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Paper des Monats
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Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are a simple and robust route for the nanostructuring of solids that can create various surface functionalities featuring applications in optics, medicine, tribology, energy technologies, etc. While the current laser technologies already allow surface processing rates at the level of m2/min, industrial applications of LIPSS are sometimes hampered by the complex interplay between the nanoscale surface topography and the specific surface chemistry, as well as by limitations in controlling the processing of LIPSS and in the long-term stability of the created surface functions. This Perspective article aims to identify some open questions about LIPSS, discusses the pending technological limitations, and sketches the current state of theoretical modelling. Hereby, we intend to stimulate further research and developments in the field of LIPSS for overcoming these limitations and for supporting the transfer of the LIPSS technology into industry.
Ellipsometry-based approach for the characterization of mesoporous thin films for H2 technologies
(2021)
Porous thin layer materials are gaining importance in different fields of technology and pose a challenge to the accurate determination of materials properties important for their function. In this work, we demonstrate a hybrid measurement technique using ellipsometry together with other independent methods for validation. Ellipsometry provides information about the porosity of different mesoporous films (PtRuNP/OMC = 45%; IrOx = 46%) as well as about the pore size (pore radius of ca. 5 nm for PtRuNP/OMC). In addition, the electronic structure of a material, such as intraband transitions of a mesoporous IrOx film, can be identified, which can be used to better understand the mechanisms of chemical processes. In addition, we show that ellipsometry can be used as a scalable imaging and visualization method for quality assurance in production. These require accurate and traceable measurements, with reference materials playing an important role that include porosity and other related properties. We show that our novel analytical methods are useful for improving analytical work in this entire field.
In this research project, a new OECD Test Guideline (TG) for the determination of “Particle Size and Particle Size Distributions of Nanomaterials” was developed as the existing OECD TG 110 is considered to be outdated in terms of applicable size range (not covering sizes <200 nm) and methods. By its scope with an applicable size range from 1 to 1000 nm the new Test Guideline (TG PSD) covers the whole nanoscale. The TG PSD is applicable for particulate and fibrous nanomaterials. The prescribed, pairwise measurement of fibre diameter and length in the TG PSD allows for the first time to differen-tiate fibres with regard to their size-dependent hazard properties. Measurement instructions for each included method were validated within two separated interlaboratory comparisons, as a distinction between near spherical particles and fibres when applying the methods has to be made.
Besides information on content and structure of the TG PSD, this final report outlines essential steps, considerations and organisational aspects during the development of the TG. Insights into the selec-tion, preparation and prevalidation of test materials used in the interlaboratory comparison are given. Finally, main results of the interlaboratory comparisons and their impacts on the TG PSD are pre-sented.
The unambiguous correlation of possible health and sustainability risks to nanoparticle size must be enabled by reliable measurement of nanoparticle size, to ensure comparability and compatibility between results measured under different methods. The NPSIZE project funded by European Metrology Program (EMPIR) develop methods, reference materials and modelling to improve the traceability chain, comparability and compatibility of nanoparticle size measurements. In this work, we present how spherical silica nanoparticles are synthetized with controlled monomodal or bimodal dispersion to be use as reference materials and international round-robin. Improving the fabrication requires a fine understanding of synthesis (1), coupled with an expertise of in-situ or ex-situ analysis methods. This is a new challenge for the analysis : determining not only average characteristics (size, chemical composition and shape ...) but also the concentration and the distribution over the population studied (2). Small-Angle X-ray Scattering (3) allows very precise measurements of the nanoparticles size and concentration that can be directly link to the metric system (4) (metrological traceability) . We developed a SAXS laboratory instrument dedicated to the in-situ characterization of nanoparticles, which enable fast measurements, and the monitoring of the synthesis parameters. Measurement protocols and software processing chain (5) (i.e. size distribution) are also combined & optimized.
Dr Martin Seah, NPL, was the initiator, founder, and first chairman of the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) at the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance, Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM) at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), the international organization established by the Metre Convention. This tribute letter summarizes his achievements during his chairmanship and his long-running impact on the successful work of the group after his retirement.
Compared to the clear, real-space images you can get from electron microscopy, X-ray scattering patterns are rather featureless. These patterns, however, contain structural information from all of the material structure illuminated by the X-ray beam. With this technique, you can measure nanoparticle dispersions, catalysts, composites, MOF powders, battery materials, light metal alloys and gels to reveal information on the structural features found within these materials. We have even measured many such materials for several research groups from the University of Birmingham, revealing structure features in the sub-nm to the micrometer range.
Measuring an X-ray scattering pattern is relatively easy, but measuring a high-quality, useful pattern requires significant effort and good laboratory organization. Such laboratory organization can help address the reproducibility crisis in science, and easily multiply the scientific output of a laboratory, while greatly elevating the quality of the measurements. We have demonstrated this for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering in the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration) [1]. With the MOUSE, we have combined: a) a comprehensive and highly automated laboratory workflow with b) a heavily modified X-ray scattering instrument. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, within a well-documented, FAIR-compliant data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated synchrotron beamlines). With two full-time researchers, our lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples, for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
Introduction
A good laboratory organization can help address the reproducibility crisis in science, and easily multiply the scientific output of a laboratory, while greatly elevating the quality of the measurements. We have demonstrated this for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering in the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration). In the MOUSE, we have combined: a) a comprehensive laboratory workflow with b) a heavily modified, highly automated X-ray scattering instrument. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, with a well-documented data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated beamlines). With two full-time researchers, the lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
While these numbers do not light a candle to those achieved by our hardworking compatriots at the synchrotron beamlines, the laboratory approach does allow us to continually modify and fine-tune the integral methodology. So for the last three years, we have incorporated e.g. FAIR principles, traceability, automated processing, data curation strategies, as well as a host of good scattering practices into the MOUSE system. We have concomitantly expanded our purview as specialists to include an increased responsibility for the entire scattering aspect of the resultant publications. This ensures full exploitation of the data quality, whilst avoiding common pitfalls.
Talk scope
This talk will present the MOUSE project as implemented to date, and will introduce foreseeable upgrades and changes. These upgrades include better pre-experiment sample scattering predictions to filter projects on the basis of their suitability, exploitation of the measurement database for detecting long-term changes and automated flagging of datasets, extending the measurement range through an Ultra-SAXS module, and enhancing MC fitting with sample scattering simulations for better matching of odd-shaped scatterers.
Photon upconversion upon 1550 nm excitation is of high relevance for applications in the third biological excitation window, for photovoltaics beyond current limitations, and enables appealing options in the field of glass Fiber telecommunications. Trivalent doped erbium ions (Er3+) are the material of choice for 1550 nm excited upconversion, however, they suffer from a low absorption cross-section and a low brightness. Therefore, the ability of Silicon metasurfaces to provide greatly enhanced electrical near-fields is employed to enable efficient photon upconversion even at low external Illumination conditions. Hexagonally shaped β-NaYF4:Er3+ nanoparticles are placed on large-area silicon metasurfaces designed to convert near-infrared (1550 nm) to visible light. More than 2400-fold enhanced photon upconversion luminescence is achieved by using this metasurface instead of a planar substrate.
With the aid of optical simulations based on the finite-element method, this result is attributed to the coupling of the excitation source with metasurface resonances at appropriate incident angles. Analysis of the excitation power density dependence of upconversion luminescence and red-to-green-emission ratios enables the estimation of nanoscale near-field enhancement on the metasurface. The findings permit the significant reduction of required external excitation intensities for photon upconversion of 1550 nm light, opening perspectives in biophotonics, telecommunication, and photovoltaics.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated on almost any material by irradiation with linearly polarized radiation. This chapter reviews the current state in the field of LIPSS, which are formed in a “self-ordered” way and are often accompanying materials processing applications. LIPSS can be produced in a single-stage process and enable surface nanostructuring and, in turn, adaption of optical, mechanical, and chemical surface properties. Typically, they feature a structural size ranging from several micrometers down to less than 100 nm and show a clear correlation with the polarization direction of the light used for their generation. Various types of LIPSS are classified, relevant control parameters are identified, and their material-specific formation mechanisms are analyzed for different types of inorganic solids, i.e., metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics. Finally, technological applications featuring surface functionalization in the fields of optics, fluidics, medicine, and tribology are discussed.
Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials have been identified by the European Commission as one of six Key Enabling Technologies (KETs), the full exploitation of which will create advanced and sustainable economies. Metrology is a key enabler for progress of these KETs. EURAMET, which is the association of metrology institutes in Europe, has addressed the vital importance of Metrology for these KETs through the support for the creation of a European Metrology Network for Advanced Manufacturing. The EMN for Advanced Manufacturing (AdvanceManu) was approved in June 2021 and held the formal kick-of meeting in October 2022. The EMN comprises both National Metrology Institutes (NMIs) from across Europe and other designated Institutes (Dis). The EMN is organized in three sections; Advanced Materials, Smart Manufacturing Systems and Manufactured components and products. The aim of the EMN is to engage with stakeholders in the field of Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials (Large & SMEs, industry organisations, existing networks and academia) with the aim to prepare a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) for Metrology for Advanced Manufacturing. In the shorter term, an orientation paper is aimed to be produce to in the context of the European Partnership for Metrology. In addition to the SRA, the EMN will establish knowledge and technology transfer and promotion plan. This includes leveraging the existing research results from the completed and running EMPIR JRP projects funded through EURAMET.
This presentation will outline the EMN for Advanced Manufacturing, describing the structures and goals, the route to the production of the SRA and the progress made to date identifying the key metrology challenges across the related Key Industrial Sectors (KICs). In particular, the presentation aims to inform the community on how to be involved in the shaping of the strategic research agenda for the future of Metrology for Advanced Manufacturing and Advanced Materials.
The progress of Advanced Manufacturing, which has been identified by the European Commission as a Key Enabling Technology (KET) for future economic and societal progress is strongly reliant on the development of metrology capabilities. EURAMET, the association of metrology institutes in Europe, has established metrology research programs to address the metrology requirements across a spectrum of different thematic areas. In order to leverage the benefits of these developments on the wider industrial landscape, a high-level coordination of the metrology community supporting the Advanced Manufacturing landscape is required. This coordination is aimed to be achieved by the establishment of European Metrology Networks (EMNs), which are intended by EURAMET to provide a sustainable structure for stakeholder engagement and support. The joint networking project 19NET01 AdvManuNet funded by EMPIR for 4 years, started in June 2020 and aims to accelerate the process of establishing an EMN to strengthen Europe’s position in Advanced Manufacturing. The AdvManuNet project aims to support the establishment of an EMN on Advanced Manufacturing via the following specific aims:
1. Creation of a single hub for stakeholder engagement across the landscape of various industrial sectors including relevant societies and standardization bodies.
2. Development of a Strategic Research Agenda (SRA) and roadmaps for Advanced Manufacturing metrology based on the stakeholder engagement activities, considering current gaps in metrological capabilities existing networks and roadmaps.
3. Establish a knowledge-sharing program for Advanced Manufacturing stakeholders, promoting the dissemination and exploitation of the results of the project, including those from previous EU funded research projects.
4. Development of a sustainable web-based platform and service desk for Advanced Manufacturing stakeholders to allow for easy access to European metrology capabilities and support the wider advanced manufacturing community with metrology-based requirements.
5. Develop a plan for a coordinated and sustainable European metrology infrastructure for Advanced Manufacturing via a European Metrology Network.
The project concept followed by the scope and definition of Advanced Manufacturing will be described. The analysis of the current capability of metrology for Advanced Manufacturing and the preliminary concepts for the strategic research agenda will be presented with a focus on dimensional metrology.
Both essential aspects of the surface of solid matter, its morphology and chemistry, are studied traditionally at BAM starting in the 60’s with different cyclical research focus areas, mostly related either to applicative research or method development. In the recent years, the focus has shifted almost exclusively to the nano-analytics of advanced materials such as complex nanoparticles, (ultra)thin films/coatings, nanocomposites, 2D materials, energy materials, etc. This is also the reason why BAM has established recently the new Competence Center nano@BAM (www.bam.de/Navigation/DE/Themen/Material/Nanotechnologie/sichere-nanomaterialien.html) with the five sub-fields nanoCharacterisation, nanoMaterial, nanoSafety, nanoData and nanoTechnology. The link to the BAM central guidelines to the safety in technology and chemistry is given by the development of reference products such as reference measurement procedures, reference (nano)materials, and newly reference data sets. Thus, an internationally well-networked group in surface analysis has been established @BAM, with regular contributions to integral analytical characterization with metrological and standardization background.
