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Organisationseinheit der BAM
- 6 Materialchemie (29) (entfernen)
In the pursuit of discovering materials with desirable properties, extending the available material libraries is crucial. High-throughput simulations have become an integral part in designing new materials in the past decades. However, there is no straightforward way of distinguishing synthesizable materials from all the proposed candidates. This project focuses on employing AI-driven methods to estimate synthesizability of materials.
Up to now, material scientists and engineers have relied on domain knowledge as well as empirical heuristics to guess the stability and synthesizability of molecules and crystals. The famous Pauling rules of crystal stability are an example of such heuristics. However, after the accelerating material discovery in all the years since Pauling, these rules now fail to account for the stability of most known crystals. A new predictive set of heuristics for crystal stability/synthesizability is unlikely to be uncovered by human perception, given the magnitude and dimensionality of crystallographic data. Hence, a data-driven approach should be proposed to find a predictive model or set of heuristics which differentiate synthesizable crystal structures from the rest. The main challenge of this research problem is the lack of a negative set for classification. Here, there are two classes of data: the positive class which contains synthesizable materials and the negative class which contains materials which are not synthesizable. While the data from the positive class is simply the data of crystals which have been experimentally synthesized, we do not have access to data points which are certainly unsynthesizable. Strictly speaking, if an attempt of synthesizing a crystal fails, it does not necessarily follow that the crystal is not synthesizable. Also, there is no database available which contains the intended crystal structures of unsuccessful synthesis attempts.
This project proposes a semi-supervised learning scheme to predict crystal synthesizability. The ML model is trained on experimental and theoretical crystal data. The initial featurization focuses on local environments which is inspired by the Pauling Rules. The experimental data points are downloaded through the Pymatgen API from the Materials Project database which contains relaxed structures recorded in Inorganic Crystal Structure Database – ICSD. The theoretical data is queried from select databases accessible through the Optimade project’s API.
Soil acts as a final sink for pollutants. Microplastics from different sources such as plastic mulching, littering, compost, sewage sludge, sedimentary deposition, and tyre abrasion are expected to be found in soil. However, representative and comprehensive information is missing on the sources, transport, and fate. Therefore, a reliable analysis method for microplastics in soils needs to be developed.
The presented work describes the development of a procedure for microplastics analysis in soils. A representative sampling based on the on-site conditions and a sample preparation method was established and comprised of a drying step, the separation of microplastic particles > 1 mm, and a density separation for particles < 1 mm. The detection of the large microplastic particles (> 1 mm) was conducted with Attenuated Total Reflection - Fourier Transform infrared Spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) , while Thermal Extraction Desorption - Gas Chromatography / Mass Spectrometry (TED-GC/MS) was applied for particles < 1 mm, gaining information on the type of polymer and mass fraction. Based on the established method, 14 environmental soil samples ? with different exposure of microplastics from agriculture, industrial sites, roads, and floods were investigated.
Due to the arbitrary microplastic particle distribution among the samples for large microplastics, it was reasoned that the found particles were unrepresentative. In contrast, microplastic particles < 1 mm were discovered in a high mass in soil samples exposed to plastic mulching or fertilization with sewage sludge or compost (0 – 115 mg/kg). On average, microplastic contents detected in soil samples taken from a construction site and an inner-city lake were higher (13 – 238 mg/kg). As expected, microplastic content in soil sampled in proximity to roads was more pronounced in the upper soil layers. In contrast, very remote sampling sites, expectably uncontaminated, did not lead to the detection of microplastic regarding to thermoanalytical detection method.
In a proof of concept experiment several in vivo and in vitro ecotoxicological tests were applied to evaluate the effect of microplastics (tyre abrasion, polystyrene containing hexabromocyclododecane) in natural soils. In summary, while no effects of the examined probes could be detected on higher levels of biological organization after exposures to earthworm E. andrei, significant changes in several oxidative stress related biomarkers were observed.
Luminescent lanthanides(III) offer exceptional optical properties that can overcome issues often encountered with other fluorophores (e.g. organic dyes). Their long lifetimes up to milliseconds, low photobleaching and sharp and characteristic emission peaks make the lanthanides extremely valuable for the development of advanced luminescent materials. Previous work on Ru(II) and Ir(III) gold surfaces further highlights the potential of employing the luminescence of metal complexes for the fabrication of sensing platforms and devices.
Here, we incorporate visible and NIR-emitting lanthanide(III) complexes Ln2L3 (Ln = Eu(III), Nd(III), Yb(III)) to gold and plasmonic surfaces, translating the unique optical properties of the lanthanides(III) to practical devices. The Ln2L3 complexes are deposited on the surfaces with different methods, ranging from polymer aided physisorption to the covalent attachment on the gold surface. Furthermore, we exploit the high sensitivity to the coordination environment of lanthanides(III) to design and prepare a sensing platform.
