regions. Of these regions, CCQM-K136 and CCQM-K153 demonstrated capability in meso- and microporous media respectively. CCQM-K153 involved two measurands; amount of absorbed gas at liquid nitrogen temperature, expressed as specific absorption, and the BET surface area. Specific absorption could in principle be traceable to the SI; BET was operationally defined. Five institutes participated. A detailed uncertainty budget was available for both measurands. Results had been excellent, with all laboratories agreeing well within their uncertainties and all in agreement with the reference value.
Reporting on CCQM P190, Dr Unger described the study objective measurand (amount of substance of HfO2 in a thin film), samples and methods. After showing transmission electron microscope images obtained in the study, he briefly reviewed the conclusions. The study identified a need to handle carbon contamination, harmonise the XPS measurement protocol, determine emission angle and identify a consensus value for attenuation length. These conclusions had informed the design of the proposed ongoing K157 study approved at the 24th Meeting of te CCQM.
The group planned a number of comparisons for the next three years:
2019: A pilot study on the amount of substance in a thin organic layer (previously approved).
2020: CCQMK-157, Measurement of the amount of substance of HfO2; A Key comparison on specific gas adsorption on microporous samples and a Pilot study on Homogeneous surface composition of an ionic liquid.
2021: A key comparison measuring the amount of substance in a thin organic layer.
Dr Unger additionally described a recently proposed pilot study to examine chemical composition in a deep nanoscale layer. This was important for the electronics industry. Four participants had expressed interest. The measurand will be the amount of Ir(ppy)2(acac) in a thin organic layer within an organic layer stack on a silicon substrate. He also reported that SAWG had started work on characterisation of graphene material grown by chemical vapour decomposition (CVD). The work would examine coverage on the substrate, number of layers, level of disorder, uncertainty budgets associated with the measurement, and data analysis. A link to VAMAS Technical Work Area 41 “Graphene and Related 2D Materials“ would also be established.
Looking forward, Dr Unger said the group had established a task group on application of Raman spectroscopy. This had important applications but was currently seen as qualitative. He presented the terms of reference for the task group for approval by the CCQM.
Dr Unger reviewed the SAWG activities that have progressed the state of the art in measurement science. He listed the past and ongoing comparisons that had addressed new and challenging measurement problems, and drew attention to a number of key publications in surface analysis. He additionally described stakeholder engagement activities, including collaboration with VAMAS, input to ISO TC 201, contributions to Euramet projects, and contributions to two recent stakeholder workshops.
The chemical composition of surfaces functionalized with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) is an important parameter that determines their performance in a broad range of applications, from immobilizing molecular machines to initiation and growth control of MOFs (Metal-Organic Frameworks). In this article, a critical Survey of XPS (X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy) and NEXAFS (near edge X-ray absorption fine structure) spectroscopy data for pyridine-functionalized monolayers on gold surfaces is presented to compile correlations that have been indiscernible before. Monolayers with aromatic backbones are compared to monolayers with aliphatic backbones.
Monolayers with pyridine end-groups are compared to mixed monolayers formed terpyridine-functionalized by molecules end-groups and non-functionalized molecules. Thiol-oxidation during ageing of the SAMs in air is addressed. And finally, the addressability of the SAMs for the deposition of metal-ions and organic molecules is investigated and compared. This work consequently delivers a comprehensive set of spectroscopic data of (ter-)pyridine-terminated SAMs and their performance as template for the preparation of functional multilayers of macrocycles exhibiting a preferential orientation.
If the particle size decreases, the ratio of surface area to volume increases considerably. This provides benefits for all surface-driven processes that run faster or at lower temperatures than larger particles. However, handling and characterization of the nanopowders are much more difficult. Particularly polydisperse powders with irregular shape, as grinding products, represent a challenge. Granulometry in the submicron and nanoscale often leads to incorrect results without knowledge of particle morphology.
This presentation demonstrates potentials of using the volume-specific surface area (SV or VSSA) in the granulometric characterization of nanopowders, for instance, correlations between the volume-specific surface area and the median particle size are discussed considering the particle morphology and the model of the logarithmic normal distribution.
Moreover, the presentation deals with the optimal dispersion of nanopowders during sample preparation. Indirect ultrasound device with defined cooling was developed to prevent both contamination by sonotrode abrasion and sample changes by heat.
Successful granulometric characterization of nanopowders demands both improved dispersion technology and very often an effective combination of two or more measurement methods.
In this work, a novel boehmite (BA)-embedded organic/inorganic nanocomposite coating based on cycloaliphatic epoxy oligosiloxane (CEOS) resin was fabricated applying UV-induced cationic polymerization. The main changes of the material behavior caused by the nanofiller were investigated with regard to its photocuring kinetics, thermal stability, and glass transition. The role of the particle surface was of particular interest, thus, unmodified nanoparticles (HP14) and particles modified with p-toluenesulfonic acid (OS1) were incorporated into a CEOS matrix in the concentration range of 1–10 wt.%. Resulting nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal properties, with the glass transition temperature (Tg) being shifted from 30 °C for unfilled CEOS to 54 °C (2 wt.% HP14) and 73 °C (2 wt.% OS1) for filled CEOS. Additionally, TGA analysis showed increased thermal stability of samples filled with nanoparticles. An attractive interaction between boehmite and CEOS matrix influenced the curing. Real-time infrared spectroscopy (RT-IR) experiments demonstrated that the epoxide conversion rate of nanocomposites was slightly increased compared to neat resin. The beneficial role of the BA can be explained by the participation of hydroxyl groups at the particle surface in photopolymerization processes and by the complementary contribution of p-toluenesulfonic acid surface modifier and water molecules introduced into the system with nanoparticles.
Considerations for nanomaterial identification of powders using volume-specific surface area method
(2019)
The EC’s recommendation for a definition of nanomaterial (2011/696/EU) should allow the identification of a particulate nanomaterial based on the number-based metric criterion according to which at least 50% of the constituent particles have the smallest dimension between 1 and 100 nm. However, it has been recently demonstrated that the implementation of this definition for regulatory purposes is conditioned by the large deviations between the results obtained by different sizing methods or due to practical reasons such as high costs and time-consuming.
For most measurement methods for particle size determination it is necessary to initially disperse the particles in a suitable liquid. However, as the particle size decreases, the adhesion forces increase strongly, making it more difficult to deagglomerate the particles and to assess accurately the result of this process. Therefore, the success of the deagglomeration process substantially determines the measurement uncertainty and hence, the comparability between different methods.
Many common methods such as dynamic light scattering (DLS), centrifugal liquid sedimentation (CLS) or ultrasound attenuation spectroscopy (US) can give good comparable results for the size of nanoparticles, if they are properly separated and stabilized (e.g. in reference suspensions).
In order to avoid the use of hardly available and expensive methods such as SEM / TEM for all powders, an agglomeration-tolerant screening method is useful.
One of the measurement methods well suited to probe the size of particulate powder is the determination of the volume-specific surface area (VSSA) by means of gas adsorption as well as skeletal density. The value of 60 m2/cm3 corresponding to spherical, monodisperse particles with a diameter of 100 nm constitutes the threshold for decisioning if the material is a nano- or non-nanomaterial. The identification of a nanomaterial by VSSA method is accepted by the EU recommendation.