Examples of newly developed methodical approaches will be given with an emphasis on correlative nano-analysis of morphology and chemistry of nanomaterials. Correlative imaging by STEM-in-SEM with high-resolution SEM and EDX, and further with AFM or the new technique TKD (Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction) will be explained on various examples of nanostructures, both as starting materials and embedded/functionalized nanoparticles in products. The unique analytical benefits of the Auger electron probe as a veritable nano-tool for surface chemistry will be highlighted. The panoply of advanced surface characterization methods @BAM is completed by discussing examples of hybrid analysis of the bulk of nanomaterials by X-ray Spectroscopy with the highest surface-sensitive methods X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS). Particularly for the analysis of the surface chemistry of nanostructures, such as the completeness of the shells of core-shell nanoparticles or in-depth and lateral gradients of chemistry within mesoporous thin layers, the latter methods are inherent.
Other special developments like approaches for the quantitative determination of the roughness of particle surface by electron microscopy or for the quantitative determination of the porosity of thin mesoporous layers by electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) with SEM will be presented in conjunction with the corresponding advanced materials studied.
Current research projects, promising ideas, including ongoing (pre-)standardization activities in the field of the challenging nano/surface analysis will be touched systematically, with the open goal of identifying future bilateral cooperation possibilities between EMPA and BAM.
In order to assess new nanomaterials and nanoparticles for potential risks to health and the environment, they need to be well-characterised. The measurement of constituent nanoparticle size, shape, and size distribution are important factors for the risk evaluation process.
EMPIR project Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements (17NRM04, nPSize) is working to assess a range of traceable nanoparticle measurement approaches, including Electron Microscopy (SEM, TEM, STEM-in-SEM), Atomic Force Microscopy and Small Angle X-ray Scattering, and deliver improved calibration methods to users. For the techniques under investigation, physical models of their response to a range of nanoparticle types are developed. Validated reference materials are also used for inter-comparisons of measurement systems, with an evaluation of the associated measurement uncertainty. With project contributions to standards development work, manufacturers will be better placed to assess the human and environmental risks posed by nanomaterials across a whole range of products.
An overview is given on the synthesis of TiO2 nanoparticles with well-defined nonspherical shapes (platelet like, bipyramidal, and elongated), with the focus on controlled, reproducible synthesis, as a key requirement for the production of reference materials with homogeneous and stable properties. Particularly with regard to the nanoparticle shapes, there is a high need of certified materials,
solely one material of this type being commercially available since a few months (elongated TiO2). Further, measurement approaches with electron microscopy as the golden method to tackle the nanoparticle shape are developed to determine accurately the size and shape distribution for such nonspherical particles. A prerequisite for accurate and easy (i.e., automated) image analysis is the sample preparation, which ideally must ensure a deposition of the nanoparticles from liquid suspension onto a substrate such that the particles do not overlap, are solvent-free, and have a high deposition density. Challenges in the Synthesis of perfectly monodispersed and solvent-free TiO2 nanoparticles of platelet and acicular shapes are highlighted as well as successful measurement approaches on how to extract from 2D projection electron micrographs the most accurate spatial information, that is, true 3D size, for example, of the bipyramidal nanoparticles with different geometrical orientations on a substrate.
Vorstellung der Ergebnisse bei der Entwicklung einer neuen OECD Prüfrichtlinie zur Bestimmung der Partikelgröße und Anzahlgrößenverteilung von Nanomaterialien.
Ergebnisse:
Ideal sphärische Partikel sind gut und verlässlich mit vielen Methoden charakterisierbar.
Reale (Nicht ideale) Materialien sind gut charakterisierbar, wenn eine gewisse Homogenität und Stabilität vorliegt.
Stark inhomogene und stark agglomerierende Partikel liefern deutlich unterschiedliche Ergebnisse für verschiedene Methoden.
Partikel mit geringen Größenunterschieden lassen sich mit allen Methoden gut charakterisieren.
Partikel mit sehr deutlichen Größenunterschieden führen häufig zu einer Unterbewertung der kleineren Partikel.
Vollautomatische Partikeldetektion bei elektronenmikroskopischen Aufnahmen ist z.Zt. noch stark fehleranfällig und kann daher nicht empfohlen werden.
Es hat sich gezeigt, dass alle Methoden zur Bestimmung der Partikelgrößenverteilung Vor- und Nachteile haben. Es ist dringend zu empfehlen Größenverteilungen immer mit mindestens zwei unterschiedlichen Methoden zu bestimmen: Bildgebend und mit gute Anzahlstatistik.
Verschiedene Durchmesser wurden in der TG-PSD mit einem Indexsystem versehen, welches zukünftig Verwechslungen zwischen unterschiedlichen Durchmessern vermeiden soll.
Wird ein bestimmter Durchmesser benötigt (z.B. hydrodynamisch, aerodynamisch), muss die Methode passend gewählt werden. Eine Umrechnung von einem Durchmesser in einen anderen ist in der Regel fehlerbehaftet.
Es wurde ein einheitliches Reporting-System in der TG-PSD eingeführt.
Vorstellung der Ergebnisse bei der Entwicklung einer neuen OECD Prüfrichtlinie zur Bestimmung der Partikelgröße und Anzahlgrößenverteilung von Nanomaterialien. (Projektteil Fasern.)
Ergebnisse:
Abweichungen zwischen SEM and TEM insbesondere bei langen Fasern
Die Anwendung von TEM auf kurze Fasern < 5 µm beschränkt
Für SEM wurde keine signifikante Abhängigkeit der Bestimmung der Faserdurchmesser von der Pixelgröße der Aufnahmen festgestellt
Für TEM wurde eine Abhängigkeit der Bestimmung der Faserdurchmesser von der Pixelgröße festgestellt
Der Einfluss der Bildauswertenden auf die Varianz der Ergebnisse ist klein im Vergleich zu der gesamten Varianz.
Nanofasern können mit TEM und SEM bestimmt werden!
OECD Prüfrichtlinie zur Bestimmung der Partikelgröße und Anzahlgrößenverteilung von Nanomaterialien
(2021)
Abschlusspräsentation des Projektes "OECD Prüfrichtlinie zur Bestimmung der Partikelgröße und Anzahlgrößenverteilung von Nanomaterialien" - Projektteil Nanopartikel.
Es hat sich gezeigt, dass alle Methoden zur Bestimmung der Partikelgrößenverteilung Vor- und Nachteile haben. Es wird dringend empfohlen Größenverteilungen immer mit mindestens zwei unterschiedlichen Methoden zu bestimmen: Bildgebend und mit gute Anzahlstatistik.
Verschiedene Durchmesser wurden in der TG-PSD mit einem Indexsystem versehen, welches zukünftig Verwechslungen zwischen unterschiedlichen Durchmessern vermeiden soll.
Wird ein bestimmter Durchmesser benötigt (z.B. hydrodynamisch, aerodynamisch), muss die Methode passend gewählt werden. Eine Umrechnung von einem Durchmesser in einen anderen ist in der Regel fehlerbehaftet.
Es wurde ein einheitliches Reporting-System in der TG-PSD eingeführt.
Tour de table - BAM
(2021)
Final Draft of the OECD Test Guideline for Particle Size and Particle Size Distribution of Nanomaterials.
The OECD Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials (WPMN) has actively worked towards understanding possible safety issues for manufactured nanomaterials and has contributed significantly to resolving these by developing Test Guidelines, Guidance Documents, Test Reports and other publications with the aim of a safe use of manufactured nanomaterials. The OECD website (www.oecd.org/science/nanosafety) and the referenced publications contain more background information.
Among others, the OECD Test Guideline “Particle Size Distribution/Fibre Length and Diameter Distributions” (TG 110, adopted in 1981) was identified to require an update to address the specific needs of manufactured nanomaterials as the TG 110 is currently only valid for particles and fibres with sizes above 250 nm. The WPMN prioritised to either update TG 110 to be applicable also to particles at the nanoscale or draft a new nanomaterial specific Test Guideline (TG). Eventually, it was decided to develop a new TG for particle size and particle size distribution measurements of nanomaterials covering the size range from 1 nm to 1000 nm for further justification. This TG overlaps with TG 110 in the size range from 250 nm to 1000 nm. When measuring particulate or fibrous materials, the appropriate TG should be selected depending on the size range of particles tested. In line with TG 110, the new TG for nanomaterials includes separate parts for particles and fibres. For the part of this TG which addresses particles, several methods applicable to nanomaterials were reviewed and included to take into account developments since 1981 when the TG110 was adopted. This TG includes the following methods: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Centrifugal Liquid Sedimentation (CLS)/Analytical Ultracentrifugation (AUC), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Differential Mobility Analysis System (DMAS), (Nano)Particle Tracking Analysis (PTA/NTA), Small Angle X-Ray Scattering (SAXS), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
For measuring the diameter and length of fibres, analysing images captured with electron microscopy is currently the only method available. This TG includes Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
To test the validity of this TG, an ILC was performed. Test materials were chosen to reflect a broad 68 range of nanomaterial classes, e.g. metals, metal oxides, polymers and carbon materials. Where possible, well-characterised test materials were used. Additionally, the test materials were chosen, so that they reflect a broad range of sizes representing the size range 1 nm to 1000 nm and finally,
for fibres only, aspect ratios from length/diameter of 3 to > 50.
Spatial Period of Laser-Induced Surface Nanoripples on PET Determines Escherichia coli Repellence
(2021)
Bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation on surfaces are associated with persistent microbial contamination, biofouling, and the emergence of resistance, thus, calling for new strategies to impede bacterial surface colonization. Using ns-UV laser treatment (wavelength 248 nm and a pulse duration of 20 ns), laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) featuring different submicrometric periods ranging from ~210 to ~610 nm were processed on commercial poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) foils. Bacterial adhesion tests revealed that these nanorippled surfaces exhibit a repellence for E. coli that decisively depends on the spatial periods of the LIPSS with the strongest reduction (~91%) in cell adhesion observed for LIPSS periods of 214 nm. Although chemical and structural analyses indicated a moderate laser-induced surface oxidation, a significant influence on the bacterial adhesion was ruled out. Scanning electron microscopy and additional biofilm studies
using a pili-deficient E. coli TG1 strain revealed the role of extracellular appendages in the bacterial repellence observed here.
Accurate and quantitative photoluminescence measurements are mandatory for the comparison of different emitter classes and the rational design of the next generation of molecular and nanoscale reporters as well as for most applications relying on their luminescence features in the life and material sciences and nanobiophotonics. In the following, procedures for the determination of the spectroscopic key parameter photoluminescence quantum yield, i.e., the number of emitted per absorbed photons, in the UV/vis/NIR/SWIR are presented including pitfalls and achievable uncertainties and material-specific effects related to certain emitter classes are addressed. Special emphasis is dedicated to luminescent nanocrystals.
Enhanced photon upconversion using erbium-doped nanoparticles interacting with silicon metasurfaces
(2021)
Photon upconversion (UC) using trivalent erbium (Er+3) doped crystals is a promising concept to harness near infrared photons of the solar spectrum which cannot be directly absorbed by silicon solar cells. However, their UC efficiency at low-intensity 1 sun illumination is not relevant on device level so far. Exploiting giant near-field enhancement effects on metasurfaces is an appealing approach to enable efficient UC at low irradiance conditions. Here, we report on more than 1000-fold enhanced photon UC of NaYF4:Er+3 nanoparticles interacting with the near-fields supported by a silicon metasurface under 1550 nm excitation.
Lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) like hexagonal 𝛽-NaYF4 UCNPs doped with Yb3+ and Er3+, which efficiently convert 976 nm light to ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared photons, offer new strategies for luminescence-based sensing, barcoding, and Imaging. Their upconversion (UC) luminescence (UCL) features like UCL intensity, quantum yield, relative spectral distribution / UCL luminescence color, and luminescence decay kinetics are, however, strongly influenced by particle size, dopant ion concentration, particle architecture, surface chemistry including presence and thickness of surface passivation and shielding shells, microenvironment/presence of quenchers with high energy vibrations, and excitation power density (P).
We present here a comprehensive study of the influence of excitation power density on the UCL features of different types of UCNPs, focusing on Yb3+ and Er3+ co-doped NaYF4 core-only and core-shell nanostructures with different sizes and doping ion concentration, which underlines the importance of P-dependent optimum dopant concentrations for UCNP performance and the potential of P-tuning of UCL.