Molecular crystalline materials are usually brittle and are prone to breaking when mechanically stressed. This fragility greatly limits they application in next the generation of adaptable, functional materials. The recent discovery of mechanical compliancy in molecular crystals has solved this problem.1 Based on the nature of the deformation, molecular crystals can be divided into being plastically (irreversibly) or elastically (reversibly) bendable. The plastic deformation is generally associated with anisotropic molecular arrangements and the existence of low energy slip planes which allow a permanent motion within the lattice. Here we report 4-bromo-6-[(6-chloropyridin-2-ylimino)methyl]phenol (CPMBP) as a promising candidate for future waveguide technologies.2 CPMBP has been found to have two different polymorphs with distinct optical and mechanical properties. The brittle crystals of Form I exhibits very weak emission at 605 nm (λex = 425 nm; photoluminescence quantum yield Φ = 0.4 %). In contrast, Form II has a large plastic regime together with a bright emission at 585 nm (λex = 425 nm; Φ = 8.7 %). Taking advantage of the favorable mechanical flexibility and optical properties, Form II was used as a shapeable optical waveguide. By changing the wavelength of the light source, active or passive waveguiding can be realized. CPMBP could thus be used as a flexible wavelength filter.
We created a workflow that fully automates bonding analysis using Crystal Orbital Hamilton Populations, which are bond-weighted densities of states. This enables understanding of crystalline material properties based on chemical bonding information. To facilitate data analysis and machine-learning research, our tools include automatic plots, automated text output, and output in machine-readable format.
Dose enhancement by gold nanoparticles (AuNP) increases the biological effectiveness of radiation damage in biomolecules and tissue. To apply them effectively during cancer therapy their influence on the locally delivered dose has to be determined.[1] Hereby, the AuNP locations strongly influence the energy deposit in the nucleus, mitochondria, membrane and the cytosol of the targeted cells. To estimate these effects, particle scattering simulations are applied. In general, different approaches for modeling the AuNP and their distribution within the cell are possible. In this work, two newly developed continuous and discrete-geometric models for simulations of AuNP in cells are presented. [2] These models are applicable to simulations of internal emitters and external radiation sources. Most of the current studies on AuNP focus on external beam therapy. In contrast, we apply the presented models in Monte-Carlo particle scattering simulations to characterize the energy deposit in cell organelles by radioactive 198AuNP. They emit beta and gamma rays and are therefore considered for applications with solid tumors. Differences in local dose enhancement between randomly distributed and nucleus targeted nanoparticles are compared. Hereby nucleus targeted nanoparticels showed a strong local dose enhancement in the radio sensitive nucleus. These results are the foundation for ongoing experimental work which aims to obtain a mechanistic understanding of cell death induced by radioactive 198Au.
Nanoparticles (NPs) have become important materials for a variety of chemical technologies, including catalysis. One of the main challenges is the reduction of green house gases, such as CO2. One opportunity besides the capturing is the conversion to synthesis gas via the reverse water-gas shift reaction.
A facile and efficient method is described for the solvothermal synthesis of size-tunable, stable, and uniform NiCu core-shell NPs. The diameter of the NPs can be tuned in a range from 6 nm to 30 nm and the Ni:Cu ratio from 30:1 to 1:1. The NPs are structurally characterized with combination of transmission electron microscopy, anomalous small-angle X-ray scattering, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and X-ray absorption fine structure. Using these analytical methods, a core-shell-shell structure their chemical composition is elucidated. A depletion from the core to the shell is observed, with the core consisting of NiCu alloy, surrounded by an inner Ni-rich shell and an outer NiO shell. The SiO2-supported NiCu core-shell NPs show pronounced selectivity of >99% for CO in the catalytic reduction of CO2 to CO using hydrogen as reactant (reverse water–gas shift reaction).
Previous work in the Dunne Group targeted dispersibility of metal oxide nanoparticles, which had been synthesised via an aqueous sol-gel route. Dispersibility was attained by solvothermal surface modification of the particles with trifluoro acetic acid.
Part of the studies were tin oxide particles, which is known for its predominant rutile phase.
Despite dispersibility in acetone of the particles unexpected peak splitting of the first (110) reflection was observed.
Intensive long-term reaction studies on the tin oxide particles exhibited a time dependent extend of the peak splitting observed in XRD character-isation. Extended characterisation using solid-state multinuclear MAS-NMR spectroscopy indicate size dependent structure change due to partial fluorination of the particles during the solvothermal treatment.
Previous work in the Dunne Group targeted dispersibility of metal oxide nanoparticles, which had been synthesised via an aqueous sol-gel route. Dispersibility was attained by solvothermal surface modification of the particles with trifluoro acetic acid (TFA). Part of the studies were tin oxide particles, which is known for its predominant rutile phase. Besides the dispersibility in acetone of the particles, an unexpected peak splitting of the (110) reflection was observed, which could be an unknown phase of SnO2 . For crystal growth long-term reaction studies on the tin oxide particles were performed. Interestingly these studies exhibited a time dependent extend of the peak splitting observed in XRD characterisation. Further extended analysis using multinuclear solid-state MAS-NMR spectroscopy indicate a size dependent structure change due to partial fluorination of the particles during the solvothermal treatment.