However, the application of the VSSA method was associated also with some limitations. The threshold of 60 m2/cm3 is dependent on the particle shape, so that it changes considerably with the number of nano-dimensions, but also with the degree of sphericity of the particles. For particles containing micro-pores or having a microporous coating, false positive results are induced. Furthermore, broad particle size distributions made necessary to additionally correct the threshold. Based on examples of commercially available ceramic powders, the applicability of the VSSA approach was tested in relation with SEM and TEM measurements. The introduction of a correction term for deviations from sphericity and further additions improved the applicability of VSSA as a screening method.
The stabilization of crystal phases and nanostructured morphologies is an essential topic in application-driven design of mesoporous materials. Many applications, e.g. catalysis, require high temperature and humidity. Typical metal oxides transform under such conditions from a metastable, low crystal-line material into a thermodynamically more favorable form, i.e. from ferrihy-drite into hematite in the case of iron oxide. The harsh conditions induce also
a growth of the crystallites constituting pore walls, which results in sintering and finally collapse of the porous network. Herein, a new method to stabi-lize mesoporous templated metal oxides against sintering and pore collapse is reported. The method employs atomic layer deposition (ALD) to coat the internal mesopore surface with thin layers of either alumina or silica. The authors demonstrate that silica exerts a very strong influence: It shifts hematite formation from 400 to 600 °C and sintering of hematite from 600 to 900 °C.
Differences between the stabilization via alumina and silica are rationalized by a different interaction strength between the ALD material and the ferrihydrite film.
The presented approach allows to stabilize mesoporous thin films that require a high crystallization temperature, with submonolayer quantity of an ALD material, and to apply mesoporous materials for high temperature applications.
The Scope of the Workshop was to provide a forum for discussion on progress in development, characterisation and application of reference nanomaterials. Results of recently finsihed national and international research projects have been presented. Moreover, the need for future developments have been addressed.
Attendees of teh Workshop were expected to be experts from academia, research institutes, regulatory bodies and industry working or interested in the area of reference nanomaterials.
The following structure of Workshop was planned: the main focus of the first day was on reference material needs and development, while teh second day was focussed on reference materials characterisation and standardisation.
Over 111 participants frm 13 countries and teh European Joint Research Centre have regsitered for the Workshop with 16 platform presentations and 42 poster contributions grouped in 2 sessions and 10 topical areas.
A summary of the observations, analysis and conclusions of the Workshop is made including an overview table of links to information on existing reference nanomaterials.
An overview of the activities in the field of surface and microbeam analysis at BAM-6.1 is given with focus on physico-chemical characterization at the nanoscale. Ideas of potential joint activities are presented: structural and chemical analysis of graphene, deposition techniques for nanoparticles, EBSD on steel for a broader range of methods, instruments and types of steel, soft X-ray Analysis of low-Z materials, analysis of mesoporous thin films, etc.
The damaging impact of hydrogen on the austenitic stainless steel AISI 304 L was analysed.
To this aim, samples were charged electrochemically with the hydrogen isotope deuterium (2H, D) and examined with time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD). The fusion of the obtained chemical and structural information revealed local enrichment of deuterium in austenite, transformation into martensite, crack formation and severe roughening of the specimen surface. The results indicated that martensite was not only formed during charging but also during Desorption and ToF-SIMS examinations. Furthermore, cross-sections of deuterium-charged samples revealed that in preferred deformation bands a g/ε/a 0 evolution is taking place.
By means of microscopic analyses and carrier gas hot extraction (CGHE), it was found that the use of NaAsO2 as recombination poison decreased the uptake of hydrogen significantly and resulted in severe precipitation on the specimen surfaces. This is in contrast to the popular presumption that NaAsO2 enhances the uptake of hydrogen (and
deuterium) during electrochemical charging by hampering its recombination from Atoms to molecules.
UV-curing coatings are nowadays widely used due to their unique advantages. High-quality coatings can be obtained at short curing times and low temperatures so that thermal stress to the substrate is minimised. Photocured Cycloaliphatic-Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEO) resin was reported to be used as encapsulation material for organic electronics. However, further reinforcement of CEO film properties is desired to achieve requested device lifetime.
In this work we introduced Boehmite nanoparticles (BA) into CEO matrix in order to modify the film properties and study the main changes of the material behaviour with regard to its photocuring kinetics, thermal stability and glass transition. Particular interest was focused on the role of particle surface in nanocomposite properties. Hence, BA particles without (HP14) and with organic surface modifier (OS1) at different loadings (up to 10 wt%) were applied in this study. Morphology investigation with SEM operated in transmission mode showed good BA dispersion forming network-like structure. At the same time, distribution of particles differed for HP14 and OS1 as a result of different interaction in CEO-solvent-particles system. CEO structure obtained via non-hydrolytic sol-gel reaction was verified by 13C and 29Si NMR. In situ monitoring of film curing was performed using RT-IR spectroscopy. No significant modification of final convention degree with particle incorporation was observed in contrast to considerable decrease of curing efficiency reported previously for similar system by Esposito et al.,2008. Further, cured hybrid nanocomposite films were analysed by TGA and DSC, which revealed impact of surface modifier on film thermal properties.
Organic-inorganic nanostructured materials have drawn much attention over the past decade, particularly due to their versatile and outstanding properties. Possessing the properties between those of polymers and those of glasses, siloxane-based resins are non-toxic, easy to synthesize and process hybrid materials, that hold a promising potential in the field of advanced coatings.
Photocurable resins are nowadays widely used as coatings due to their unique advantages. In particular, cationic ring-opening curing is not inhibited by oxygen, leads to low degree of shrinkage and superior adhesion. The most important, it enables production of high-quality coatings within short exposure times without applying temperature, thus, minimizing the presence of the thermal stress in the substrate. Photocured Cycloaliphatic-Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEO) resin was reported to be used as encapsulation material for organic electronics. However, further reinforcement of CEO properties is desired to achieve requested device lifetime. One of the common approaches to improve material characteristics is by embedding inorganic nanoparticles into polymer matrix. It has been shown that the resulted nanocomposites exhibit enhanced functional properties included but not limited by optical, mechanical, thermal and barrier ones.
In this work we focused on the incorporation of Boehmite nanoparticles (BA) into CEO matrix as a tool to strengthen the film properties and to study the main changes occurred in the material behavior with regard to its photocuring kinetics, thermal stability and glass transition. Particular interest was focused on the role of particle surface in nanocomposite properties. Hence, BA particles without (HP14) and with organic surface modifier (OS1) at different loadings
(up to 10 wt%) were applied in this study. Morphology investigation with SEM operated in transmission mode showed good BA dispersion forming
network-like structure. At the same time, distribution of particles differed for HP14 and OS1 as a result of different interaction in CEO-solvent-particles system. CEO structure obtained via non-hydrolytic sol-gel reaction was verified by 13C and 29Si NMR. In situ monitoring of film curing was performed using
RT-IR spectroscopy. A slight increase of final convention degree with particle incorporation was observed in contrast to the considerable decrease of curing efficiency reported previously for similar system. Further, the cured hybrid nanocomposite films were analyzed by TGA and DSC, which revealed impact of surface modifier on thermal stability and glass transition temperature.