Thermally stable carbon nitride nanostructures have potential applications in surface coatings and automotive fields. In this work, hydrogenated nitrogen-rich carbon nitride nanoparticles have been synthesised via low-pressure low-power plasma vapour deposition technique from methane/Nitrogen gas mixture in a dry process. Thermal stability of the initially prepared hydrogenated carbon Nitride structures has been analysed by near-edge X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy (NEXAFS, insitu), Raman spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopy and nuclear reaction Analysis (NRA). Thermal studies reveal the excellent stability of the material and nitrogen-rich characteristics (N/C ratio 0.5e0.2 ± 0.01). The obtained results suggest transformation of sp3-rich as-deposited carbon Nitride into sp2-carbon phase with more graphitic features upon thermal annealing. Such in-situ thermal studies of plasma deposited carbon nitrides confirm the conversion of sp3-rich phase to sp2-rich carbon phase at the critical temperature (about 450 K), without a huge loss in nitrogen content. The analysis revealed that the material is a stable plasma deposit after this critical temperature up to >1100 K. Additionally, super hydrophilic carbon nitride nanostructure transforms into a hydrophobic surface after thermal annealing.
These thermally stable hydrophobic carbon nitride nanoparticles could be used as a promising material for the hydrophobic coatings for various applications, especially for harsh conditions.
In recent years, we have come to appreciate the astounding intricacy of the formation process of minerals from ions in aqueous solutions. The original ‘textbook’ image of these phenomena, stemming from the adaptation of classical nucleation and growth theories, has increased in complexity due to the discovery of a variety of precursor and intermediate species [e.g. 1], including solute clusters (e.g. prenucleation clusters, PNCs), liquid(-like) phases, as well as amorphous and nanocrystalline solids etc. In general, these precursor or intermediate species constitute different, often short-lived, points along the pathway from dissolved ions to the final solids (typically crystals in this context). In this regard synchrotron-based scattering (SAXS/WAXS/HEXD) appears to be the perfect tool to follow in situ and in a time-resolved manner the crystallization pathways because of the temporal and spatial length scales that can be directly accessed with these techniques.
Here, we show how we used scattering to probe the crystallization mechanisms of calcium sulfate. CaSO4 minerals (i.e. gypsum, anhydrite and bassanite) are widespread in natural and industrial environments. During the last several years, a number of studies have revealed indeed that nucleation in the CaSO4-H2O system is non-classical. Our SAXS data demonstrate that gypsum precipitation, involves formation and aggregation of sub-3 nm primary species. These species constitute building blocks of an amorphous precursor phase [2]. Further, we show how in situ high-energy X-ray diffraction experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations can be combined to derive the atomic structure of the primary CaSO4 clusters seen at small-angles [3]. We fitted several plausible structures to the derived pair distribution functions and explored their dynamic properties using unbiased MD simulations based on polarizable force fields. Finally, based on combined SAXS/WAXS, broad-q-range measurements, we show that the process of formation of bassanite, a less hydrated form of CaSO4, is very similar to the formation of gypsum: it also involves the aggregation of small primary species into larger disordered aggregates [4].
Based on these recent insights we formulated a tentative general model for calcium sulfate precipitation from solution. This model involves primary species that are formed through the assembly of multiple Ca2+ and SO42- ions into nanoclusters. These nanoclusters assemble into poorly ordered (i.e. amorphous) hydrated aggregates, which in turn undergo ordering into coherent crystalline units of either gypsum or bassanite (and possibly anhydrite). Determination of the structure and (meta)stability of the primary species is important from both a fundamental, e.g. establishing a general non-classical nucleation model, and applied perspective; e.g. allow for an improved design of additives for greater control of the nucleation pathway.
The presentation is structured in the following three parts:
i) Report of the Working Group 4 X-Ray Spectroscopy including the publication of ISO 15632:2021 Microbeam analysis — Selected instrumental performance parameters for the specification and checking of energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometers for use in electron probe microanalysis,
ii) Liaison activities between ISO/TC202 Microbeam Anaylsis and VAMAS/TWA34 Quantitative Microstructural Analysis, and
iii) Liaison activities from ISO/TC202 Microbeam Analysis for ISO/TC229 Nanotechnologies.
Most relevant projects are highlighted for information and further discussions. New initiatives and better promotion of strategic projects are addressed.
ILC Meeting
(2021)
We summarized our recent findings about the molecular dynamics investigation of bulk and finite ionic liquid crystals. We investigate the molecular dynamics and electrical conductivity for a homologous series of linear shaped guanidinium based cyclic ILCs that vary in alkyl chain length, CLCRs (R = 8, 10, 12, 14, 16) by employing broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), and calorimetry comprised of Fast Scanning Calorimetry (FSC) and temperature modulated FSC (TMFSC). Besides conductivity at high temperatures, the dielectric dispersion reveals two relaxation modes: the fast γ and the slow α1 relaxation. The former is assigned to the localized fluctuations while the latter is due to segmental dynamics of the alkyl chains. The γ mode slows down for long chain length CLCs (12,14,16) compared to their shorter analogues. Calorimetric investigation reveals one process, the α2 process, for CLC12,14 and 16 and two processes, α2 and α3, for CLC8 and 10. The α2 process of all CLCRs has a similar temperature dependence as the dielectric α1 relaxation, which indicates both BDS and FSC probe the segmental dynamics of alkyl side chains, as observed for the bent shaped cyclic ILCs. We interpret the α3 process of CLC8 and 10 as the segmental dynamics of the cation core. For all CLCRs, the absolute values of DC conductivity increase by 4 orders of magnitude at the transition from the plastic crystalline to hexagonal columnar phase. This increase is due to the change in the underlying conduction mechanism from delocalized electron hopping in the crystalline phase to one dimensional ion mobility in the columnar phase. The glassy dynamics shifts to higher temperatures with increasing alkyl chain length. Conversely, the DC conductivity drops by 3 orders of magnitude from CLC8 to CLC16.
A case study on the TEM analysis of the size and shape distribution of TiO2 bipyramidal nanoparticles prepared on TEM grids was included in the recently published ISO standard ISO 21363. It was agreed to organize at a later stage a second inter-lab comparison with the nanoparticles distributed to the participants as a liquid suspension. Protocols for uniform nanoparticle deposition on suited supports developed and optimized within the EMPIR nPSize project are also prepared to be distributed. For this, we have chosen the VAMAS platform (www.vamas.org) which offers an excellent international infrastructure of laboratories with high competence in nanoparticle measurement. The VAMAS technical working area dedicated to nanoparticle measurement is TWA 34 ‘Nanoparticle populations’. For this type of nanoparticles, the size and shape distributions are the primary parameters to be reported. Due to the good deposition protocols developed, an automated image analysis is enabled (in contrast to the manual analysis of irregular TiO2 nanoparticles.
In parallel with the TiO2 nanoparticle exercise, two spherical SiO2 nanoparticle samples with bi-modal size distributions (nominal relative number concentrations of 1:1 and 10:1) are prepared for a second VAMAS inter-lab comparison. Here, the nanoparticle concentration is the primary parameter to be measured. For the imaging methods it is targeted to measure the relative nanoparticle concentrations of the two modes. For the absolute nanoparticle concentration to be measured by imaging methods it is necessary to control the volume of the liquid suspension deposited on the substrate and to obtain such a homogeneous nanoparticle deposition on the substrate which allows to count (or extrapolate) all the deposited particles.
ISO Technical Report 23173 describes methods by which electron spectroscopies, including X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Auger electron spectroscopy (AES) and synchrotron techniques, can be employed to calculate the Coating thicknesses and compositions of nanoparticles. The document has been developed to review and outline the current state-of-the-art for such measurements. Such analyses of core–shell nanoparticles are common within the literature, however the
methods employed are varied; the relative advantages and disadvantages of These methods, and the optimal usage of each may not be clear to the general analyst. ISO Technical Report 23173 aims to clarify the methods that are available, describe them in clear terms, exhibit examples of their use, and highlight potential issues users may face. The information provided should allow analysts of electron spectroscopy data to make clear choices regarding the appropriate analysis of electron spectroscopy data from coated nanoparticle systems and provide a basis for understanding and comparing results from different methods and systems.
Sample preparation for analytical scanning electron microscopy using initial notch sectioning
(2021)
A novel method for broad ion beam based sample sectioning using the concept of initial notches is presented. An adapted sample geometry is utilized in order to create terraces with a well-define d step in erosion depth from the surface. The method consists of milling a notch into the surface, followed by glancing-angle ion beam erosion, which leads to preferential erosion at the notch due to increased local surface elevation. The process of terrace formation can be utilized in sample preparation for analytical scanning electron microscopy in order to get efficient access to the depth-dependent microstructure of a material. It is demonstrated that the method can be applied to both conducting and non-conducting specimens. Furthermore, experimental parameters influencing the preparation success are determined. Finally, as a proof-of-concept, an electron backscatter diffraction study on a surface crystallized diopside glass ceramic is performed, where the method is used to analyze orientation dependent crystal growth phenomena occurring during growth of surface crystals into the bulk.
The study of laser-fabricated periodic nanostructures is one of the leading topics of today’s photonics research. Such structures on the surface of metals, semiconductors, dielectrics, or polymers can generate new material properties with special functionalities. Depending on the specific material parameters and the morphology of the structures, new devices such as microlasers, optical nanoswitches, optical storage devices, sensors or antifraud features can be realized. Furthermore, laser-generated surface textures can be used to improve the tribological properties of surfaces in contact and in relative motion—to reduce friction losses or wear, to modify the wettability or the cell and biofilm growth properties of surfaces through bioinspired laser engineering, for emerging medical applications, or as decoration elements for the refinement of precious goods.
This Special Issue “Laser-Generated Periodic Nanostructures” focuses on the latest experimental and theoretical developments and practical applications of laser-generated periodic structures that can be generated in a “self-organized” way (laser-induced periodic surface structures, LIPSS, ripples) or via laser interference-based direct ablation (often referred to as direct laser interference patterning, DLIP). We aimed to attract both academic and industrial researchers in order to collate the current knowledge of nanomaterials and to present new ideas for future applications and new technologies. By 8 August 2021, 22 scientific articles have been published in the Special Issue, see www.mdpi.com/journal/nanomaterials/special_issues/laser-generated_periodic.
The study of laser-fabricated periodic nanostructures is one of the leading topics of today’s photonics research. Such structures on the surface of metals, semiconductors, dielectrics, or polymers can generate new material properties with special functionalities. Depending on the specific material parameters and the morphology of the structures, new devices such as microlasers, optical nanoswitches, optical storage devices, sensors or antifraud features can be realized. Furthermore, laser-generated surface textures can be used to improve the tribological properties of surfaces in contact and in relative motion—to reduce friction losses or wear, to modify the wettability or the cell and biofilm growth properties of surfaces through bioinspired laser engineering, for emerging medical applications, or as decoration elements for the refinement of precious goods.
This Special Issue “Laser-Generated Periodic Nanostructures” focuses on the latest experimental and theoretical developments and practical applications of laser-generated periodic structures that can be generated in a “self-organized” way (laser-induced periodic surface structures, LIPSS, ripples) or via laser interference-based direct ablation (often referred to as direct laser interference patterning, DLIP). We aimed to attract both academic and industrial researchers in order to collate the current knowledge of nanomaterials and to present new ideas for future applications and new technologies. By 8 August 2021, 22 scientific articles have been published in the Special Issue.
A case study on the TEM analysis of the size and shape distribution of TiO2 bipyramidal nanoparticles prepared on TEM grids was included in the recently published ISO standard ISO 21363. It was agreed to organize at a later stage a second inter-lab comparison with the nanoparticles distributed to the participants as a liquid suspension. Protocols for uniform nanoparticle deposition on suited supports developed and optimized within the EMPIR nPSize project are also prepared to be distributed. For this, we have chosen the VAMAS platform (www.vamas.org) which offers an excellent international infrastructure of laboratories with high competence in nanoparticle measurement. The VAMAS technical working area dedicated to nanoparticle measurement is TWA 34 ‘Nanoparticle populations’. For this type of nanoparticles, the size and shape distributions are the primary parameters to be reported. Due to the good deposition protocols developed, an automated image analysis is enabled (in contrast to the manual analysis of irregular TiO2 nanoparticles.
In parallel with the TiO2 nanoparticle exercise, two spherical SiO2 nanoparticle samples with bi-modal size distributions (nominal relative number concentrations of 1:1 and 10:1) are prepared for a second VAMAS inter-lab comparison. Here, the nanoparticle concentration is the primary parameter to be measured. For the imaging methods it is targeted to measure the relative nanoparticle concentrations of the two modes. For the absolute nanoparticle concentration to be measured by imaging methods it is necessary to control the volume of the liquid suspension deposited on the substrate and to obtain such a homogeneous nanoparticle deposition on the substrate which allows to count (or extrapolate) all the deposited particles.
