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Paper des Monats
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
ACEnano is an EU-funded project which aims at developing, optimising and validating methods for the detection and characterisation of nanomaterials (NMs) in increasingly complex matrices to improve confidence in the results and support their use in regulation. Within this project, several interlaboratory comparisons (ILCs) for the determination of particle size and concentration have been organised to benchmark existing analytical methods. In this paper the results of a number of these ILCs for the characterisation of NMs are presented and discussed. The results of the analyses of pristine well-defined particles such as 60 nm Au NMs in a simple aqueous suspension showed that laboratories are well capable of determining the sizes of these particles. The analysis of particles in complex matrices or formulations such as consumer products resulted in larger variations in particle sizes within technologies and clear differences in capability between techniques. Sunscreen lotion sample analysis by laboratories using spICP-MS and TEM/SEM identified and confirmed the TiO2 particles as being nanoscale and compliant with the EU definition of an NM for regulatory purposes. In a toothpaste sample orthogonal results by PTA, spICP-MS and TEM/SEM agreed and stated the TiO2 particles as not fitting the EU definition of an NM. In general, from the results of these ILCs we conclude that laboratories are well capable of determining particle sizes of NM, even in fairly complex formulations.
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
[1] M.A. Feldmann, E.F. Demitrescu, D. Bridges, M.F. Chisholm, R.B. Davidson, P.G. Evans, J.A. Hachtel, A. Hu, R.C. Pooser, R.F. Haglund, B.J. Lawrie, Phys. Rev. B, 97, 081404(R) (2018)
[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)
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Natural Rubber Nanocomposites via Optimized Latex Premixing and Conventional Technical Processing
(2021)
Creation of highly functional materials and replacement of high amounts of conventional fillers are driving forces for the development of nanocomposites. Besides the type and properties of nanoparticles, their dispersing in the elastomeric matrix and the stability of this dispersion through all processing steps are the
main factors for the resulting performance of the produced material. Therefore, a preparation chain via latex premixing to a highly filled masterbatch, followed by conventional technical processing is to be developed.
Three types of carbon-based particles are characterized as such (SEM, Raman Spectroscopy, BET specific surface area) and in combination with natural rubber, as nanocomposites (TEM. Hardness, Abrasion resistance, Compression set, Cone calorimetry).
All of the studied particles lead to an improvement in the investigated mechanical properties, the extent of reinforcement depends strongly on the specific surface of the particle interacting with the elastomeric matrix in combination with their shape.
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.
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.
Surface self-assembly of spherical nanoparticles of sizes below 10 nm into hierarchical heterostructures is under arising development despite the inherent difficulties of obtaining complex ordering patterns on a larger scale. Due to template-mediated interactions between oil-dispersible superparamagnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) and polyethylenimine-stabilized gold nanoparticles (Au(PEI)NPs) at the water–oil interface of microemulsions, complex nanostructured films can be formed. Characterization of the reverse microemulsion phase by UV–vis absorption revealed the formation of heteroclusters from Winsor type II phases (WPII) using Aerosol-OT (AOT) as the surfactant. SAXS measurements verify the mechanism of initial nanoparticle clustering in defined dimensions. XPS suggested an influence of AOT at the MNP surface. Further, cryo-SEM and TEM visualization demonstrated the elongation of the reverse microemulsions into cylindrical, wormlike structures, which subsequently build up larger nanoparticle superstructure arrangements. Such WPII phases are thus proven to be a new form of soft template, mediating the self-assembly of different nanoparticles in hierarchical network-like filaments over a substrate during solvent evaporation.
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.
The publicly available document encapsulates the first version of the Catalogue of Services of the future EC4Safenano Centre (CoS 2019).
The CoS 2019 is structured in 12 Service Categories and 27 Service Topics, for each of the 12 categories considered. This architecture configures a 12 x 27 matrix that allows ordering the potential EC4Safenano offer in 324 types of services/groups of services.
Each type of service/group of services is described, in a simple and friendly way, by means of a specific service sheet: the EC4Safenano - Service Data Sheet (EC4-SDS). These EC4-SDSs allow structuring and summarizing the information of each service, providing the customer with a concise view of characteristics of the service and also the contact details with the service provider.
The CoS 2019 deploys a map of services consisting of a set of 100 EC4-SDSs, covering 7 of the 12 Service Categories and 17 of the 27 Service Topics.
The harmonization of services is visualized as a future necessary step in EC4Safenano, in order to strengthen the offer and provide added value to customers with a growing offer of harmonized services in future versions of the CoS.
The information contained in this document is structured in 3 main sections, as follows:
• Catalogue structure. This section describes in short the main characteristics of the CoS 2019.
• Catalogue content. This section represents the core part of the document and encapsulates the set of 100 SDSs displaying the offer proposed by the CoS 2019.
• Online Catalogue. This section describes the resources implemented by EC4Safenano to facilitate the on-line consultation of the CoS 2019 by customers and other interested parties.
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.
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).
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
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.
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).
Herein, we provide a "systems architecture"-like overview and detailed discussions of the methodological and instrumental components that, together, comprise the "MOUSE" project (Methodology Optimization for UltrafineStructure Exploration). The MOUSE project provides scattering information on a wide variety of samples, with traceable dimensions for both the scattering vector (q) and the absolute scattering cross-section (I). The measurable scattering vector-range of 0.012≤ q (nm-1) ≤ 92, allows information across a hierarchy of structures with dimensions ranging from ca. 0.1 to 400 nm. In addition to details that comprise the MOUSE project, such as the organisation and traceable aspects, several representative examples are provided to demonstrate its flexibility. These include measurements on alumina membranes, the tobacco mosaic virus, and dual-source information that overcomes fluorescence limitations on ZIF-8 and iron-oxide-containing carbon catalyst materials.