Coating materials are nowadays often required to deliver not only sufficient barrier performance and suited optical appearance but a broad range of other functional properties. The incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) is known to improve many key characteristics and provide new functionalities in polymer materials. Presented work aims to prepare and characterize an organic-inorganic coating material designed to bring together advantageous properties of hybrid materials and reinforcement effect delivered from the inorganic NPs embedment.
Siloxane-based hybrid resins hold great advantages as coating materials as their properties can be tuned between those of polymers and those of glasses, thus, the compositions with superior thermal and mechanical properties can be achieved. We used Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEOS) resin as a polymeric matrix where the network formation was achieved by UV induced cationic polymerisation. Boehmite Alumina (BA) nanoparticles were added to CEOS resin as a reinforcing agent and resultant material was processed into films either by bar-coating or by spin-coating depending on further characterization procedure. Two different types of BA NPs, hydrophilic and organophilic, were used in order to assess the impact of particles surface on the resin characteristics. CEOS synthesis by condensation reaction was confirmed using 13C and 29Si NMR. Changes in CEOS photocuring process, resulting from particles incorporation, were monitored by real-time IR spectroscopy. At the same time, the thermal behaviour was evaluated by DSC and TGA methods. Morphology of the coatings was investigated by means of SEM operated in transmission mode.
It was observed that BA presence increased the epoxy conversion degree and glass transition temperature. Material formulations providing best film characteristics were determined with regard to the particle type and loading. Compared to the hydrophilic nanoparticles, organophilic BA NPs yield superior overall performance of the foils.
Thermosetting materials are gaining increasing attention in many structural composite applications. However, the incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into polymer matrix is a promising approach to enhance their functional characteristics, and thus, to enable the development of thermosets advanced application. It has been shown that Boehmite Alumina (BA) used as nanofillers can improve different parameters of polymers. This NPs can be easily tailored enabling desirable interactions with a big range of polymers. However, the overall effect of nanofiller depends on many factors, therefore, making it hard to predict the resulted performance of nanocomposites. In the current contribution we would like to discuss the impact of Boehmite NPs on two different epoxy resin nanocomposite systems with the focus on the possible influence mechanisms of this nanofiller.
As the first system, UV curable Cycloaliphatic-Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEOS) resin/Boehmite nanocomposites were investigated by FTIR, TGA, DSC and T-SEM. It was observed that incorporation of BA leads to the reinforcement of glass transition (Tg) and overall thermal stability indicating the attractive interactions between BA and CEOS network. In addition, an increase in epoxy conversion of CEOS was concluded for nanocomposites assuming that particles are involved in UV polymerisation processes.
The second epoxy/Boehmite nanocomposite is based on the bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) cured with methyl tetrahydrophtalic acid anhydride (MTHPA). Thermomechanical as well as nanomechanical properties of this material were investigated by DMTA and IR spectroscopy and the advanced Intermodulation AFM, respectively. In contrast to the first system, it was found that BA leads to a decrease of Tg and crosslink density of the polymer while the young’s modulus of the composite and local stiffness of polymer matrix increase significantly.
As a result, the versatile role of Boehmite was detected depending on the investigated systems. Based on the obtained results, the parameters indicating property-efficient epoxy/Boehmite system are suggested.
We show that complex physical and chemical interactions between boehmite nanoparticles and epoxy drastically affect matrix properties, which in the future will provide tuning of material properties for further optimization in applications from automotive to aerospace. We utilize intermodulation atomic force microscopy (ImAFM) for probing local stiffness of both particles and polymer matrix. Stiff particles are expected to increase total stiffness of nanocomposites and the stiffness of polymer should remain unchanged. However, ImAFM revealed that stiffness of matrix in epoxy/boehmite nanocomposite is significantly higher than unfilled epoxy. The stiffening effect of the boehmite on epoxy also depends on the particle concentration. To understand the mechanism behind property alteration induced by boehmite nanoparticles, network architecture is investigated using dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMTA). It was revealed that although with 15 wt% boehmite nanoparticles the modulus at glassy state increases, crosslinking density of epoxy for this composition is drastically low.
The aim of this study was to evaluate cytotoxicity (WST-1 assay), LDH release (LDH assay) and genotoxicity (Comet assay) of three engineered TiO2-NPs with different shapes (bipyramids, rods, platelets) in comparison with two commercial TiO2-NPs (P25, food grade). After NPs characterization (SEM/T-SEM and DLS), biological effects of NPs were assessed on BEAS-2B cells in presence/absence of light. The cellular uptake of NPs was analyzed using Raman spectroscopy.
The cytotoxic effects were mostly slight. After light exposure, the largest cytotoxicity (WST-1 assay) was observed for rods; P25, bipyramids and platelets showed a similar effect; no effect was induced by food grade. No LDH release was detected, confirming the low effect on plasma membrane. Food grade and platelets induced direct genotoxicity while P25, food grade and platelets caused oxidative DNA damage. No genotoxic or oxidative damage was induced by bipyramids and rods. Biological effects were overall lower in darkness than after light exposure. Considering that only food grade, P25 and platelets (more agglomerated) were internalized by cells, the uptake resulted correlated with genotoxicity.
In conclusion, cytotoxicity of NPs was low and affected by shape and light exposure, while genotoxicity was influenced by cellular-uptake and aggregation tendency.
Combining X-ray Absorption Fine Spectroscopy (XAFS) with Anomalous Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (ASAXS) determines the location of Cu2+ ions in silicoaluminophosphate (SAPO-5) frameworks prepared by hydrothermal crystallization or impregnation. As expected, for the hydrothermally prepared sample, incorporation in the SAPO-5 framework was observed. For the first time preferential location of Cu2+ ions at the inner and outer surfaces of the framework is determined. Temperature-Programmed Reduction (TPR) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) investigations demonstrated that such Cu2+ is stable in an argon (Ar) atmosphere up to 550 °C and can only be reduced under a hydrogen atmosphere. In contrast, Cu2+ deposited by impregnation on the pure SAPO-5 framework can be easily reduced to Cu+ in an Ar atmosphere. At lower Cu amounts, mononuclear tetrahedrally coordinated Cu species were formed which are relatively stable in the monovalent form. In contrast, at higher Cu amounts, CuO particles were found which change easily between the mono- and bivalent species.
Nanomaterials are a relatively new class of materials for which a regulatory framework still has to be established and regulators require comprehensive datasets of well characterized nanomaterials for the implementation. Especially information about the surface chemistry of nanoparticles is crucial, since it largely determines their biological and environmental fate. How the surface chemistry changes under relevant ageing conditions is of particular interest, because exposure will normally occur not to the pristine material but to a nanoform that underwent some kind of transformation.
In this talk, first a short overview about the contributions of division 6.1 to multiple European-funded projects will be presented, in which surface analytical techniques are used to improve the physical-chemical characterization of nanomaterials. Secondly, a study investigating the surface-chemical transformations of a representative set of titanium dioxide nanoparticles is discussed in more detail. The ageing has partly been performed at the BAM division 7.5, and the surface chemistry was analyzed using time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). By analyzing the complex mass spectra with principal component analysis (PCA), it was possible to identify even subtle changes that occur upon ageing.