Advanced manufacturing has been identified as one of the key enabling technologies with applications in multiple industries. The growing importance of advanced manufacturing is reflected by an increased number of publications on this topic in recent years. Advanced manufacturing requires new and enhanced metrology methods to assure the quality of manufacturing processes and the resulting products. However, a high-level coordination of the metrology community is currently absent in this field and consequently this limits the impact of metrology developments on advanced manufacturing. In this article we introduce the new European Metrology Network (EMN) for Advanced Manufacturing within EURAMET, the European Association of National Metrology Institutes (NMIs). The EMN is intended to be operated sustainably by NMIs and Designated Institutes in close cooperation with Stakeholders interested in advanced manufacturing. The objectives of the EMN are to set up a permanent stakeholder dialogue, to develop a Strategic Research Agenda for the metrology input required for advanced manufacturing technologies, to create and maintain a knowledge sharing programme and to implement a web-based service desk for stakeholders. The EMN development is supported by a Joint Network Project within the European Metrology Programme for Innovation and Research.
We present a workflow for obtaining fully trained artificial neural networks that can perform automatic particle segmentations of agglomerated, non-spherical nanoparticles from scanning electron microscopy images “from scratch”, without the need for large training data sets of manually annotated images. The whole process only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on time by a user and can typically be finished within less than 12 hours when training on a single graphics card (GPU). After training, SEM image analysis can be carried out by the artificial neural network within seconds. This is achieved by using unsupervised learning for most of the training dataset generation, making heavy use of generative adversarial networks and especially unpaired image-to-image translation via cycle-consistent adversarial networks. We compare the segmentation masks obtained with our suggested workflow qualitatively and quantitatively to state-of-the-art methods using various metrics. Finally, we used the segmentation masks for automatically extracting particle size distributions from the SEM images of TiO2 particles, which were in excellent agreement with particle size distributions obtained manually but could be obtained in a fraction of the time.
This dataset accompanies the following publication, first published in Scientific Reports (www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-84287-6):
B. Ruehle, J. Krumrey, V.-D. Hodoroaba, Scientific Reports, Workflow towards Automated Segmentation of Agglomerated, Non-Spherical Particles from Electron Microscopy Images using Artificial Neural Networks, DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84287-6
It contains electron microscopy micrographs of TiO2 particles, the corresponding segmentation masks, and their classifications into different categories depending on their visibility/occlusion. Please refer to the publication and its supporting information for more details on the acquisition and contents of the dataset, as well as the GitHub repository at https://github.com/BAMresearch/automatic-sem-image-segmentation
In this work, Mie resonances in single Si nanoparticles (NPs) of different sizes have been systematically studied, using dark field (DF) and cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy. An analytical method has been developed to compare experiment with theory.
Experimental CL spectra are averaged over entire Si NPs, allowing for direct comparison to DF spectra of identical NPs. Theoretical spectra clarify the assignment of Mie resonances within the NP which contribute with different intensity in DF and CL, resulting in an apparent spectral shift. Furthermore, a substrate effect appears. A 100 nm-Si NP on 15 nm SiN results in a broad peak, spectrally in between that of the calculated electric and magnetic dipole, a NP on 50 nm SiN exhibits two separated peaks as theoretically predicted. High spatial resolution of electron beam excitation allows to study the spectral CL changes at varying beam impact parameters. Theory and experiment agree that depending on beam position within a small Si NP, relative intensity of electric and magnetic dipole change; electric dipole vanishing in the center of the NP. Similar results are found for larger (d = 210 nm) Si NPs although the mode assignment is challenging as higher order modes appear and overlap with others.
In conclusion, comparison of CL and DF spectra is not trivial, in fact, excitation/radiation of distinct Mie resonances within a single Si NP are dependent on beam placement. However, substrate effects need to be considered in CL.
Micro- and nanostructuring with laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) has been demonstrated to be feasible in a wide variety of materials including metals, semiconductors and dielectrics. Suitable processing regimes for flat, curved and complex surfaces have been identified for many materials, allowing the generation of diverse applications in fields such as optics, tribology and medicine, to name a few. A common side effect when producing such structures in air environment is the formation of a thin surface oxide layer in the laser irradiated areas. Previous studies have shown that oxidation plays an important role in the tribological performance for which the structures where created, and very recently it has been shown that the laser-induced oxide graded layers may contribute to the formation of a new type of embedded low-spatial frequency LIPSS (LSFL) with annomalous orientation parallel to the laser polarization, in addition to the appearance of the well-known high-spatial frequency LIPSS (HSFL) at the surface. In this contribution, we explore this effect experimentally for chromium nitride (CrN) irradiated with femtosecond laser pulses and compare the findings to finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations of the intensity distributions at different depth positions.
The coming years are expected to bring rapid changes in the nanotechnology regulatory landscape, with the establishment of a new framework for nano-risk governance, in silico approaches for characterisation and Risk assessment of nanomaterials, and novel procedures for the early identification and management of nanomaterial risks. In this context, Safe(r)-by-Design (SbD) emerges as a powerful preventive approach to support the development of safe and sustainable (SSbD) nanotechnology-based products and processes throughout the life cycle. This paper summarises the work undertaken to develop a blueprint for the deployment and operation of a permanent European Centre of collaborating laboratories and research organisations supporting safe Innovation in nanotechnologies. The proposed entity, referred to as “the Centre”, will establish a ‘one-stop shop’ for nanosafety-related services and a central contact point for addressing stakeholder questions about nanosafety. Its operation will rely on significant business, legal and market knowledge, as well as other tools developed and acquired through the EU-funded EC4SafeNano project and subsequent ongoing activities. The proposed blueprint adopts a demand-driven service update scheme to allow the necessary vigilance and flexibility to identify opportunities and adjust its activities and services in the rapidly evolving regulatory and nano risk governance landscape.
The proposed Centre will play a major role as a conduit to transfer scientific knowledge between the Research and commercial laboratories or consultants able to provide high quality nanosafety services, and the end-users of such services (e.g., industry, SMEs, consultancy firms, and regulatory authorities). The Centre will harmonise service provision, and bring novel risk assessment and management approaches, e.g. in silico methodologies, closer to practice, notably through SbD/SSbD, and decisively support safe and sustainable innovation of industrial production in the nanotechnology industry according to the European Chemicals Strategy for Sustainability.
Additive manufacturing is well established for plastics and metals, and it gets more and more implemented in a variety of industrial processes. Beside these well-established material platforms, additive manufacturing processes are highly interesting for ceramics, especially regarding resource conservation and for the production of complex three-dimensional shapes and structures with specific feature sizes in the µm and mm range with high accuracy. The usage of ceramics in 3D printing is, however, just at the beginning of a technical implementation in a continuously and fast rising field of research and development. The flexible fabrication of highly complex and precise 3D structures by means of light-induced photopolymerization that are difficult to realize using traditional ceramic fabrication methods such as casting and machining is of high importance. Generally, slurry-based ceramic 3D printing technologies involve liquid or semi-liquid polymeric systems dispersed with ceramic particles as feedstock (inks or pastes), depending on the solid loading and viscosity of the system. This paper includes all types of photo-curable polymer-ceramic-mixtures (feedstock), while demonstrating our own work on 3D printed alumina toughened zirconia based ceramic slurries with light induced polymerization on the basis of two-photon absorption (TPA) for the first time. As a proven exemplary on cuboids with varying edge length and double pyramids in the µm-range we state that real 3D micro-stereolithographic fabrication of ceramic products will be generally possible in the near future by means of TPA. This technology enables the fabrication of 3D structures with high accuracy in comparison to ceramic technologies that apply single-photon excitation. In sum, our work is intended to contribute to the fundamental development of this technology for the representation of oxide-ceramic components (proof-of-principle) and helps to exploit the high potential of additive processes in the field of bio-ceramics in the medium to long-term future.
Epoxy nanocomposites are promising materials for industrial applications (i.e., aerospace, marine and automotive industry) due to their extraordinary mechanical and thermal properties. Here, the effect of hollow halloysite nanotubes (HNT) on an epoxy matrix (Ep) was the focus of the study. The structure and molecular mobility of the nanocomposites were investigated using a combination of X-ray scattering, calorimetry (differential (DSC) and fast scanning calorimetry (FSC)) and dielectric spectroscopy. Additionally, the effect of surface modification of HNT (polydopamine (PDA) and Fe(OH)3 nanodots) was considered. For Ep/HNT, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is was de-creased due to a nanoparticle-related decrease of the crosslinking density. For the modified system, Ep/m-HNT, the surface modification resulted in enhanced filler–matrix interactions leading to higher Tg values than the pure epoxy in some cases. For Ep/m-HNT, the amount of interface formed between the nanoparticles and the matrix ranged from 5% to 15%. Through BDS measurements, localized fluctuations were detected as a β- and γ-relaxation, related to rotational fluctuations of phenyl rings and local reorientations of unreacted components. A combination of calorimetry and BDS dielectric spectroscopy revealed a dynamic and structural heterogeneity of the matrix, as confirmed by two glassy dynamics in both systems, related to regions with different crosslinking densities.
Nanomaterials bring various benefits and have become a part of our daily lives. However, the risks emerging from nanotechnology need to be minimized and controlled at the regulatory level and therefore, there is a need for nanorisk governance. One of the prerequisites for successful nanorisk governance is the availability of high-quality data on nanomaterials and their impact with the human body and the environment. In recent decades, a countless number of publications and studies on nanomaterials and their properties have been produced due to the fast development of nanotechnology. Despite such a vast amount of data and information, there are certain knowledge gaps hindering an efficient nanorisk governance process. Knowing the state of the available data and information is an important requirement for any decision maker in dealing with risks. In the specific case of nanotechnology, where most of the risks are complex, ambiguous, and uncertain in nature, it is essential to obtain complete data and metadata, to fill knowledge gaps, and to transform the available knowledge into functional knowledge. This can become possible using a novel approach developed within the NANORIGO project (Grant agreement No. 814530) – the Knowledge Readiness Level (KaRL). In analogy to NASA’s Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), we define KaRLs as a categorization system of data, information, and knowledge which enables transformation of data and information into functional knowledge for nanorisk governance. Our approach goes beyond the technical curation of data and metadata and involves quality and completeness filters, regulatory compliance requirements, nanorisk-related tools, and most importantly, human input (inclusion of all stakeholder groups). With the KaRL approach we also address key issues in nanotechnology such as societal and ethical concerns, circular economies and sustainability, the Green Deal, and the traceability of data, knowledge, and decisions. The KaRL approach could be used for nanorisk governance by a nanorisk governance council (NRGC), which is currently under development by three EU projects (NANORIGO, GOV4NANO, and RISKGONE).
Inter-pulse accumulation of heat could affect the chemical and morphological properties of the laser processed material surface. Hence, the laser pulse repetition rate may restrict the processing parameters for specific laser-induced surface structures. In this study, the evolution of various types of laser-induced micro- and nanostructures at various laser fluence levels, effective number of pulses and at different pulse repetition rates (1 – 400 kHz) are studied for common metals/alloys (e.g. steel or titanium alloy) irradiated by near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses (925 fs, 1030 nm) in air environment. The processed surfaces were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy (OM, SEM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) as well as time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF-SIMS). The results show that not only the surface morphology could change at different laser pulse repetition rates and comparable laser fluence levels and effective number of pulses, but also the surface chemistry is altered. Consequences for medical applications are outlined.
Nanomaterials bring various benefits and have become a part of our daily lives. However, the risks emerging from nanotechnology need to be minimized and controlled at the regulatory level and therefore, there is a need for nanorisk governance. One of the prerequisites for successful nanorisk governance is the availability of high-quality data on nanomaterials and their impact with the human body and the environment. In recent decades, a countless number of publications and studies on nanomaterials and their properties have been produced due to the fast development of nanotechnology. Despite such a vast amount of data and information, there are certain knowledge gaps hindering an efficient nanorisk governance process. Knowing the state of the available data and information is an important requirement for any decision maker in dealing with risks. In the specific case of nanotechnology, where most of the risks are complex, ambiguous, and uncertain in nature, it is essential to obtain complete data and metadata, to fill knowledge gaps, and to transform the available knowledge into functional knowledge. This can become possible using a novel approach developed within the NANORIGO project (Grant agreement No. 814530) – the Knowledge Readiness Level (KaRL). In analogy to NASA’s Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs), we define KaRLs as a categorization system of data, information, and knowledge which enables transformation of data and information into functional knowledge for nanorisk governance. Our approach goes beyond the technical curation of data and metadata and involves quality and completeness filters, regulatory compliance requirements, nanorisk-related tools, and most importantly, human input (inclusion of all stakeholder groups). With the KaRL approach we also address key issues in nanotechnology such as societal and ethical concerns, circular economies and sustainability, the Green Deal, and the traceability of data, knowledge, and decisions. The KaRL approach could be used for nanorisk governance by a nanorisk governance council (NRGC), which is currently under development by three EU projects (NANORIGO, GOV4NANO, and RISKGONE).
