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Paper des Monats
- ja (16)
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.
Hydrogen production via water electrolysis will be an essential cornerstone in development of sustainable, fossil-free fuel and chemical production on a global scale. The activity and stability of each catalyst is highly dependent on the properties of the coating, i.e., phase composition, crystallinity, accessible surface area, and many other factors. The key to developing improved catalysts is a better understanding of the relationships between their performance, stability, and physicochemical properties. However, these relationships can be complex and are also strongly influenced by the reaction environment. Therefore, operando analysis of the catalyst material during catalysis at realistic potentials and current densities is highly desirable. However, 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 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, a suitable sample environment, and a deep understanding of the appropriate 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 (ECSE) analysis revealed during OER the change of optical and electronic properties, i.e. the dielectric functions, resistivity 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 ε1 and ε2 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.
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.
Though the reinforcing properties of inorganic particles in thermosetting nanocomposites, has been exploited, the integration of nanoparticles continues to be challenging in terms of their homogeneous distribution and their manipulation which can contribute to occupational hazards. Due to a second encapsulations of nanoparticles, electrospun nanocomposite fibers containing nanoparticles might be an alternative for overcoming these issues, as the fiber nonwovens contains the nanoparticles allowing for safer manipulation. Here, the morphology, and the thermal properties of electrospun polycarbonate fibers containing taurine modified boehmite nanoparticles (BNP) are investigated by means of small and wide-angle X-ray scattering as well as fast scanning and temperature modulated fast scanning calorimetry for the first time. The latter techniques allow the investigation of the thermal properties of single fibers at heating rates up to 10^4 K s^-1 keeping its structure intact. A quantitative analysis of the scattering data reveals a porous structure of the fibers. The porous structure is quantified regarding the pore volume and the pore size. A constant amount of aggregation is found even for the highly BNP loaded fibers. Thermal analysis on the fibers reveals a rigid amorphous fraction (RAF) where it is known that RAF determinates the properties of a nanocomposite to a large extent. For the fibers RAF amounts up to 40 wt%, which is essential higher compared to equally formulated PC/BNP composite cast films. The RAF in the case of the fibers, is not only due to the presence of particles in the polymer but also due to orientation effects induced by the electrospinning process.
3D printing enables a better control over the microstructure of bone restoring constructs, addresses the challenges seen in the preparation of patient-specific bone scaffolds, and overcomes the bottlenecks that can appear in delivering drugs/growth factors promoting bone regeneration. Here, 3D printing is employed for the fabrication of an osteogenic construct made of hydrogel nanocomposites. Alginate dialdehyde-gelatin (ADA-GEL) hydrogel is reinforced by the incorporation of bioactive glass nanoparticles, i.e. mesoporous silica-calcia nanoparticles (MSNs), in two types of drug (icariin) loading. The composites hydrogel is printed as superhydrated composite constructs in a grid structure. The MSNs not only improve the mechanical stiffness of the constructs but also induce formation of an apatite layer when the construct is immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF), thereby promoting cell adhesion and proliferation. The nanocomposite constructs can hold and deliver icariin efficiently, regardless of its incorporation mode, either as loaded into the MSNs or freely distributed within the hydrogel. Biocompatibility tests showed that the hydrogel nanocomposites assure enhanced osteoblast proliferation, adhesion, and differentiation. Such optimum biological properties stem from the superior biocompatibility of ADA-GEL, the bioactivity of the MSNs, and the supportive effect of icariin in relation to cell Proliferation and differentiation. Taken together, given the achieved structural and biological properties and effective drug delivery capability, the hydrogel nanocomposites show promising potential for bone tissue engineering.
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.
Tour de table - BAM
(2021)
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.
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!
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.
In 1981 the OECD published the Test Guideline on Particle size and size distribution. This TG is still a valid document for the measurement of particles all over the world.
When nanomaterials gained importance, ISO set up a technical commitee for Nanotechnologies in 2005 and the OECD followed this step in 2006 with the Working Party on Manufactured Nanomaterials.
In the following years ISO and OECD published several documents about nanomaterials and the systematisation developed.
In 2017 it was finally clear that nanomaterials need to be adressed in another way than chemicals and in 2020 ECHA revised the REACH-Annexes accordingly and included nanomaterials.
Unfortunately there is a little problem with this: Only a few applicable test guidelines exit for the measurement of the nanomaterials. Several test guidelines date from 1981 and do not address nanomaterials.
The logical next step for the OECD would be to publish a series of test guidelines which are indeed currently prepared and will be shown in this talk.
Finally there is an additional need for the future of NM standardisation: Digitalisation.
In recent years, we have come to appreciate the astounding intricacies associated with the formation of minerals from ions in aqueous solutions. In this context, a number of studies have revealed that the nucleation of calcium sulfate systems occurs nonclassically, involving the aggregation and reorganization of nanosized prenucleation species. In recent work, we have shown that this particle-mediated nucleation pathway is actually imprinted in the resultant micrometer-sized CaSO4 crystals. This property of CaSO4 minerals provides us with the unique opportunity to search for evidence of nonclassical nucleation pathways in geological environments.