Worldwide there is a variety of regulatory provisions addressing nanomaterials. The identification as nanomaterial in a regulatory context often has the consequence that specific legal rules apply. In identifying nanomaterials, and to find out whether nanomaterial-specific provisions apply, the external size of particles is globally used as a criterion. For legal certainty, its assessment for regulatory purposes should be based on measurements and methods that are robust, fit for the purpose and ready to be accepted by different stakeholders and authorities. This should help to assure the safety of nanomaterials and at the same time facilitate their international trading. Therefore, we propose a categorisation scheme which is driven by the capabilities of common characterisation techniques for particle size measurement. Categorising materials according to this scheme takes into account the particle properties that are most important for a determination of their size. The categorisation is exemplified for the specific particle number based size metric of the European Commission's recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial, but it is applicable to other metrics as well. Matching the performance profiles of the measurement techniques with the material property profiles (i) allows selecting the most appropriate size determination technique for every type of material considered, (ii) enables proper identification of nanomaterials, and (iii) has the potential to be accepted by regulators, industry and consumers alike. Having such a scheme in place would facilitate the regulatory assessment of nanomaterials in regional legislation as well as in international relations between different regulatory regions assuring the safe trade of nanomaterials.
We report a new method for top-down one-pot, gram-scale production of high-quality nanographene from graphite under mild conditions. The nanographene sheets had a very low oxygen content, comparable to that of nanographene grown by chemical vapor deposition. This method is easily scalable and comparatively mild, opening the door to an environmentally friendly process to produce high-quality nanographenes.
Nanographene sheets were further covalently functionalized using a non-destructive [2+1] cycloaddition reaction that left the π-conjugated system intact.
Near-ambient pressure XPS makes it possible to characterise samples not compatible to ultra-high vacuum, and enables the study of liquid-solid, gas-liquid and gas-solid interfaces. NAP-XPS meas-urements of biofilms, suspended nanoparticles and metal-organic frameworks were performed with EnviroESCA developed by SPECS.
An interesting application is surface characterisation of biofilms, which are bacterial communities embedded in a self-produced polysaccharide matrix. Various model systems ranging from pure polysaccharides of alginate to biofilms harvested directly from the growth medium have been char-acterised in humid conditions[1].
NAP-XPS also makes it possible to characterise nanoparticles in solution. Silver nanoparticles in aqueous solution were characterised and the Ag 3d-spectrum compared to spectra obtained of dried nanoparticles in UHV-conditions[2]. The binding energy of the Ag 3d-core level peak was shifted by 0,6 eV towards higher binding energy for suspended nanoparticles compared to the dried sample measured in UHV. This can be assigned to a change in surface potential at the water-nanoparticle interface.
Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are suitable materials for gas storage of small molecules due to their nanoporous, crystalline structure. However, instability in humidity remains an issue for many types of MOFs. XPS-measurements of the MOF-structure HKUST-1 were performed in various NAP-conditions to assess the stability of the sample and its interaction with the gas molecules as water, methanol and pyridine.
Synchrotron XPS in the soft-X-ray regime is suitable for the detection of light elements commonly found in biological samples. Various model systems of biofilms have been developed and characterised at synchrotron- and lab-based facilities. By obtaining the chemical composition at various information depths, the vertical distribution of iodine in an artificial biofilm have been determined.
Due to its low mass and high diffusivity in presence of compositional, thermal and mechanical gradients, hydrogen within a metallic microstructure can result in severe loss in ductility even at low concentrations and might lead eventually to a catastrophic and unpredictable failure of structural components during service. In this context, hydrogen mapping at the microscale is still considered among the most important challenges on the pathway towards a better understanding of the hydrogen transport and assisted cracking phenomena in metals, specifically in structural components, e.g. steels.
Among the very few available techniques to localize hydrogen at the microscale, Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a reliable tool. Based on the assumption that deuterium influence the microstructure similarly to hydrogen, in the following contribution ToF-SIMS was applied as the main technique to detect and locally map the deuterium distribution in several alloys: lean 2101 and standard 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS), AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel and titanium 6Al-4V alloy. These alloys were selected as case studies in this work due to the wide use of them in many applications and environments which frequently provide critical conditions for hydrogen absorption and assisted degradation.
The innovative design of in-situ and ex-situ experiments enabled us to elucidate the permeation, transport and trapping of deuterium in the microstructure in sub-micron resolution for the first time. In addition to the novel experimental setups, further progress was gained by applying computational multivariate data analysis (MVA) on the raw data and data fusion with high resolution structural characterization methods (scanning electron microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction – SEM/EBSD). This combination allowed us to correlate the deuterium distribution and the influence on the microstructure.
In the presented research, the high potential and abilities of secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and locally map the hydrogen distribution in two types of duplex stainless steels are shown. The research validates certain proposed mechanisms by combining ToF-SIMS with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and electron-backscattered diffraction. The combination of data from several techniques on the same region was conducted in this field for the first time by applying data treatment of the ToF-SIMS raw data and data fusion approach. This powerful combination of methods allows reviewing of the occurring processes related to hydrogen assisted cracking. The step beyond the state of the art in this field was gained here by developing permeation and mechanical loading experiments within the ToF-SIMS during chemometric imaging of the hydrogen distribution in the microstructure. The research presents the necessary correlation between the hydrogen distribution and the resulted structural changes, the diffusion behavior in a duplex microstructure and stress induced diffusion of hydrogen by applying external load at the microscale.
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.
BAM and Division 6.1
(2018)
Three current research projects performed at BAM’s Division for Surface Analysis and Interfacial Chemistry are presented that tackle important challenges with regard to the characterization of nanomaterials: 1) The characterization at ambient pressure, 2) the investigation of core-shell nanoparticles, and 3) the characterization of non-spherical particles by electron microscopy.
1) Surface analytical techniques such as Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) or Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS) typically require measurements in ultra-high vacuum. However, for many applications (e.g. catalysis and nanotoxicology) it is important to know the surface chemical properties of nanomaterials at ambient conditions. Therefore, near-ambient pressure X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (NAP-XPS) was used to investigate nanoparticles in suspension. The used instrumental set-up allows to directly insert nanoparticle suspensions into the analysis chamber and to measure without prior sample preparation. Compared to dry reference samples measured under high-vacuum, a shift towards higher binding energies was observed for silver nanoparticles in water, indicating a change of surface potential at the water-nanoparticle interface.
2) To determine the dimensions of core-shell nanoparticles (shell thickness, core and total diameter), scanning transmission X-ray microscopy (STXM) was used. The analyzed model system consists of a polytetrafluorethylene (PTFE) core surrounded by a polystyrene (PS) shell, providing a strong X-ray absorption contrast at the C K-edge and a well-defined interface. The introduced STXM‐based methodology yields particle dimensions in agreement with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results and provides additional information such as the position of the particle core, which cannot be extracted from a SEM micrograph.