We show for the first time tribotests performed with self-mated 100Cr6 steel, taking advantage of an AFM, employed as a tribometer for the tribotests as well as for the inspection of wear of both tribopartners. Emphasis is put on the morphology of the scars, on wear particles, and on wear of the “colloidal” particles glued on the AFM cantilever. Measurements demonstrate the possibility of characterizing single asperity events leading to very small wear. We highlight several phenomena, which are elementary key constituents of tribological processes. Such phenomena, probably occurring also at the macroscale, can be detected, identified, and characterized with high spatial and time resolution only at the nanoscale, thus giving insight into conditions and causes of their emergence.
Silicon is the material responsible for most of the technological developments during the past century, making it one of the most studied materials along different disciplines. However, there are still unturned stones regarding its superficial re-solidification after femtosecond laser-induced local melting. In this presentation, we report irradiation experiments with single femtosecond pulses (790 nm, 30 fs) with a spatially Gaussian distribution on two different types of silicon with orientations <111> and <100>. The surface modifications were studied in detail via different techniques, including optical microscopy, atomic force microscopy, spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. We quantitatively estimate the resulting radial amorphous layer depth profiles with maximum thicknesses around some tenths of nanometers for fluences in between the melting and ablation thresholds. In particular, spectroscopic imaging ellipsometry (SIE) allowed fast data acquisition using multiple wavelengths to provide experimental measurements for calculating the nanometric radial amorphous layer thickness profiles with micrometric lateral resolution based on a thin-film layer model. SIE proved to be capable of detecting and measuring nanometric structural and chemical modifications (oxidation) on the studied laser spots. The accuracy of the SIE-based calculations is verified experimentally by characterizing an in-depth material lamella via high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDX). For completeness, we present a mathematical modelling for the melt layer thickness considering different optical absorption processes including one photon absorption, two photon absorption and free-carrier absorption, highlighting the relevance of the latter one in the femtosecond laser-induced melting of silicon.
The progress in activities on Microbeam Analysis under VAMAS/TWA 37 is reviewed. Particularly the liaison with the new projects within the ISO technical committee TC 202 is presented and discussed with respect to the possibility of identifying and launching related VAMAS projects. Need of more promotion for the engagement of more participants from industry and academia at national, European and international level is highlighted. Also, the competition with the other technical working areas (on 'nano' or materials-related) is critically discussed. Further, a short overview of the VAMAS areas of activities is given where Germany is involved.
Using nanofiber-like cell appendages, secreted proteins and sugars, bacteria can establish initial surface contact followed by irreversible adhesion and the formation of multicellular biofilms, often with enhanced resistance towards antimicrobial treatment and established cleaning procedures. On e.g. medical implants, in water supply networks or food-processing industry, biofilms can be a fertile source of bacterial pathogens and are repeatedly associated with persisting, nosocomial and foodborne infections. Nowadays, the emergence of resistances because of extensive usage of antibiotics and biocides in medicine, agriculture and private households have become one of the most important medical challenges with considerable economic consequences. In addition, aggravated biofilm eradication and prolonged cell-surface interaction can lead to increased biodeterioration and undesired modification of industrial and medical surface materials. Various strategies are currently developed, tested, and improved to realize anti-bacterial surface properties through surface functionalization steps avoiding antibiotics.
In this study, contact-less and aseptic large-area short or ultrashort laser processing is employed to generate different surface structures in the nanometer- to micrometer-scale on technical materials such as titanium-alloy and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The laser processed surfaces were subjected to bacterial colonization studies with Escherichia coli test strains and analyzed with reflected-light and epi-fluorescence microscopy. Depending on the investigated surfaces, different bacterial adhesion patterns were found, ranging from bacterial-repellent to bacterial-attractant effects. The results suggest an influence of size, shape and cell appendages of the bacteria and – above all – the laser-processed nanostructure of the surface itself, emphasizing the potential of laser-processing as a versatile tool to control bacterial surface adhesion.
Cathodoluminescence (CL) spectroscopy has become a powerful tool to study nanostructures due to its high spectral and spatial resolution down to sub-nanometer. More recently, CL technique has also been used for second order auto-correlation measurements (g(2)(t)) to identify different single photon emitters and photon bunching in different materials [1-2].
In this work, tungsten disulfide (WS2) monolayers encapsulated in hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) with and without monocrystalline Au nanodisks (NDs) have been studied, using CL and PL spectroscopy as well as g(2)-CL- and PL-measurements.
CL and PL maps of different WS2 monolayers before/after Au ND deposition show a narrow peak at ~625 nm without any background emission. In CL, the hBN not only protects WS2 from the electron beam but also acts as a charge carrier sink which substantially increases the CL signal [3]. A further CL enhancement is achieved by Au ND deposition, exhibiting the maximum at the center of the NDs without any size dependence. The PL intensity is unaffected. This indicates that Purcell enhancement cannot be the underlying mechanism.
Furthermore, a giant CL-photon bunching of the hBN-encapsulated WS2 monolayers is found which is independent of the applied voltage but highly dependent on the electron beam current. At the lowest current of ~2 pA, a CL bunching factor of up to 160 is observed. Varying thicknesses of the surrounding hBN increases the overall CL signal but does not affect the bunching factor, though it exhibits small local changes within the same flake. In contrast, there is no PL correlation (g(2)(0) = 1).
Interestingly, this photon bunching can be further increased by Au NDs, resulting in the highest ever observed bunching factor of close to 2200. Once again, this enhancement is independent of the Au ND’s diameter although some disks show higher bunching factors than others. Most likely, the Au acts as shield for the incoming primary electrons, resulting in an even further decreased current, and thereby, increased bunching.
In conclusion, large CL-photon bunching is found in hBN-encapsulated WS2 monolayers which can be substantially enhanced by Au NDs.
References
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[2] S. Meuret, L.H.G. Tizei, T. Cazimajou, R. Bourrellier, H.C. Chang, F. Treussartm M. Kociak, Phys. Rev. Letter, 114, 197401 (2015)
[3] S. Zheng, J.-K. So, F. Liu, Z. Liu, N. Zheludev, H.J. Fan, Nano Lett., 17, 6475-6480 (2017)
Spatial Inhomogeneity, Interfaces and Complex Vitrification Behavior of Epoxy-based Materials
(2021)
This work deals with an in-depth comparative investigation of the structure, molecular mobility and vitrification kinetics of three bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA)-based materials with different nanofillers: taurine-modified layered double hydroxide (T-LDH) and halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The chosen methodology comprises I) small – and wide – angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) II) calorimetry in the forms of a) conventional DSC and b) static fast scanning calorimetry (FSC), III) broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), as well as IV) specific heat spectroscopy in the forms of a) temperature modulated DSC, and b) temperature modulated FSC.
Laser-induced oxide graded layers may contribute to the formation of a new type of embedded low-spatial frequency LIPSS with an anomalous orientation parallel to the laser polarization. In this contribution, we explore this effect experimentally with femtosecond laser pulses and numerically by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations.
As part of the development of a library of accurate and efficient methods for measurement of nanoparticle properties, we develop and optimize a method for the efficient analysis of nanoparticle size distribution from suspensions via microprinting and digital analysis of electron microscopy (SEM and TEM) images, with the ultimate aim of automated quantitative concentration analysis (calculated from drop volume). A series of different nanoparticle suspensions (gold, latex, and SiO2 in varying sizes and concentrations) were printed onto TEM grids in a 4 x 4 array in the concentration range 7x10^8 to 1x10^11 nanoparticles/mL and imaged with SEM. Concentrations and printing conditions (temperature, relative humidity) were varied in order to minimize the coffee-ring effect.
Different types of laser-generated surface structures, i.e., Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS, ripples), Grooves, and Spikes are generated on titanium and Ti6Al4V surfaces by means of femtosecond (fs) laser scan processing (790 nm, 30 fs, 1 kHz) in ambient air. Morphological, chemical and structural properties of the different surface structures are characterized by various surface analytical techniques, including scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Glow discharge optical emission spectroscopy (GD-OES), and depth-profiling Auger electron spectroscopy (AES). It is revealed that the formation of near-wavelength sized LIPSS is accompanied by the formation of a graded oxide extending several tens to a few hundreds of nanometers into depth. GD-OES performed on other superficial fs-laser generated structures produced at higher fluences and effective number of pulses per spot area such as periodic Grooves and irregular Spikes indicate even thicker graded oxide layers. These graded layers may be suitable for applications in prosthetics or tribology.
The role of electromagnetic scattering in the formation of laser-induced periodic surface structures
(2021)
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are a universal phenomenon that is accompanying laser materials processing. These surface nanostructures pave a simple way for surface functionalization with numerous applications in optics, fluidics, tribology, medicine, etc. During the last decade remarkable experimental and theoretical improvements in understanding of their formation mechanisms were obtained - all pointing toward polarization-dependent energy deposition by absorption of optical radiation that is scattered at the surface roughness and interfering with the laser beam. This contribution reviews the current state-of-the-art on the role of electromagnetic scattering in the formation of LIPSS by ultrashort laser pulses. Special attention is drawn to recent finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) calculations that allow to visualize the radiation patterns formed in the vicinity of the sample surface and to the impact of a thin superficial laser-induced oxidation layer.
Niobium metal is the pure element with the highest superconducting critical temperature (T_c = 9.2 K), which is present in many applications. Particularly, in superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities of particle accelerators, the control of the surface characteristics of pure Nb is crucial, as the presence of defects may generate magnetic flux pinning that can increase by more than two orders of magnitude the surface critical current, ic. Several procedures such as chemical- or electro-polishing have been used aiming at cleaning surface contamination and decreasing its roughness. Sub-nanosecond lasers can be applied to generate a broad range of micro and nanostructures (e.g. Laser-Induced Periodic Surface Structures, LIPSS) that strongly modify the materials properties - as wettability, color, oxidation resistance or antibacterial behavior. In this work, we analyze a variety of surface structures generated on pure Nb sheets with different laser systems (UV, Vis and n-IR, fs and ps) by exploring a range of processing parameters. These include pulse overlap, irradiance or the effective number of pulses, under different atmospheres (air, N2, Ar, vacuum). The effects on Tc, critical currents and critical fields (Bc1, Bc2 and Bc3) have been obtained from magnetization, ac susceptibility and heat capacity measurements, revealing their dependence with the different surface nanostructures and the chemical changes generated with these laser treatments.
This study details a theoretical analysis of leaky and waveguide modes in biperiodic all-dielectric holograms. By tuning diffraction orders and subsequently confining local density of optical states at two distinct resonance wavelengths, we present a new class of highly sensitive refractive index biosensing platforms that are capable of resolving 35.5 to 41.3 nm/RIU of spectral shift for two separate biological analytes.
By far most of the current nanoparticle (NP) research is dealing with (quasi-) spherical and/or monodisperse particles. However, many NPs used in industrial applications are rather aspherical and polydisperse. This inhomogeneity considerably hampers their characterization and, particularly, the accurate determination of the nanoparticle size. In order to overcome this problem and to promote the availability of standardized size measurement methods, it is crucial to develop and establish (candidate) reference materials with inhomogeneous size (distribution), aspherical shape as well as agglomerated or aggregated particles.
Therefore, a new set of NPs including Au-, SiO2 , and TiO2-particles is investigated. The range of properties comprises polydisperse spherical, bimodal spherical, rod-like, acicular, bipyramidal, sheet-like as well as cubic NPs. With respect to a good traceability of the measurements, size and size distributions of the candidate reference materials are determined using microscopic methods like scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (STEM-in-SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM) as well as small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) as an ensemble technique. The development of protocols for sample preparation is of particular importance to obtain a homogeneous dispersion of the NPs on a substrate. Further, approaches for signal modelling for all the methods above are being developed. The initiation of two VAMAS (www.vamas.org/twa34/index.html) inter-laboratory comparisons on bipyramidal titania and bimodal silica with different modal concentration ratios will be also highlighted.