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.
The reinforcing effect of boehmite nanoparticles (BNP) in epoxy resins for fiber composite lightweight construction is related to the formation of a soft but bound interphase between filler and polymer. The interphase is able to dissipate crack propagation energy and consequently increases the fracture toughness of the epoxy resin. Usually, the nanoparticles are dispersed in the resin and then mixed with the hardener to form an applicable mixture to impregnate the fibers. If one wishes to locally increase the fracture toughness at particularly stressed positions of the fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPC), this could be done by spraying nanoparticles from a suspension. However, this would entail high costs for removing the nanoparticles from the ambient air. We propose that a fiber fleece containing bound nanoparticles be inserted at exposed locations. For the present proof-of-concept study, an electrospun polycarbonate nonwoven and taurine modified BNP are proposed. After fabrication of suitable PC/EP/BNP composites, the thermomechanical properties were tested by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). Comparatively, the local nanomechanical properties such as stiffness and elastic modulus were determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). An additional investigation of the distribution of the nanoparticles in the epoxy matrix, which is a prerequisite for an effective nanocomposite, is carried out by scanning electron microscopy in transmission mode (TSEM). From the results it can be concluded that the concept of carrier fibers for nanoparticles is viable.
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.
2D nanomaterials have garnered widespread attention in biomedicine and
bioengineering due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, poor functionality, low solubility, intrinsic toxicity, and nonspecific interactions at biointerfaces have hampered their application in vivo. Here, biocompatible polyglycerol units are crosslinked in two dimensions using a graphene-assisted strategy leading to highly functional and water-soluble polyglycerols nanosheets with 263 ± 53 nm and 2.7 ± 0.2 nm average lateral size and thickness, respectively.
A single-layer hyperbranched polyglycerol containing azide functional
groups is covalently conjugated to the surface of a functional graphene template through pH-sensitive linkers. Then, lateral crosslinking of polyglycerol units is carried out by loading tripropargylamine on the surface of graphene followed by lifting off this reagent for an on-face click reaction. Subsequently, the polyglycerol nanosheets are detached from the surface of graphene by slight acidification and centrifugation and is sulfated to mimic heparin sulfate proteoglycans. To highlight the impact of the two-dimensionality of the synthesized polyglycerol sulfate nanosheets at nanobiointerfaces, their efficiency with respect to herpes Simplex
virus type 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 inhibition is compared to their 3D nanogel analogs. Four times stronger in virus Inhibition suggests that 2D polyglycerols are superior to their current 3D counterparts.2D nanomaterials have garnered widespread attention in biomedicine and bioengineering due to their unique physicochemical properties. However, poor functionality, low solubility, intrinsic toxicity, and nonspecific interactions at biointerfaces have hampered their application in vivo. Here, biocompatible polyglycerol units are crosslinked in two dimensions using a graphene-assisted strategy leading to highly functional and water-soluble polyglycerols nanosheets with 263 ± 53 nm and 2.7 ± 0.2 nm average lateral size and thickness, respectively.
A single-layer hyperbranched polyglycerol containing azide functional groups is covalently conjugated to the surface of a functional graphene template through pH-sensitive linkers. Then, lateral crosslinking of polyglycerol units is carried out by loading tripropargylamine on the surface of graphene followed by lifting off this reagent for an on-face click reaction. Subsequently, the polyglycerol nanosheets are detached from the surface of graphene by slight acidification and centrifugation and is sulfated to mimic heparin sulfate proteoglycans. To highlight the impact of the two-dimensionality of the synthesized polyglycerol sulfate nanosheets at nanobiointerfaces, their efficiency with respect to herpes Simplex virus type 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus 2 inhibition is compared to their 3D nanogel analogs. Four times stronger in virus Inhibition suggests that 2D polyglycerols are superior to their current 3D counterparts.
Monodisperse iron oxide nanoparticles as reference material candidate for particle size measurements
(2020)
In order to utilize and rationally design materials at the nanoscale the reliable characterization of their physico-chemical properties is highly important, especially with respect to the assessment of their environmental or biological impact. Furthermore, the European Commission’s REACH Regulations require the registration of nanomaterials traded in quantities of at least 1 ton. Powders or dispersions where 50% (number distribution) of the constituent particles have sizes ≤ 100 nm in at least one dimension are defined as nanomaterials. This creates a need for industrial manufacturers and research or analytical service facilities to reliably characterize potential nanomaterials. Currently, BAM is developing reference nanoparticles, which shall expand the scarce list of worldwide available nano reference materials certified for particle size distribution and will also target other key parameters like shape, structure, porosity or functional properties. In this respect, materials like iron oxide or titanium dioxide are considered as candidates to complement the already available silica, Au, Ag, and polystyrene reference nanoparticles.
The thermal decomposition of iron oleate precursors in high boiling organic solvents can provide large quantities of iron oxide nanoparticles that can be varied in size and shape.[1, 2] The presence of oleic acid or other hydrophobic ligands as capping agents ensures stable dispersion in nonpolar solvents. Such monodisperse, spherical particles were synthesized at BAM and pre-characterized by electron microscopy (TEM, SEM including the transmission mode STEM-in-SEM) and dynamic light scattering comparing cumulants analysis and frequency power spectrum.
1. REACH regulations and nanosafety concerns create a strong need for nano reference materials with diverse properties.
2. Iron oxide nanoparticles are under development as new candidate reference material at BAM.
3. Narrow particle size distribution confirmed by light scattering and electron microscopy.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.