3) The accurate measurement of size distributions of non-spherically shaped nanoparticles (representing most of the industrial nanoparticulate materials) is a challenging analytical task. High-resolution electron microscopy (TEM and SEM) is best suited to access the shape of individual nanoparticles. To fill the gap between ideal, monodisperse particles of spherical shape and complex real-world samples, BAM has started the work to develop reference nanoparticles of controlled shape, such as TiO2 platelets, bipyramids, and elongated particles. Results of a recent ISO inter-laboratory comparison will be shown with emphasis on the measurement parameters, descriptors and data analysis.
Among the very few techniques to localize hydrogen (H) at the microscale in steels, Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a reliable tool. The necessity to detect hydrogen stems from its deleterious effects in metals, that are often used as structural components and to obtain better understanding of the underlying metallurgical mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) which are still unclear.
Austenitic stainless steels are nowadays commonly used in a wide variety of application, from hydrogen transport and storage facilities to petrochemical and offshore applications where they are exposed to aggressive environments and therefore prone to HE. One of the greater risks in the austenitic class is the embrittlement of the material due to the instability of the γ austenite and its transformation into a brittle α martensitic phase. This transformation takes place due to the local stresses that are induced by the uptake of hydrogen during service. Nonetheless, it was shown that this transformation can occur as an artefact during SIMS analysis itself where Cs-sputtering is necessary not only to remove surface contaminations but mainly to enhance H/D secondary ion yield.
In the following contribution we show the influence of different sputtering conditions on AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel in order to distinguish the artefact from the hydrogen induced transformation. The material was charged electrochemically in a deuterium based electrolyte. Deuterium (D) must be in these experiments as a replacement for hydrogen which cannot be used because adsorbed hydrogen superimposes hydrogen originating from charging the sample in the SIMS images. ToF-SIMS analyses were conducted by ToF SIMS IV (IONTOF GmbH, Münster, Germany). The experiments were carried out on deuterium charged and non-charged samples. The structural characterization was carried out by SEM and EBSD examinations before and after charging, both with a Leo Gemeni 1530VP field-emission scanning electron microscope and a Zeiss Supra 40 instrument (Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Oberkochen, Germany). The results showed that the use of 1keV Cs+ beam induces stacking faults while higher sputter beam energies results in γ→α transformation.
This presentation explains the outline and scientific content of the ISO technical report 23173 "Measurement of the thickness and nature of nanoparticle coatings using electron spectroscopies". This technical report deals with those electron spectroscopy methods that are able to determine the coating thickness of nanoparticles. This specifically includes X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), energy-resolved X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (ERXPS) using synchrotron radiation, near abient pressure photoelectron spectroscopy (NAPXPS) and Auger electron spectroscopy (AES).
The proposed ISO Technical Report provides a description of a variety of physical methods of analytical chemistry by which bacteria and biofilms can be analysed. The state of the art, sample requirements and strengths associated with each method are identified. Presented at the DIN-meeting for NA 062-08-16 AA „Chemische Oberflächenanalyse und Rastersondenmikroskopie“
For the determination of porosity of Ir oxide thin films, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) can be used as part of a combined SEM/EDS/STRATAGem analysis. The mass deposition (in μg cm-2) of films was calculated with the analysis software STRATAGem via k-values measured with EDS. The average density of coated films was obtained from the mass deposition and the film thickness as measured by the cross-section SEM. The porosity was calculated by dividing the average film density by the bulk (theoretical) density of the film material.
Film porosities were counterchecked by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) using the Bruggeman effective medium approximation (BEMA).
The results obtained by both analytical approaches/methods used, SEM/EDS/STRATAGem and SE were in good agreement.
The present study repeats electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) measurements with the thin film analysis software Stratagem on an Fe-Ni thin films on silicon and reports - for the first-time – results of analysis on Si-Ge thin films deposited on a non-conductive aluminium oxide substrate.
If the very good EPMA/Stratagem results for the FeNi system were expected due to previous studies, the data obtained for the SiGe films are particularly valuable, because of the challenging insulator substrate of Al2O3. The conductivity of the Si1-xGex surface necessary for charging-free analysis was ensured by applying conductive copper tape onto film surface down to sample stage. Four accelerating voltages, 15, 20, 25 and 30 kV, have been applied, so that the Ge Kα X-ray line at 9.87 keV could be excited.
A femto-second pulsed laser ablation in liquid (PLAL) procedure for the generation of titanium oxide nanoparticles (NP) is reported with the purpose of understanding morphology and structure of the newly generated NPs. Ablation duration was varied for optimization of NP generation processes between 10 and 90 min. Surface morphology of NPs as well as their size and shape (distribution) were analysed by various complementary electron microscopy techniques, i.e. SEM, TSEM and TEM. The crystalline structure of titanium oxide particles was investigated by XRD and HR-TEM. Concentration of generated titanium oxide NPs in liquid was analysed by ICP-MS. A mix of crystalline (mainly anatase), partly crystalline and amorphous spherical titanium oxide NPs can be reported having a mean size between 10 and 20 nm, which is rather independent of the laser ablation (LA) duration. A second component consisting of irregularly shaped, but crystalline titanium oxide nanostructures is co-generated in the LA water, with more pronounced occurrence at longer LA times. The provenance of this component is assigned to those spherical particles generated in suspension and passing through the converging laser beam, being hence subject to secondary irradiation effects, e. g. fragmentation.
Graphene is a two-dimensional carbon network with unique properties. However, its low solubility, poor reactivity and the limited accessibility of a well-defined basal plane are major challenges for applications. An ideal method to overcome these problems is the covalent attachment of functional molecules to its surface which enable further reactive modifications for specific applications. There are several technologies for surface functionalization of graphene and related CNT materials. To get control on the functionalization process and to optimize the performance of the modified surfaces analytical tools for surface chemical characterization are required. X-ray absorption (NEXAFS) and photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) have been identified to be rather powerful here [1-3]. Specifically, NEXAFS spectroscopy underpinned by quantum chemical spectrum simulations [4] is unique in a way to address changes of aromaticity and defect formation at the graphene surface during functionalization.
For relevant surface modification technologies, we present examples on how NEXAFS and XPS can do a good job. All presented modifications aim on the production of platforms for defined functional 2D nanomaterials, as for example multifunctional hybrid architectures. In detail, we investigated:
• A wet chemical method for covalent functionalization of graphene sheets by a one-pot nitrene [2+1] cycloaddition reaction under mild conditions. Here a reaction between 2,4,6-trichloro-1,3,5-triazine and sodium azide with thermally reduced graphene oxide (TRGO) results in defined dichlorotriazine-functionalized graphene sheets.
• Graphene and carbon nanotube functionalized by Vacuum-Ultraviolet (VUV) induced photochemical or r.f. cw low pressure plasma processes to introduce amino, hydroxy or brominated functionalities.
To underpin finger-print information delivered by C K-edge NEXAFS we studied the effects of selected point and line defects as well as chemical modifications for a single graphene layer model by density functional theory based spectrum simulations.