Bacterial biofilms are multicellular communities adhering to surfaces and embedded in a self-produced extracellular matrix. Due to physiological adaptations and the protective biofilm matrix itself, biofilm cells show enhanced resistance towards antimicrobial treatment. In medical and industrial settings, biofilms on e.g. for implants or for surfaces in food-processing industry can be a fertile source of bacterial pathogens and are repeatedly associated with persisting, nosocomial and foodborne infections. As extensive usage of antibiotics and biocides can lead to the emergence of resistances, various strategies are currently developed, tested and improved to realize anti-bacterial surface properties through surface functionalization steps avoiding antibiotics. In this study, contact-less and aseptic large-area ultrashort laser scan processing is employed to generate different surface structures in the nanometer- to micrometer-scale on technical materials, i.e. titanium-alloy, steel, and polymer. The processed surfaces were characterized by optical and scanning electron microscopy and subjected to bacterial colonization studies with Escherichia coli test strains. For each material, biofilm results of the fs-laser treated surfaces are compared to that obtained on polished (non-irradiated) surfaces as a reference. Depending on the investigated surfaces, different bacterial adhesion patterns were found, suggesting an influence of geometrical size, shape and cell appendages of the bacteria and – above all – the laser-processed nanostructure of the surface itself.
Laser-induced Periodic Surface Structures (LIPSS, ripples) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated in a contactless, single-step process on almost any material upon irradiation of solids with intense laser radiation. Nowadays processing rates of up to m^2/min are enabling new industrial applications in medicine, optics, tribology, biology, etc. Depending on the specific type of LIPSS, their structural sizes typically range from several micrometers down to less than 100 nanometers – far beyond the optical diffraction limit – while their orientations exhibit a clear correlation with the local polarization direction of the laser radiation. From a theoretical point of view, however, a vivid, controversial, and long-lasting debate has emerged during the last two decades, whether LIPSS originate from electromagnetic effects (seeded already during the laser irradiation) – or whether they emerge from matter reorganization processes (distinctly after the laser irradiation). This presentation reviews the currently existent theories of LIPSS. A focus is laid on the historic development of the fundamental ideas, their corresponding mathematical descriptions and numerical implementations, along with a comparison and critical assessment of the different approaches.
In recent years, the fabrication of laser-generated surface structures on metals such as titanium surfaces have gained remarkable interests, being technologically relevant for applications in optics, medicine, fluid transport, tribology, and wetting of surfaces.
The morphology of these structures, and so their chemistry, is influenced by the different laser processing parameters such as the laser fluence, wavelength, pulse repetition rate, laser light polarization type and direction, angle of incidence, and the effective number of laser pulses per beam spot area.
However, the characterization of the different surface structures can be difficult because of constraints regarding the analytical information from both depth and the topographic artifacts which may limit the lateral and depth resolution of elemental distributions as well as their proper quantification. A promising technique to investigate these structures even at the nano-scale is Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS), a very surface sensitive technique that at the same time allows to perform depth-profiling, imaging and 3D-reconstruction of selected ion-sputter fragment distributions on the surface.
In this study we combine chemical analyses such as Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analyses with ToF-SIMS to fully characterize the evolution of various types of laser-generated micro- and nanostructures formed on Ti and Ti alloys at different laser fluence levels, effective number of pulses and at different pulse repetition rates (1 – 400 kHz), following irradiation by near-infrared ultrashort laser pulses (925 fs, 1030 nm) in air environment or under argon gas flow.
We show how this combined surface analytical approach allows to evaluate alteration in the surface chemistry of the laser-generated surface structures depending on the laser processing parameters and the ambient environment.
It sounds like being a simple analytical task, it is definitely not. The way toward accurate measurement of the size distribution of nanoparticles (NPs) with complex shape, having a broad size polydispersity, with inhomogeneous chemistry, and with a high degree of agglomeration/aggregation is very challenging for all available analytical methods. Particularly for the NPs with complex shape, the access to the smallest dimension (as e.g. required for regulatory purposes) can be enabled only by using imaging techniques with spatial resolution at the nanoscale. Moreover, the full 3D-chacterisation of the NP shape can be provided either by advanced characterization techniques like 3D-TEM tomography or by correlative analysis, i. e. synergetic/complementary measurement of the same field-of-view of the sample with different probes. Examples of the latter type of analysis are: i) electron microscopy for the lateral dimensions and AFM for the height of the NPs, ii) SEM with STEM-in-SEM (also called T-SEM), iii) Electron Microscopy with TKD (Transmission Kikuchi Diffraction) for determination of the geometrical orientation of crystalline NPs, iv) Raman and SEM for e.g. thickness of graphen flakes, or v) Electron Microscopy for descriptive NP shape and SAXS for the NP concentration, the latter as a NP property able to be measured with higher and higher accuracy. For all these types of measurement, reference NPs are necessary for the validation of the measured size. Particularly non-spherical reference NPs are still missing. Examples of such new reference NPs as characterized by the correlative analyses enumerated above will be presented in detail in the contribution.
Liquid crystalline mesophases in nanoconfinement exhibit intriguing orientational order and phase transition behaviors. Here, the plastic crystal to hexagonal columnar, and hexagonal columnar to isotropic transition temperatures are studied for the guanidinium-based ionic discotic liquid crystal confined in self- ordered nanoporous alumina membranes. The phase transition temperature of the plastic crystal to hexagonal columnar phase is reduced with inverse pore diameter. The hexagonal columnar to isotropic transition is suppressed completely in all pores and a possible explanation is given. The results are of technological relevance for the design of liquid crystal-based devices such as batteries and sensors with optimum tunable properties.
We report the dielectric and calorimetric investigations of an homologous series of Janus polynorbornenes with rigid main backbone and flexible -Si(OR)3 side groups, of differing length alkyl chains (R = Propyl, Butyl, Hexyl, Octyl, Decyl). Dielectric dispersion reveals two active processes at low temperatures, denoted as β- and α- relaxation. The former can be assigned to localized fluctuations, whilst the latter relates to the glassy dynamics of the flexible -Si(OR)3 side groups, that creates a nanophase separation in both the alkyl chain rich and backbone rich domains. Temperature modulated DSC measurements and X-ray scattering experiment confirm the nanophase separation. Fast Scanning Calorimetry employing both fast heating and cooling rates detects the glass transition temperatures of the backbone rich domains, which are beyond or near to their degradation temperatures in terms of conventional DSC. The cooperative length scale of glass transition and the size of the alkyl chain rich domains increases with chain length. Alongside these results, a significant conductivity contribution was observed for all Poly(tricyclononenes) with Si(OR)3 side groups, which is interpreted in terms of a percolation model.
Reliable characterization of materials at the nanoscale regarding their physio-chemical properties is a challenging task, which is important when utilizing and designing nanoscale materials. Nanoscale materials pose a potential toxicological hazard to the environment and the human body. For this reason, the European Commission amended the REACH Regulation in 2018 to govern the classification of nanomaterials, relying on number-based distribution of the particle size.
Suitable methods exist for the granulometric characterization of monodisperse and ideally shaped nanoparticles. However, the evaluation of commercially available nanoscale powders is problematic. These powders tend to agglomerate, show a wide particle size distribution and are of irregular particle shape.
Zinc oxide, aluminum oxide and cerium oxide with particle sizes less than 100 nm were selected for the studies and different preparation methods were used comparatively.
First, the nanoparticles were dispersed in different dispersants and prepared on TEM-supported copper grids. Furthermore, individual powders were deposited on carbon-based self-adhesive pads. In addition, the samples were embedded by hot mounting and then ground and polished.
The prepared samples were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) and Dynamic Light scattering. The software package ImageJ was used to segment the SEM images and obtain the particle sizes and shapes and finally the number-based particles size distribution with size expressed as various descriptors.
The Meticulous Approach: Fully traceable X-ray scattering data via a comprehensive lab methodology
(2021)
To find out if experimental findings are real, you need to be able to repeat them. For a long time, however, papers and datasets could not necessarily include sufficient details to accurately repeat experiments, leading to a reproducibility crisis. It is here, that the MOUSE project (Methodology Optimization for Ultrafine Structure Exploration) tries to implement change – at least for small- and wide-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS).
In the MOUSE project, we have combined: a) a comprehensive laboratory workflow with b) a heavily modified, highly automated Xenocs Xeuss 2.0 instrumental component. This combination allows us to collect fully traceable scattering data, with a well-documented data flow (akin to what is found at the more automated beamlines). With two full-time researchers, the lab collects and interprets thousands of datasets, on hundreds of samples for dozens of projects per year, supporting many users along the entire process from sample selection and preparation, to the analysis of the resulting data.
While these numbers do not light a candle to those achieved by our hardworking compatriots at the synchrotron beamlines, the laboratory approach does allow us to continually modify and fine-tune the integral methodology. So for the last three years, we have incorporated e.g. FAIR principles, traceability, automated processing, data curation strategies, as well as a host of good scattering practices into the MOUSE system. We have concomitantly expanded our purview as specialists to include an increased responsibility for the entire scattering aspect of the resultant publications, to ensure full exploitation of the data quality, whilst avoiding common pitfalls.
This talk will discuss the MOUSE project1 as implemented to date, and will introduce foreseeable upgrades and changes. These upgrades include better pre-experiment sample scattering predictions to filter projects on the basis of their suitability, exploitation of the measurement database for detecting long-term changes and automated flagging of datasets, and enhancing MC fitting with sample scattering simulations for better matching of odd-shaped scatterers.
In the present paper, friction and mechanical properties of AFM-Scan-Induced ripple structures on films of polystyrene and poly-n-(butyl methacrylate) are investigated. Force volume measurements allow a quantitative analysis of the elastic moduli with nanometer resolution, showing a contrast in mechanical response between bundles and troughs. Additionally, analysis of the lateral cantilever deflection shows a clear correlation between friction and the sample topography. Those results support the theory of crack propagation and the formation of voids as a mechanism responsible for the formation of ripples. This paper also shows the limits of the presented measuring methods for soft, compliant, and small structures.
Engineered nanomaterials (NM) with their unique size-dependent properties are of increasing relevance for current and future developments in various fields such as medical and pharmaceutical industry, computing and electronics or food and consumer products. The performance and safety of NM are determined by the sum of their intrinsic physicochemical properties. Especially, the particle surface chemistry, which is largely controlled by the chemical nature and density of functional groups and ligands, is an important key driver for the performance, stability, and processibility of NM, as well as their interaction with the environment. Thus, methods for functional group quantification can foster the sustainable development of functional and safe(r) NM.
Aiming at the development of simple, versatile and multimodal tools for the quantification of common bioanalytically relevant functional groups, we designed a catch-and-release assay based on cleavable probes that enable the quantification of the cleaved-off reporters in the supernatant after particle separation. Thus, the approach circumvents interferences resulting from particle light scattering and sample-inherent absorption or emission. To study the potential of the assay, commercially available and in-house synthesized aminated and carboxylated polymer and silica nanoparticles of different functional group densities were tested.
Our cleavable probe strategy can be easily adapted to other analytical techniques requiring different reporters, or to different types of linkers that can be cleaved thermally, photochemically, or by variation of pH, utilizing well-established chemistry. In addition, it can contribute to the development of multi-method characterization strategies to provide a more detailed picture of the intrinsic physicochemical property - performance/safety relationships and thus can support the design of tailored nanomaterials with better controlled properties.
Laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) are a universal phenomenon and can be generated on almost any material by irradiation with linearly polarized radiation. This chapter reviews the current state in the field of LIPSS, which are formed in a “self-ordered” way and are often accompanying materials processing applications. LIPSS can be produced in a single-stage process and enable surface nanostructuring and, in turn, adaption of optical, mechanical, and chemical surface properties. Typically, they feature a structural size ranging from several micrometers down to less than 100 nm and show a clear correlation with the polarization direction of the light used for their generation. Various types of LIPSS are classified, relevant control parameters are identified, and their material-specific formation mechanisms are analyzed for different types of inorganic solids, i.e., metals, semiconductors, and dielectrics. Finally, technological applications featuring surface functionalization in the fields of optics, fluidics, medicine, and tribology are discussed.
Nanomaterials and nanoparticles are finding applications across a wide range of technology sectors, from medicine and food to transportation and construction. In order to assess these new materials for potential risks to health and the environment, they need to be well-characterised. The measurement of constituent nanoparticle size, shape, and size distribution are important factors for the risk evaluation process.