In particular, we focused on large anhydrite Crystals extracted from the Naica Mine in Mexico. We were able to shed light on this mineral's growth history by mapping defects at different length scales. Based on this, we argue that the nanoscale misalignment of the structural subunits, observed in the initial calcium sulfate crystal seeds, propagates through different length scales both in morphological, as well as in strictly crystallographic aspects, eventually causing the formation of large mesostructured single crystals of anhydrite. Hence, the nonclassical nucleation mechanism introduces a “seed of imperfection,” which leads to a macroscopic “single” crystal whose fragments do not fit together at different length scales in a self-similar manner. Consequently, anisotropic voids of various sizes are formed with very welldefined walls/edges. However, at the same time, the material retains in part its single crystal nature.
Risk assessment of nanomaterials requires not only standardized toxicity studies but also validated methods for nanomaterial surface characterization with known uncertainties. In this context, a first bilateral interlaboratory comparison on Surface group quantification of nanomaterials is presented that assesses different reporter-free and labeling methods for the quantification of the total and accessible number of amine functionalities on commercially available silica nanoparticles that are widely used in the life sciences. The overall goal of this comparison is the identification of optimum methods as well as achievable measurement uncertainties and the comparability of the results across laboratories. We also examined the robustness and ease of implementation of the applied analytical methods and discussed method-inherent limitations. In summary, this comparison presents a first step toward the eventually required standardization of methods for surface group quantification.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For the large-scale generation of hydrogen via water electrolysis the design of long term stable and active catalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) remains a key challenge. Most catalysts suffer from severe structural corrosion that becomes even more pronounced at fluctuating potentials. Herein, MnCo based cubic particles were prepared via a hydrothermal approach, in which the edge length of the micron-sized particles can be controlled by changing the pH value of the precursor solution. The cubes are composed of varying amounts of MnCo2O4, CoCO3 and a mixed (Mn/Co)CO3 phase. Structure–activity relationships were deduced revealing a volcano-type behavior for the intrinsic OER activity and fraction of spinel oxide phase.
A low overpotential of 0.37 V at 10 mA cm−2 and a stability of more than 25 h was achieved in 1.0 M KOH using a rotating disc electrode (RDE) setup. The best performing catalyst material was successfully tested under dynamic process conditions for 9.5 h and shows a superior catalytic activity as anode for the Overall water splitting in an electrolyser setup in 1.0 M KOH at 333 K compared to a reference NiCo-spinel catalyst.
Deep understanding of the effects associated with fabrication parameters and their influence on the resulting structures shape is essential for the further development of direct laser writing (DLW). In particular, it is critical for development of reference materials, where structure parameters are precisely fabricated and should be reproduced with use of DLW technology. In this study we investigated the effect of various fabrication and preparation parameters on the structural precision of interest for reference materials. A well-studied photo-curable system, SZ2080 negative photo-resist with 1 wt.% Michler's ketone (Bis) photo-initiator, was investigated in this work. The correlation between applied laser power, laser velocity, fabrication direction on the deviations in the structure shape were observed by means of white light interferometry microscopy. Moreover, influence of slicing and hatching distances as well as prebake time were studied as function of sample shape. Deviations in the structure form between the theoretically expected and the one detected after DLW fabrication were observed in the range up to 15%. The observed shape discrepancies show the essential importance of fine-tuning the fabrication parameter for reference structure production.
Despite considerable advances in synthesizing high-quality core/shell upconversion (UC) nanocrystals (NC; UCNC) and UCNC photophysics, the application of near-infrared (NIR)-excitable lanthanide-doped UCNC in the life and material sciences is still hampered by the relatively low upconversion luminescence (UCL) of UCNC of small size or thin protecting shell. To obtain deeper insights into energy transfer and surface quenching processes involving Yb3+ and Er3+ ions, we examined energy loss processes in differently sized solid core NaYF4 nanocrystals doped with either Yb3+ (YbNC; 20% Yb3+) or Er3+ (ErNC; 2% Er3+) and co-doped with Yb3+ and Er3+ (YbErNC; 20% Yb3+ and 2% Er3+) without a surface protection shell and coated with a thin and a thick NaYF4 shell in comparison to single and co-doped bulk materials. Luminescence studies at 375 nm excitation demonstrate backenergy transfer (BET) from the 4G11/2 state of Er3+ to the 2F5/2 state of Yb3+, through which the red Er3+ 4F9/2 state is efficiently populated. Excitation power density (P)-dependent steady state and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements at different excitation and emission wavelengths enable to separate surface-related and volume-related effects for two-photonic and threephotonic processes involved in UCL and indicate a different influence of surface passivation on the green and red Er3+ emission.
The intensity and lifetime of the latter respond particularly to an increase in volume of the active UCNC core. We provide a threedimensional random walk model to describe these effects that can be used in the future to predict the UCL behavior of UCNC.