References
[1] P.-L. Girard-Lauriault et al., Appl. Surf. Sci., 258 2012 8448-8454, DOI: 10.1016/j.apsusc.2012.03.012
[2] A. Lippitz et al., Surf. Sci., 611 2013 L1-L7, DOI: 10.1016/j.susc.2013.01.020
[3] A. Faghani et al., Angew. Chemie (International ed.), 56 2017 2675-2679, DOI:10.1002/anie.201612422
[4] C. Ehlert, et al., Phys.Chem.Chem.Phys., 16 2014 14083-14095, DOI: 10.1039/c4cp01106f
In this talk sample prep/handling, instrument calibration and data acquisition methods with examples from XPS, Auger and SIMS will be addressed in terms of their contributions to the reproducibility of data delivered by the methods.
Active parties in the field are VAMAS TWA 2 “Surface chemical analysis” (http://www.vamas.org/twa2/index.html), ISO/TC 201 “Surface chemical analysis” (https://www.iso.org/committee/54618.html) and the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) at the International Meter Convention (https://www.bipm.org/en/ committees/cc/wg/sawg.html). The tools to improve the reproducibility of spectra, depth profiles and images at these international platforms are inter-laboratory comparisons, validated SOPs, standards and certified reference materials (CRM) as well as uncertainty budgets and establishment of traceability chains. The last point is of specific importance because all the methods, XPS, Auger and SIMS, are not primary methods.
To address quantitative XPS, AES and SIMS results of relevant inter-laboratory comparisons organized by SAWG considering measurands as alloy surface composition and thickness of thin films will be introduced. These comparisons delivered results which are viewed to be benchmarking, some of them resulted in ISO/TC 201 standards. For quantitative XPS and AES the principal outline of an uncertainty budget will be discussed together with the audience. Another issue of quantitative XPS which definitely needs consideration are valid methods for a determination of the transmission function of the instruments and even for the emission angle in the respective experiments.
Concerning the field of depth profiling it has to be investigated together with the audience whether the ISO (or ASTM) standards we have are sufficient to guarantee comparable results. Having in mind the number of different sputter ion species available today and range of samples of interest (metals, semiconductors, organic films) this might be questionable. And, how do depth profiling by AR-XPS and variable excitation energy XPS compete here?
For imaging surface chemical analysis, the characterization of the imaging system is an issue to be investigated. Here the determination of lateral resolution is a relevant topic.
Finally, the future needs to develop metrology for new applications e.g., ambient-pressure XPS, bio samples, and core-shell nanoparticles, will be issues raised for a discussion with the audience.
We report polyethylene glycol (PEG)-grafting antifouling surfaces using a plasma copolymerized (PcP) technique to monitor protease activity in complex media. By varying the mixing ratio of the PEG and ethylenediamine (EDA) precursors, the PcP-PEG-EDA (PcP-PE) film was able to easily control surface amine density with good preservation of the internal PEG structure. We found that nonspecific protein adsorption was dramatically reduced in serum-containing media on the PcP-PE films, as opposed to that on plasma polymerized-EDA (PP-E) films without PEG. When SPR sensor chips coated with PcP-PE film were employed to detect protease activity, biotinylated luciferase probes (luciferase-peptide-biotin) on streptavidin-conjugated SPR chips enabled real-time and label-free measurement of matrix metalloproteinase activity in cell culture media. Owing to its excellent antifouling ability, this newly developed method boasts minimal nonspecific binding and can serve as a biochip platform to promote a wide range of applications in the biological field.
Control of functionalization of supports for subsequent assembly of titania nanoparticle films
(2018)
For self‐assembling of TiO2 nanoparticles in multiple layers by layer‐by‐layer deposition to be applied to TiO2 thin films with defined and homogeneous thickness for large‐scale applications, the proper functionalization of substrate surface is a prerequisite to guarantee sufficient adhesion.
The substrates selected and tested in the present paper were conductive, fluorine‐doped tin oxide (FTO) glass, nonconductive silica glass, and titanium alloy. The current study focusses on the analytical control of the stepwise functionalization of the substrates with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane and glutaraldehyde (GA) for both the FTO glass and silica glass and with 3‐aminepropyl phosphonic acid and GA for Ti alloy. The analyses have been conducted by means of surface sensitive methods, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and time‐of‐flight secondary ions mass spectrometry. Chemical composition of surface of functionalized substrates shows differences in the degree and type of modification in dependence on substrate. It could be demonstrated that the best functionalized substrates were the conductive FTO glasses. The analysis of the functionalized Ti substrates has revealed that the surface coverage with 3‐aminepropyl phosphonic acid and GA molecules is an inhomogeneous one, and further optimization of the two‐step functionalization on the Ti alloy substrate is necessary.
Manufacturing of new perovskite layered solar cells with constant high light conversion Efficiency over time may be hampered by the loss of efficiency caused by structural and/or chemical alterations of the complex layered system. SEM/EDX combined with XPS were chosen as an appropriate methodical approach to characterize perovskite laboratory cells in depth and at surface, before and after light exposure. The layered perovskite system investigated here is based on glass covered with fluorine doped tin oxide, followed by thin films of TiO2, ZrO2, and a thick monolithic carbon. TiO2 film is subdivided into a dense layer covered by porous one constituted of nanoparticles of truncated bipyramidal shape. This layered system serves as the matrix for the perovskite. EDX spectral maps on cross sections of specimen have shown that Pb and I are distributed homogeneously throughout the porous layers C, ZrO2, and TiO2. SEM/EDX data show that 20 weeks of ambient daylight did not change significantly the in‐depth distribution of the elemental composition of Pb and I throughout the entire solar cell system. It was confirmed with EDX that nanoparticles identified in high‐resolution SEM micrographs contain mainly Pb and I, indicating these to be the perovskite crystals. However, a compositional and chemical altering began in the near‐surface region of the outermost ~10 nm after 2 months of illumination which was observed with XPS.
Reversible light-modulation of fulgimide based monolayers on Si(1 1 1) and Si(1 0 0) was investigated using ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. Fulgimide monolayers were prepared from neat COOH-terminated SAMs on Si(1 1 1) obtained from methyl undec-10-enoate, (1:1)-diluted COOH-terminated monolayers on Si(1 1 1), and GPTMS monolayers on Si(1 0 0). The epoxy-terminated monolayer on oxidized Si(1 0 0) was characterized with ellipsometry, XPS, as well as contact angle measurements, and ATR-FTIR spectroscopy revealed a strong influence of toluene water content on reproducible high-quality monolayer formation. The results of this study show that environmental polarity has a strong influence on fulgimide imide IR band locations and read-out options for the two photostationary states PSS(365 nm), containing E/Z- and C-isomers, and PSS(545 nm), with solely the E/Zisomers.
Neat COOH-terminated monolayers on flat Si(1 1 1) have the Advantage of high functional Group concentration, orientation and stability, and an upright arrangement of fulgimide head groups.
Products containing engineered nanoparticles already encounter us in most areas of our daily life including cosmetics, clothing, detergents, paints, batteries and displays. In most cases the particles exhibit a core-shell morphology either voluntarily or involuntarily. The properties of the nanoparticle shell determine the interaction with their environment and, thus, reliable control over these properties means reliable control over the particles performance and their toxicity. Therefore, sophisticated techniques to measure thickness and elemental composition of the nanoparticle shell are urgently required.