EMPIR project Improved traceability chain of nanoparticle size measurements (17NRM04, nPSize) is working to assess a range of traceable nanoparticle measurement approaches, including Scanning Electron Microscopy (also in Transmission Mode), Atomic Force Microscopy and Small Angle X-ray Scattering, and deliver improved calibration methods to users. For the techniques under investigation, physical models of their response to a range of nanoparticle types are developed. Validated reference materials will also be used for an inter-comparison of measurement systems, with an evaluation of the associated measurement uncertainty. With project contributions to standards development work, manufacturers will be better placed to assess the human and environmental risks posed by nanomaterials across a whole range of products.
Lanthanide-doped NaYF4 upconversion nano- and microcrystals were synthesized via a facile solvothermal approach. Thereby, the influence of volume ratios of ethylene glycol (EG)/H2O, molar ratios of NH4F/RE3+ (RE3+ represents the total amount of Y3+ and rare-earth dopant ions), Gd3+ ion contents, types of activator dopant ions, and different organic co-solvents on the crystal phase, size, and morphology of the resulting particles were studied systematically. A possible formation mechanism for the growth of crystals of different morphology is discussed. Our results show that the transition from the α- to the β-phase mainly depends on the volume ratio of EG/H2O and the molar ratio of NH4F/RE3+, while the morphology and size could be controlled by the type of organic co-solvent and Gd3+ dopant ions. Furthermore, the reaction time has to be long enough to convert α-NaYF4 into β-NaYF4 during the growth process to optimize the upconversion luminescence. The formation of larger β-NaYF4 crystals, which possess a higher upconversion luminescence than smaller particles, proceeds via intermediates of smaller crystals of cubic structure. In summary, our synthetic approach presents a facile route to tailor the size, Crystal phase, morphology, and luminescence features of upconversion
materials.
Although in the last decades epoxy-based nanocomposites have been successfully adopted by the marine, automotive and aerospace industries they are still rarely studied on a fundamental level. This work deals with an in-depth comparative investigation of the structure, molecular mobility and vitrification kinetics of three bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA)-based materials with different nanofillers: I) taurine-modified layered double hydroxide (T-LDH), II) boehmite (BNPs) and III) halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). Moreover, the effect of different hardeners (diethylene triamine and methyl tetrahydrophtalic acid anhydride) on the unfilled epoxy matrix is addressed as well. The chosen methodology comprises I) small – and wide – angle X-ray scattering (SAXS/WAXS) II) calorimetry in the forms of a) conventional DSC and b) static fast scanning calorimetry (FSC), III) broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS), as well as IV) specific heat spectroscopy in the forms of a) temperature modulated DSC, and b) temperature modulated FSC. The combination of these techniques proved an intrinsic spatial heterogeneity of epoxy-based materials, evidenced by two separate segmental relaxation processes. Although, depending on the hardener the response of the systems to calorimetric and dielectric investigations was different, in a broader sense similar conclusions can be extracted on the structural heterogeneity. As expected from the two distinct α-processes, it was shown that, in parallel to the main glass transition, epoxy-based materials can exhibit an additional low temperature vitrification mechanism, which was not discussed in prior studies for an unfilled network former. Furthermore, the interfacial region (so-called rigid amorphous fraction) was qualitatively and quantitatively addressed, in dependence of the employed nanofiller structure.
The main outcomes of the EMPIR project nPSize are presented and the suitability of the new capabilities (e.g. reference materials, measurement procedures, inter-laboratory comparisons) as pertinent contributions to normative projects within CEN/TC 352 Nanotechnologies are discussed. E.g. the first technical report of nPSize on full algorithm sequences for nanoparticle detection and size measurement as developed on both a physical basis (SEM, TSEM, AFM and SAXS) and by machine learning is put at disposal.
The use of increasingly finer starting powders up to nanopowders can also be observed in the field of ceramics. Their advantages consist, for example, in their lower activation energy, an increase in strength or unique optical properties. However, handling and characterization of the powders are much more difficult. The main reason for this is the very high adhesive forces between the particles and between particles and other surfaces, too. Therefore, submicron and even more so nanoparticles tend to agglomerate and their separation into primary particles during sample preparation prior to particle sizing is of particular challenge. A representative measurement sample is only obtained when it no longer contains agglomerates. The evaluation of the dispersion process and a decision on whether it was successful thus increases in importance for the reliability of the measurement results of particle sizing.
The presentation uses examples to show possible approaches and provides information on possible sources of error.
It is shown that successful granulometric characterisation of fine powders requires both an improved dispersion technique and very often an effective combination of two or more measurement methods.
Nanomaterials may have brought many beneficial innovations with them in our daily lives and and have become indispensable for the society. However, one needs to be concerned of the risks which are still unknown and not sufficietly studied and therefore there is a need for a nanorisk governance. At the core of nanorisk governance is gathering, processing and analysing reliable data which will be used for decision making. The challenge is to assure data reliability and transform it into knowledge. To address this challenge, we used analogy to technology readiness level (TRL) approach (developed by NASA), and elaborated knowledge readiness level (KaRL). KaRL is a nine-scale system to categorize data and knowledge (documents) into levels of readiness for particular purposes and to enhance readiness level by using quality and completeness filters, compliance requirements, nanorisk-related tools, stakeholders’ input. By our approach we addressed key issues in nanotechnology such as societal and ethical concerns, circular economy and sustainability, traceability of data, knowledge and decisions.
Regulatory decisions require reliable data and knowledge derived from this. Among stakeholders in nanotechnology, however, there is often uncertainty about the quality of data for regulatory purposes. In addition, the general public often finds itself excluded from nanoregulation and policy decisions. This creates uncertainty in the nanotechnology field and also in other branches of technology and leads to concerns among the society.
To address these issues, NANORIGO elaborates a framework to support decision making as well as data, information and knowledge sharing and use. We refer to “reliability” of data and knowledge as a degree of readiness or maturity. According to these criteria we worked out a 9-level scale in analogy to TRL (technology readiness level), the KaRL system (Knowledge, Data and Information Readiness Level). KaRL allows assessment of knowledge readiness for decision making by applying defined quality criteria for each level. It also provides guidance on how to enhance the readiness level by the help of available tools and procedures. KaRL addresses SEIN[1] principles, circular economy and thus involves the public concerns in regulation. A specialized nanorisk governance council (being under development in NANORIGO) is suggested to perform quality check of an actionable document, thus, aiding in consensus on the reliability (maturity) of knowledge for decision making. Moreover, KaRL facilitates traceability of knowledge before its use in decision making. This enables the transparency demanded by all stakeholders.
In this work, we describe the synthesis, structural and photophysical characterization of four novel Pd(II) and Pt(II) complexes bearing tetradentate luminophoric ligands with high photoluminescence quantum yields (FL) and long excited state lifetimes (s) at room temperature, where the results were interpreted by means of DFT calculations. Incorporation of fluorine atoms into the tetradentate ligand favors aggregation and thereby, a shortened average distance between the metal centers, which provides accessibility to metal–metal-to-ligand charge-transfer (3MMLCT) excimers acting as red-shifted Energy traps if compared with the monomeric entities. This supramolecular approach provides an elegant way to enable room-temperature phosphorescence from Pd(II) complexes, which are otherwise quenched by a thermal population of dissociative states due to a lower ligand field splitting. Encapsulation of These complexes in 100 nm-sized aminated polystyrene nanoparticles enables concentration-controlled aggregation-enhanced dual emission. This phenomenon facilitates the tunability of the absorption and emission colors while providing a rigidified environment supporting an enhanced FL up to about 80% and extended s exceeding 100 ms. Additionally, these nanoarrays constitute rare examples for selfreferenced oxygen reporters, since the phosphorescence of the aggregates is insensitive to external influences, whereas the monomeric species drop in luminescence lifetime and intensity with increasing triplet molecular dioxygen concentrations (diffusion-controlled quenching).
The use of increasingly finer starting powders up to nanopowders can also be observed in the field of ceramics. Their advantages consist, for example, in their lower activation energy, an increase in strength or unique optical properties. However, handling and characterization of the powders are much more difficult. The main reason for this is the very high adhesive forces between the particles and between particles and other surfaces, too. Therefore, submicron and even more so nanoparticles tend to agglomerate and their separation into primary particles during sample preparation prior to particle sizing is of particular challenge. A representative measurement sample is only obtained when it no longer contains agglomerates. The evaluation of the dispersion process and a decision on whether it was successful thus increases in importance for the reliability of the measurement results of particle sizing.
The presentation uses examples to show possible approaches and provides information on possible sources of error.
It is shown that successful granulometric characterisation of fine powders requires both an improved dispersion technique and very often an effective combination of two or more measurement methods.
A detailed calorimetric study on an epoxy-based nanocomposite system was performed employing bisphenol A diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) cured with diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the polymer matrix and taurine-modified MgAL layered double hydroxide (T-LDH) as nanofiller. The -NH2 group of taurine can react with DGEBA improving the interaction of the polymer with the filler. The combined X-ray scattering, and electron microscopy data showed that the nanocomposite has a partially exfoliated morphology. Calorimetric studies were performed with conventional DSC, temperature modulated DSC (TMDSC) and fast scanning calorimetry (FSC) in the temperature modulated approach (TMFSC) to investigate the vitrification and molecular mobility in dependence of the filler concentration. First, TMDSC and NMR were used to estimate the amount of the rigid amorphous fraction which consists of immobilized polymer segments at the nanoparticle surface. It was found to be 40 wt% for the highest filler concentration, indicating that the interface dominates the overall macroscopic properties and behavior of the material to a great extent. Second, the relaxation rates of the α-relaxation obtained by TMDSC and TMFSC were compared with the thermal and dielectric relaxation rates measured by static FSC. The investigation revealed that the system shows two distinct α-relaxation processes. Furthermore, also two separate vitrification mechanisms were found for a bulk network-former without geometrical confinement as also confirmed by NMR. This was discussed in terms of the intrinsic spatial heterogeneity on a molecular scale, which becomes more pronounced with increasing nanofiller content.
The onset of plasticity in a single crystal C60 fullerite was investigated by nanoindentation on the (111) crystallographic plane. The transition from elastic to plastic deformation in a contact was observed as pop-in events on loading curves. The respective resolved shear stresses were computed for the octahedral slip systems ⟨011¯¯¯⟩{111}, supposing that their activation resulted in the onset of plasticity. A finite element analysis was applied, which reproduced the elastic loading until the first pop-in, using a realistic geometry of the Berkovich indenter blunt tip. The obtained estimate of the C60 theoretical shear strength was about 1/11 of the shear modulus on {111} planes.
Ensemble and single particle studies of the excitation power density (P)-dependent upconversion luminescence (UCL) of core and core–shell β-NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) doped with 20% Yb3+ and 1% or 3% Er3+ performed over a P regime of 6 orders of magnitude reveal an increasing contribution of the emission from high energy Er3+ levels at P > 1 kW/cm2.
This changes the overall emission color from initially green over yellow to white. While initially the green and with increasing P the red emission dominate in ensemble measurements at P < 1 kW/cm2, the increasing population of higher Er3+ energy levels by multiphotonic processes at higher P in single particle studies results in a multitude of emission bands in the ultraviolet/visible/near infrared (UV/vis/NIR) accompanied by a decreased contribution of the red luminescence. Based upon a thorough analysis of the P-dependence of UCL, the emission bands activated at high P were grouped and assigned to 2–3, 3–4, and 4 photonic processes involving energy transfer (ET), excited-state absorption (ESA), cross-relaxation (CR), back energy transfer (BET), and non-radiative relaxation processes (nRP). This underlines the P-tunability of UCNP brightness and color and highlights the potential of P-dependent measurements for mechanistic studies required to manifest the population pathways of the different Er3+ levels.
We present a workflow for obtaining fully trained artificial neural networks that can perform automatic particle segmentations of agglomerated, non-spherical nanoparticles from electron microscopy images “from scratch”, without the need for large training data sets of manually annotated images. This is achieved by using unsupervised learning for most of the training dataset generation, making heavy use of generative adversarial networks and especially unpaired image-to-image translation via cycle-consistent adversarial networks. The whole process only requires about 15 minutes of hands-on time by a user and can typically be finished within less than 12 hours when training on a single graphics card (GPU). After training, SEM image analysis can be carried out by the artificial neural network within seconds, and the segmented images can be used for automatically extracting and calculating various other particle size and shape descriptors.