The scientific and technological interest in graphene has been growing more and more in the late years due to its outstanding properties and diverse promising applications. However, graphene implementation into the industrial market is still limited and many challenges are yet to be addressed before this material can become suitable for the large-scale production. One of the most crucial challenge to overcome is to develop reliable and reproducible ways to characterize the material properties which can heavily affect the product performance. In our study the chemical composition of nine different samples of industrial graphene, graphene oxide and functionalized graphene were investigated. The samples were analysed both in form of powder and pellets. A comparative characterisation of the chemical composition was performed through X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). XPS depth resolution is in the order of 10 nm, while for EDX the analysis was performed at two different energy levels, i.e. 5 keV and 15 keV, and thus varying the analysis depth from 200 nm to 2000 nm. The XPS measurement area is 300x700 µm² while the EDX measurement was performed by analysing a grid of 25 locations (5x5) of 150 x 150 ?m2 area, covering the whole pellet surface of 5 mm diameter and then calculating the mean of the elemental concentration. The results of the elemental concentration values from XPS and EDX analyses show a good agreement for all the elements presents in the samples, despite the different spatial resolutions of the two techniques. Therefore, the samples appear homogeneous both in the lateral and vertical directions. The results relative to powder and pellets samples do not differ in a significant way except for a slight increase in the carbon content regarding the pellet samples, probably due to a minor contamination effect introduced through pressing. Nevertheless, pellets samples appear to be quite representative for the material while being much more convenient in terms of handling and safety compared to nano-powders and providing a regular flat surface for EDX analysis. Finally, this approach correlating XPS and EDS represents a simple, fast and reliable way for characterizing the chemical composition and the homogeneity of industrial graphene. This study is part of the project Standardisation of structural and chemical properties of graphene (ISO-G-SCoPe) which has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and from the European Union?s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant agreement No. 19NRM04.
The scientific and technological interest in graphene has been growing more and more in the late years due to its outstanding properties and diverse promising applications. However, graphene implementation into the industrial market is still limited and many challenges are yet to be addressed before this material can become suitable for the large-scale production. One of the most crucial challenge to overcome is to develop reliable and reproducible ways to characterize the material properties which can heavily affect the product performance. In our study the chemical composition of nine different samples of industrial graphene, graphene oxide and functionalized graphene were investigated. The samples were analysed both in form of powder and pellets. A comparative characterisation of the chemical composition was performed through X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDX). XPS depth resolution is in the order of 10 nm, while for EDX the analysis was performed at two different energy levels, i.e. 5 keV and 15 keV, and thus varying the analysis depth from 200 nm to 2000 nm. The XPS measurement area is 300x700 µm² while the EDX measurement was performed by analysing a grid of 25 locations (5x5) of 150 x 150 ?m2 area, covering the whole pellet surface of 5 mm diameter and then calculating the mean of the elemental concentration. The results of the elemental concentration values from XPS and EDX analyses show a good agreement for all the elements presents in the samples, despite the different spatial resolutions of the two techniques. Therefore, the samples appear homogeneous both in the lateral and vertical directions. The results relative to powder and pellets samples do not differ in a significant way except for a slight increase in the carbon content regarding the pellet samples, probably due to a minor contamination effect introduced through pressing. Nevertheless, pellets samples appear to be quite representative for the material while being much more convenient in terms of handling and safety compared to nano-powders and providing a regular flat surface for EDX analysis. Finally, this approach correlating XPS and EDS represents a simple, fast and reliable way for characterizing the chemical composition and the homogeneity of industrial graphene. This study is part of the project ?Standardisation of structural and chemical properties of graphene? (ISO-G-SCoPe) which has received funding from the EMPIR programme co-financed by the Participating States and from the European Union?s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under Grant agreement No. 19NRM04.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Controlling the thickness and tightness of surface passivation shells is crucial for many applications of core-shell nanoparticles (NP). Usually, to determine shell thickness, core and core/shell particle are measured individually requiring the availability of both nanoobjects. This is often not fulfilled for functional nanomaterials such as many photoluminescent semiconductor quantum dots (QD) used for bioimaging, solid state lighting, and display technologies as the core does not show the application-relevant functionality like a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield. This calls for a whole nanoobject approach. Moreover, the thickness of the organic coating remains often unclear.
By combining high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), a novel whole nanoobject approach is developed representatively for an ultrabright oleic acid-stabilized, thick shell CdSe/CdS QD with a PL quantum yield close to unity. The size of this spectroscopically assessed QD, is in the range of the information depth of usual laboratory XPS. Information on particle size and monodispersity were validated with dynamic light scattering (DLS) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) and compared to data derived from optical measurements. The results of the different methods match very well within the different measurement uncertainties. Additionally, results obtained with energy-resolved XPS using excitation energies between 200 eV and 800 eV are discussed with respect to a potential core/shell intermixing.
Moreover, the future application potential of this approach correlating different sizing and structural methods is discussed considering the method-inherent uncertainties and other core/multi-shell nanostructures.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.