Scanning Auger microscopy (SAM) is a powerful technique with a lateral resolution below 10 nm and a chemical contrast based on the characteristic kinetic energy of Auger electrons related to specific atomic levels and, thus, to a specific element. This work explores the potential of SAM for characterizing the core-shell structure of nanoparticles. A sample system of upconversion NaYF4:Yb,Er cores coated with SiO2 is investigated. Auger spectra, line scans and elemental maps of single nanoparticles will be presented. Challenges encountered will be highlighted, such as damage to the sample by electron beam irradiation. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) are performed on the same samples, in order to verify the SAM results.
Recent years have seen increasing development of nanoparticles for applications in a wide range of fields, including but not limited to areas of great impact such as catalysis, medicine, energy, optoelectronics, cosmetics, and many others. In particular, nanoparticles bearing some form of coating layer, whether by design or due to incidental processes such as contamination or oxidation, are among the most commonly studied and utilised. In the characterisation of nanoparticles, the surface properties are of great importance, because a large proportion of the particle forms a part of the surface or interface. In the case of coated nanoparticles, the thickness of the coating is significant in determining the properties of the nanoparticle, and defines its interactions with its environment. Measurement of surface chemistry and coating thickness of nanoparticles is a challenge to which electron spectroscopies are well suited, due to high surface sensitivity, well-understood physical principles and accessibility.
The test material EDS-TM001 together with an accompanying software package, “EDX spectrometer check”, have been made available in 2009 by BAM to be employed by EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) users to check the performance of an EDS attached to the SEM. Particularly for test laboratories operating under accreditation schemes like ISO/IEC 17025, a periodical control of the critical instrumental parameters in end-user laboratories is required. With EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 (second generation) test material, this periodical check is reduced to the acquisition of only one 10 kV spectrum. The software “EDX spectrometer check” is destined to evaluate automatically this spectrum and determine the performance of the EDS in terms of energy resolution and calibration as well as possible alteration of low-energy efficiency due to detector contamination. Energy resolution can be compared with the specified values according to the international ISO standard ISO 15632:2012. EDS-TM is a synthetic material consisting of a thick layer of C, Al, Mn, Cu and Zr in a well-defined composition, deposited on a steel (in case of EDS-TM001) or silicon (in case of EDS-TM002) substrate. Meanwhile, more than one hundred laboratories (most of them located in Germany) use the EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 test material for the periodical check of their EDS. A detailed description of the test material and software together with examples of application was published recently. New results and gained experiences will be presented as well.
The EC Recommendation on the definition of nanomaterial, based solely on size of the constituent particles, foresees development of harmonised measurement methods ensuring ‘consistent results across materials and over time’. The EU/FP7 research project NanoDefine has been exclusively dedicated to support the implementation of this EC Recommendation for the European Union’s legislation. For the first time, measurement techniques able to determine the size of nanoparticles have been evaluated systematically on a well-defined set of quality control materials (spherical, monodisperse) as well as industrial materials of complex shapes and considerable polydispersity.
Particularly based on the analytical performance of the measurement techniques as tested on the challenging real-world particulate materials, it was possible to formulate recommendations for use of a new tiered approach consisting of screening and confirmatory techniques. Thus, a consistent framework of guidance for nanomaterial identification according to the EC Definition has been issued in form of the NanoDefiner e-tool, with a transparent decision flow scheme and an extensive user manual. Selected examples of analysis and classification as nano-/non-nanomaterials will be given, highlighting the limits of applicability of the available measurement techniques in dependence on sample properties. On some recent relevant developments in sample preparation – as a crucial part for an accurate analysis - will be also reported.
Due to the growing number of engineered nanomaterials (NM) the need for a reliable risk assessment for these materials is today bigger than ever before. Especially the nanomaterial’s surface or shell directly interacts with its environment and therefore is a crucial factor for NM’ toxicity or functionality.
Especially, titania is one of the NM with the greatest technological importance. It is used for a large number of applications and can be found in food, cosmetics, glasses, mirrors, paints to mention only a few. In 2012, experts estimate[d] the annual European nano-titania production or utilization at an amount of more than 10,000 t.
Great progress has been achieved in the area of NM investigation and characterization during the past decade. A variety of publications provide information about technological innovation as well as hazard potential, which means the potential risk on human health and ecosystems. However, enhanced data harmonization and well-defined standards for nanomaterial analysis, could significantly improve the reliability of such studies which often suffers from varying methods, parameters and sample preparations. To develop a suitable approach for the NM’s risk assessment, the ACEnano project aims at establishing a toolbox of verified methods. The size of this well-structured European project allows to handle even those big challenges like data harmonization and standardization.
Due to its powerful combination of superior surface sensitivity and lateral resolution down to the Nano regime, ToF-SIMS could become one of these toolbox methods. Supported by multivariate data analysis such as principal component analysis (PCA), the method can be used for sub-classification of nanomaterial families using slight differences in surface chemistry.
Here, we show a PCA supported classification of titania nanoparticles from various sources (NIST, JRC, BAM) with ToF-SIMS. Parameters like size, shell, pre-preparation and crystal system cause variance in the data and allow us to distinguish the species from each other. Moreover, this variance in the data also occurs and can be used for investigation when we compare our measurements of particle ensembles with those of grown titania films. The carefully selected and refined peaks allow a reasonable particle categorization and further a reliable allocation of blank feeds, which introduces a promising approach for NM characterization in the context of NM risk assessment.
Biomedical applications, including functional biomaterials, carbohydrate-arrays, and glycan-based biosensors.
The chemistry of glycan immobilization plays an essential role in the bioavailability and function of surface bound carbohydrate moieties. For biomedical applications the stability over time (shelf life) of glycan arrays is a crucial factor. Herein we report on approaches for surface and interface characterization relevant to the needs of production of glycan microarrays which were tested using model carbohydrate surfaces. For detailed characterization of glycan model surfaces we used a combination of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS) and ToF SIMS which are complementary techniques of surface chemical analysis. Links to fluorescence spectroscopy often used for characterization in the microarray community were established as well. In detail, amine-reactive silicon oxide and glass surfaces were used for anchoring oligosaccharides with an amino linker. The amount of surface bound carbohydrates was estimated by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Glycan immobilization was investigated using lectins, which are glycan-binding molecules. A shelf life study of model glycan microarrays on epoxy-coated glass surfaces was done over a period of 160 days under different storage conditions utilizing fluorescence, ToF-SIMS and XPS analysis. It was shown that glycan activity of the models used can be maintained at least for half a year of storage at 4 °C.
TiO2 anatase nanoparticles are among the relevant players in the field of light-responsive semiconductor nanomaterials used to face environmental and energy issues. In particular, shape-engineered TiO2 anatase nanosheets with dominant {001} basal facets gained momentum because of the possibility to exploit different and/or improved functional behaviors with respect to usual bipyramidal TiO2 anatase nanoparticles, mainly exposing {101} facets. Nevertheless, such behavior depends in a significant extent on the physicochemical features of surfaces exposed by nanosheets.