Hydrogels with a hierarchical structure were prepared from a new highly water-soluble crosslinker N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl-N,N′-bis(2-ethylmethacrylate)-propyl-1,3-diammonium dibromide and from the sulfobetaine monomer 2-(N-3-sulfopropyl-N,N-dimethyl ammonium)ethyl methacrylate. The free radical polymerization of the two compounds is rapid and yields near-transparent hydrogels with sizes up to 5 cm in diameter. Rheology shows a clear correlation between the monomer-to-crosslinker ratio and the storage and loss moduli of the hydrogels. Cryo-scanning electron microscopy, low-field nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, and small-angle X-ray scattering show that the gels have a hierarchical structure with features spanning the nanometer to the sub-millimeter scale. The NMR study is challenged by the marked inhomogeneity of the gels and the complex chemical structure of the sulfobetaine monomer. NMR spectroscopy shows how these complications can be addressed via a novel fitting approach that considers the mobility gradient along the side chain of methacrylate-based monomers.
Nachruf auf Wilhelm Ruland
(2021)
Mit Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Ruland starb am 3. Februar 2021 einer der letzten großen Wissenschaftler, welche die Streutheorie nach dem Zweiten Weltkrieg vorangetrieben haben. Sein zentrales Thema war die Streuung an weicher Materie. Hier lieferte er bis ins hohe Alter grundlegende Beiträge, die den Stellenwert seines Leitspruchs demonstrieren: Nichts ist praktischer als eine gute Theorie.
Considering the huge amount of plastics, that is produced and thrown away all over the world every day, an increasing part of the society became aware of microplastic and its possible impact on the environment. Polymer particles smaller than 1 µm are called nanoplastic. Due to their small size they form a special group within particulate waste. Their high specific surface makes it easier for them to penetrate tissue and pose potential harm. On the other hand, the size and the chemical structure make it difficult to detect and analyze nanoplastics in nature. Furthermore, the concentrations in environmental samples are very low. Therefore, there is a need for a well-characterized nanoplastic material, that serves as a reference for nanoplastic found in nature.
Considering the huge amount of plastics, that is produced and thrown away all over the world every day, an increasing part of the society became aware of microplastic and its possible impact on the environment. Polymer particles smaller than 1 µm are called nanoplastic. Due to their small size they form a special group within particulate waste. Their high specific surface makes it easier for them to penetrate tissue and pose potential harm. On the other hand, the size and the chemical structure make it difficult to detect and analyze nanoplastics in nature. Furthermore, the concentrations in environmental samples are very low. Therefore, there is a need for a well-characterized nanoplastic material, that serves as a reference for nanoplastic found in nature.
Inorganic nanocrystals with linear and nonlinear luminescence in the ultraviolet, visible, near infrared and shortwave infrared like semiconductor quantum dots and spectrally shifting lanthanide-based nanophosphors have meanwhile found applications in the life and material sciences ranging from optical reporters for bioimaging and sensing over security barcodes to solid state lighting and photovoltaics. These nanomaterials commonly have increasingly sophisticated core/shell particle architectures with shells of different chemical composition and thickness to minimize radiationless deactivation at the particle surface that is usually the main energy loss mechanism [1]. For lanthanide-based spectral shifters, particularly for very small nanoparticles, also surface coatings are needed which protect near-surface lanthanide ions from luminescence quenching by high energy vibrators like O-H groups and prevent the disintegration of these nanoparticles under high dilution conditions. [2,3,4]. The identification of optimum particle structures requires quantitative spectroscopic studies focusing on the key performance parameter photoluminescence quantum yield [5,6], ideally flanked by single particle studies to assess spectroscopic inhomogeneities on a particle-to-particle level for typical preparation methods [7], Moreover, in the case of upconversion nanoparticles with a multi-photonic and hence, excitation power density (P)-dependent luminescence, quantitative luminescence studies over a broad P range are required to identify particle architectures that are best suited for applications in fluorescence assays up to fluorescence microscopy. Here, we present methods to quantify the photoluminescence of these different types of emitters in the vis/NIR/SWIR and as function of Pand demonstrate the importance of such measurements for a profound mechanistic understanding of the nonradiative deactivation pathways in semiconductor and upconversion nanocrystals of different size and particle architecture in different environments.
Plastic debris in micron and nanometer scale pollutes the nature all over the world. The potential dangers of these pollutants remain unpredictable. While risk assessment studies on microplastics are already popular, nanoplastic has not yet reached the same focus of investigation. The reason for this difference is simple: There is a "methodological gap" in the analytics of plastic particles with a diameter smaller than 1 μm. Submicron and nanoplastic particles are currently not detectable in environmental matrices. Therefore, it is important for researchers to have a well-characterized nanoplastic material, that serves as a reference for nanoplastics found in nature.
Our aim was to synthesize nanoplastics made from the most common used plastics such as polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE). We found an easy way to form nanoparticles consisting of PP and PE (nano-PP/PE). Herein, nano-PP/PE was formed via a top-down method where the polymer was dispersed to acetone and then transferred to water. No surfactant is needed to obtain a dispersion which is stable for more than 35 weeks.
The success of forming nanoplastics and their size was detected via scattering methods, predominantly dynamic light scattering. The chemical analysis of the nanoplastics was performed via Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy. Furthermore, electron microscopy was used to complement the results. To examine the good stability of the nanoparticles, zeta potential measurements were performed, which revealed zeta potentials of -30 to -40 mV.
Iron oxide nanoparticles gain increasing attention due to their broad industrial use. However, safety concerns exist since their effects on human cells are still under investigation. The presence of iron oxide nanoparticles in the food pigment E172 has been shown recently. Here, we studied four iron oxide nanoparticles, one food pigment E172 and the ionic control FeSO4 regarding dissolution in biological media, uptake and transport, and cellular effects in vitro in human intestinal Caco-2 and HepaRG hepatocarcinoma cells. The iron oxide nanoparticles passed the gastrointestinal passage without dissolution and reached the intestine in the form of particles. Minor uptake was seen into Caco-2 cells but almost no transport to the basolateral site was detected for any of the tested particles. HepaRG cells showed higher particle uptake. Caco-2 cells showed no alterations in reactive oxygen species production, apoptosis, or mitochondrial membrane potential, whereas two particles induced apoptosis in HepaRG cells, and one altered mitochondrial membrane potential at non-cytotoxic concentrations. No correlation between physicochemical particle characteristics and cellular effects was observed, thus emphasizing the Need for case-by-case assessment of iron oxide nanoparticles.
To curtail flammability risks and improve material properties, flame retardants (FRs) and fillers are mixed into rubbers. High loadings of aluminum trihydroxide (ATH) and carbon black (CB) are the most used FRs and reinforcing additive, respectively, in rubbers. To reduce loading without losing mechanical properties, partial substitution of ATH as well as CB by low amounts of multilayer graphene (MLG) nanoparticles is investigated. The high aspect ratio MLG is made of ten graphene sheets. In polybutadiene/chloroprene (BR/CR) nanocomposites 3 phr MLG replaced 15 phr CB and/or 3 phr ATH. Material and mechanical properties as well as fire behavior of the nanocomposites are compared to BR/CR with 20 phr CB both with and without 50 phr ATH. MLG appears as a promising nanofiller to improve the functional properties: replacement of CB improved rheological, curing, and mechanical properties; substitution of ATH improved nanocomposite properties without affecting flame retardancy.
Multifunctional Graphene in Flame Retarded Polybutadiene/ Chloroprene/ Carbon Black Composites
(2021)
Multilayer graphene is investigated as a multifunctional nanofiller to polybutadiene/ chloroprene rubbers (BR/CR) that partially substitutes carbon black (CB) and aluminum trihydroxide (ATH). Loadings of only 3 parts per hundred rubber (phr) MLG replaced 15 phr of CB and/or 3 phr of ATH in BR/CR nanocomposites. Mechanical and fire behavior were investigated, and results point to improved rheological, curing and mechanical properties of MLG-containing rubber composites.
Inhibition of respiratory viruses is one of the most urgent topics as underlined by different pandemics in the last two decades. This impels the development of new materials for binding and incapacitation of the viruses. In this work, we have demonstrated that an optimal deployment of influenza A virus (IAV) targeting ligand sialic acid (SA) on a flexible 2D platform enables its binding and wrapping around IAV particles. A series of 2D sialylated platforms consisting graphene and polyglycerol are prepared with different degrees of SA functionalization around 10%, 30%, and 90% named as G-PG-SAL, G-PG-SAM, and G-PG-SAH, respectively. The cryo-electron tomography (Cryo-ET) analysis has proved wrapping of IAV particles by G-PG-SAM.
A confocal-based colocalization assay established for these materials has offered the comparison of binding potential of sialylated and non-sialylated nanoplatforms for IAV. With this method, we have estimated the binding potential of the G-PG-SAM and G-PG-SAH sheets for IAV particles around 50 and 20 times higher than the control sheets, respectively, whereas the low functionalized G-PG-SAL have not shown any significant colocalization value.
Moreover, optimized G-PG-SAM exhibits high potency to block IAV from
binding with the MDCK cells.
Rising energy demand and the impending climate change require the development of a sustainable, fossil-free fuel and chemical production on a global scale. Hydrogen production via water electrolysis will be a fundamental cornerstone in this endeavor. The activity and stability of respective electrode coatings strongly depends on the coating's properties, i.e. phase composition, crystallinity, electrical conductivity, accessible surface, wettability and many other factors. The key to the development of improved catalysts is a better understanding of the relations between their performance, stability and physicochemical properties. However, those relations can be complex, and are strongly influenced also by the reaction environment. Hence, operando analysis of the catalyst material during catalysis at realistic potentials and current densities is highly desirable. Yet, many analytical techniques cannot be applied in liquid environments at realistic potentials and current densities.
We propose environmental ellipsometric analysis in a dedicated electrochemical flow cell as a new method to evaluate gas evolution reactions operando under realistic working conditions. Figure 1 illustrates schematically the developed technique. Key factors to success are highly active model-type catalysts with template-controlled porosity, a suitable sample environment, a deep understanding of the spectroscopic method and respective model development, as well as concise cross validation with numerous other analytical techniques.
The method was developed and validated by analyzing a calcination series (300 - 600°C) of mesoporous templated IrOx films ex-situ and operando under oxygen evolution reaction (OER) conditions. The employed environmental electrochemical spectroscopic ellipsometric analysis (ECSE) revealed during OER the change of optical and electronic properties, i.e. the dielectric functions (real ε1 and imaginary part ε2), electrical and electronic properties such as resistivity (ρ) and band-to-band transitions (p-d band transitions). Film thickness and porosity were validated by means of scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray reflectometry (XRR) or ellipsometric porosimetry (EP), electrical and electronic properties by means of conductivity measurements, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy. The electronic structures of the catalysts from valence electron energy loss spectra (VEELS) derived from the real (ε1) and imaginary part (ε2) of the dielectric function from SE measurements reveal a direct correlation with electrochemical activities in OER.
In the presentation reversible and irreversible potential-dependent changes of the catalyst properties during operation will be discussed along with the dynamics of gas formation, transport and dissolution at different potentials.
Whilst a decisive role of the particle-matrix interphase on the mechanical properties of nanoparticle-filled polymers has been demonstrated in the last years, the arbitrary design of this interphase remains a very challenging goal. In principle, this could be realized via an appropriate surfacemodification of the nanofiller prior to its incorporation in the polymer. For most systems, such as for boehmite nanofillers, however, the interaction of organic modifiers with the particle surface has not been studied in detail, and only single studies are known rather than systematic investiga- tions on the effects of different chemical functions anchored on the particle surface. In this chapter, we present an extensive study on the binding of APTES, a common silane surface modifier, with boehmite, and show that thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) is a convenient and highly suitable method to elucidate the ligand binding in detail. Furthermore, a two-step coupling strategy is presented, demonstrating that based on APTES anchored to the parti- cle surface, the condensation of various carboxylic acids can be utilized to enable highly diverse chemical properties of the nanofillers, which leads to very different particle-matrix interactions in the nanocomposites.
The impact of water released from boehmite nanoparticles during curing in epoxy-based nanocomposites
(2021)
The enhancing effect on mechanical properties of boehmite (γ-AlOOH) nanoparticles (BNP) in epoxy-based nanocomposites on the macroscopic scale encouraged recent research to investigate the micro- and nanoscopic properties. Several studies presented different aspects relatable to an alteration of the epoxy polymer network formation by the BNP with need for further experiments to identify the mode of action.
With FTIR-spectroscopic methods this study identifies interactions of the BNP with the epoxy polymer matrix during the curing process as well as in the cured nanocomposite. The data reveals that not the BNP themselves, but the water released from them strongly influences the curing process by hydrolysis of the anhydride hardener or protonation of the amine accelerator. The changes of the curing processes are discussed in detail.
The changes of the curing processes enable new explanation for the changed material properties by BNP discussed in recent research like a lowered glass transition temperature region (Tg) and an interphase formation.