They can vary in dependence on the presence or removal degree of capping agents, namely, fluorides, used for shape-engineering, and experimental investigations in this respect are still a few. Here we report on the evolution of interfacial/ surface features of TiO2 anatase nanosheets with dominant {001} facets from pristine nanoparticles fluorinated both in the bulk and at their surface to nanoparticles with F− free surfaces by treatment in a basic solution and to totally F− free nanoparticles by calcination at 873 K.
The nanoparticles fluorine content and its subsequent evolution is determined by complementary techniques (ion chromatography, TOF-SIMS, XPS, AES, SEM-EDX), probing different depths. In parallel, the evolution of the electronic properties and the Ti valence state is monitored by UV−vis spectroscopy and XPS. The calcination treatment results in {001} facets poorly hydroxylated, hydrated, and hydrophilic, which appear as surface features consequent to the expected (1 × 4) reconstruction. Moreover, IR spectroscopy of CO adsorbed as probe molecule indicates that the Lewis acidity of Ti4+ sites exposed on (1 × 4) reconstructed {001} facets of calcined TiO2 nanosheets is weaker than that of cationic centers on {101} facets of bipyramidal TiO2 anatase nanoparticles. The samples have also been tested in phenol photodegradation highlighting that differences in surface hydration, hydroxylation, and Lewis acidity between TiO2 nanoparticles with nanosheet (freed by F− by calcination at 873 K) and bipyramidal shape have a strong impact on the photocatalytic activity that is found to be quite limited for the nanoparticles mainly exposing (1 × 4) reconstructed {001} facets.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) provides elemental and chemical information from the outermost ~10 nm of the sample surface. This is in the same order of magnitude as the thickness of the outer bacterial membrane of gram-negative bacteria, as well as outer membrane molecules as exopolysaccharides and lipopolysaccharides, commonly attached to the cell surface. With the development of near-ambient pressure (NAP)-XPS, bacteria can be analysed with minimal sample preparation.
EnviroESCA is a laboratory based NAP-XPS instrument, equipped with a monochromated Al Kα radiation source and a differentially pumped energy analyser connected to an exchangeable sample environment. It allows for measurements in various gas-atmospheres, including water vapor, which makes it possible to characterise bacteria and other biological samples close to their natural, hydrated state. Artificial model-biofilms of exopolysaccharides, planktonic Pseudomonas Fluorescens and biofilms of Escherichia Coli have been characterised in hydrated and dried state.
High-resolution XPS-spectra from carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorous can be assigned to carbohydrates, lipids and proteins in general agreement with literature. Especially the carbon 1s peak is of interest. A series of measurements of an E. coli biofilm from 11 mbar in humid environment to 1 mbar air reveal changes in the C1s peak, which suggests that the bacterial surface undergo substantial Change.
The processing of laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS, ripples) on metals and semiconductors in ambient air is usually accompanied by superficial oxidation effects - widely neglected in the current literature. In this contribution, chemical, structural, and mechanical alterations in the formation of femtosecond LIPSS are characterized by a variety of surface analytical techniques, including energy dispersive X-ray analyses (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), micro Raman spectroscopy (µ-RS), and depth-profiling Auger electron microscopy (AEM). Alternative routes of electrochemical and thermal oxidation allow to qualify the relevance of superficial oxidation effects on the tribological performance in oil lubricated reciprocating sliding tribological tests (RSTT). It is revealed that the fs-laser processing of near-wavelength sized LIPSS on metals leads to the formation of a few hundreds of nanometer thick graded oxide layer, consisting mainly of amorphous oxides.
Regardless of its reduced hardness and limited thickness, this nanostructured surface layer can effciently prevent a direct metal-metal contact in the RSTT and may also act as an anchor layer for specific wear-reducing additives contained in the engine oil involved
Due to their excellent combination of ductility, strength and corrosive resistance, austenitic stainless steels (ASS) are widely used in many industrial applications. Thus, these steel grades can be found as structural components in the (petro-)chemical industry, in offshore applications and more recent for storage and transport of hydrogen fuel. Steels employed for these applications are exposed to aggressive environments and hydrogen containing media. The ingress and accumulation of hydrogen into the microstructure is commonly observed during service leading to a phenomenon called “hydrogen embrittlement”. A loss in ductility and strength, the formation of cracks and phase transformations are typical features of this hydrogen-induced degradation of mechanical properties.
Although, great efforts are made to understanding hydrogen embrittlement, there is an ongoing debate of the underlying mechanisms. This knowledge is crucial for the safe use and durability of components on the one side and the development of new materials on the other.
Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a powerful tool for depicting the distribution of the hydrogen isotope deuterium in the microstructure of austenitic and duplex steels. The combination with imaging techniques such as electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), delivering structural and morphological information, creates a comprehensive picture of the hydrogen/deuterium-induced effects in the materials. All the gathered data is treated with principal component analysis (PCA) and data fusion to enhance the depth of information.
The mobility of hydrogen and deuterium in a steel microstructure is affected by external mechanical stress. To investigate the behaviour of deuterium in a strained microstructure, a new in situ experimental approach was developed. This gives the possibility of analysing samples in the SIMS instrument simultaneously to four-point-bending-tests.
Specimens made from ASS AISI 304L were electrochemically charged with deuterium instead of hydrogen. This necessity stems from the difficulty to separate between artificially charged hydrogen and hydrogen existing in the pristine material or adsorbed from the rest gas in the analysis chamber. Nonetheless, similar diffusion, permeation and solubility data allow to draw qualitative conclusions from the experiments, which are relevant for the application addressed.
The test material EDS-TM001 together with an accompanying software package, “EDX spectrometer check”, have been made available in 2009 by BAM to be employed by EDS (energy dispersive spectrometer) users to check the performance of an EDS attached to the SEM. Particularly for test laboratories operating under accreditation schemes like ISO/IEC 17025, a periodical control of the critical instrumental parameters in end-user laboratories is required. With EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 (second generation) test material, this periodical check is simplified to the acquisition of only one 10 kV spectrum. The software “EDX spectrometer check” is destined to evaluate automatically this spectrum and determine the performance of the EDS in terms of energy resolution and calibration as well as possible alteration of low-energy efficiency due to detector contamination. Energy resolution can be compared with the specified values according to the international ISO standard ISO 15632:2012. EDS-TM is a synthetic material consisting of a thick layer of C, Al, Mn, Cu and Zr in a well-defined composition, deposited on a steel (in case of EDS-TM001) or silicon (in case of EDS-TM002) substrate. Meanwhile, more than one hundred laboratories use the EDS-TM001 or EDS-TM002 test material for the periodical check of their EDS. A detailed description of the test material and software together with examples of application was published recently. New results and gained experiences will be presented as well.
When the FWHM of lines appearing in the EDS-TM spectrum are determined, the spectrum background must be subtracted accurately. The applied physical background subtraction procedure is robust and takes into account the transmission of the detector window. While the previous version considers only Moxtek AP windows, the new version includes selection of silicon nitride window and the case of windowless detector. Moreover, the new version allows importing of spectra in Bruker spx format and EMSA/MSA files from EDAX TEAM software.