Aqueous dispersions of polypropylene: towards referencematerials for nanoplastics characterization
(2022)
Plastic pollution in the environment is a rising concern for the health of our planet. The plastic litter that pollutes our environment leads to microplastic particles. They can be found (nearly) everywhere. The processes that lead to microplastic can also form nanoplastic particles, which have a size below 1 µm. Because of the small size they can penetrate tissue more easily. Only few risk assessment studies of nanoplastics were carried out so far.
Using polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles to test effects on organisms is easy because it is commercially available. However, this falls a little short, as the polyolefins i.e., polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene (PE), are produced in a larger proportion than PS. Moreover, these plastics are mainly used for disposable products, which means that they also account for a large proportion of plastic waste. Therefore, the percentage of polyolefins in environmental nanoplastic is presumably high. It is important to test the toxicological effects also with nanoplastics made of PP and PE to have more realistic results.
Herein, we present an easy and repeatable method to prepare an aqueous dispersion of polypropylene nanoplastics (nano-PP). They are stabilized electrostatically, resulting in a strongly negative zeta potential of -43 mV (± 2 mV) and making no surfactant necessary to keep the dispersion stable.
The size and the size distribution were determined via Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS) and gives a hydrodynamic diameter of 180.5 nm (± 5.8 nm) and a PDI of 0.084 (± 0.023).
Finally, ca. 480 bottles of the dispersion with a volume of 10 mL each were prepared to serve as a potential reference material for further testing of detection methods or risk assessments.
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 microplastic 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 nano plastic 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 nanoplastic found in nature.
Our aim was to synthesize nanoplastics made from the most common used plastics, starting with polypropylene (PP). We found an easy way to form nanoparticles consisting of PP (nano-PP), adapting and improving the method presented for polystyrene (PS). PP was dispersed to acetone and then transferred to water. No additional surfactant is needed to obtain a dispersion which is stable for more than 35 weeks. The
The success of forming nanoplastics and their size was detected via scattering methods, predominantly dynamic light scattering (DLS). To examine the good stability of the nanoparticles, zeta potential measurements were performed, which revealed zeta potentials of -30 to -40 mV.
This method is repeatable and well suited to produce reference material, as which we propose our prepared particles, based on a homogeneity study, that we performed, following the ISO Guide 35 for reference materials.
Water splitting using semiconductor photo-catalysts is considered a sustainable method to produce clean hydrogen fuel. Nevertheless, H2 photo-production efficiency remains still low, although extensive research works to understand better the mechanisms of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) are being carried out. In this respect, TiO2 is a key photoactive material, usually employed with a co-catalyst deposited onto the surface to enhance charge carriers’ separation and catalyze surface charge transfer reactions. The deposition of a co-catalyst on the TiO2 nanoparticle surface represents one successful way to enhance the activity of the photocatalyst through a modification of its surface and redox properties. In this context, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) coupled with elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is fundamental for studying and understanding the effect of the nanoparticle morphology on the functional properties of shape-controlled TiO2 crystals (bipyramides, platelets, and elongated particles). Different types of metal-semiconductor combinations, TiO2 shapes and dopant metals (Ag, Pt, Au, Rh, Pd) and metal concentrations are discussed.
Trash to treasure: recovery of transition metal phosphates for (electro-)catalytical applications
(2022)
Wastewaters containing high concentrations of NH4+, PO43- and transition metals are environmentally harmful and toxic pollutants. At the same time phosphorous and transition metals constitute valuable resources. Here, we report the synthesis routes for Co- and Ni-struvites (NH4MPO4∙6H2O, M = Ni2+, Co2+) out of aqueous solutions resembling synthetic/industrial waste water compositions, and allowing for P, ammonia and metal co-precipitation. Furthermore, the as-obtained struvites were further up-cycled. When heated, these transition metal phosphates (TMPs) demonstrate significant changes in the degree of crystallinity/coordination environment involving a high amount of amorphous phases and importantly develop mesoporosity (Figure 1). In this regard, amorphous and mesoporous TMPs are known to be highly promising (electro-)catalysts.
Amorphous phases do not represent a simple “disordered” crystal but more a complex system with a broad range of compositions and physicochemical properties, which remain mostly unknown. Consequently, we investigated the recrystallization and amorphization process during thermal treatment and a resolved the complex amorphous/crystalline structures (Figure 2). As a proof-of-principle for their applicational use, the as-obtained TMPs demonstrate significant proton conductivity properties similar to apatite-like structures from room to high temperatures (>800°C).
Hence, we have developed a promising recycling route in which environmental harmful contaminants like PO43-, NH4+ and 3d metals would be extracted out of waste waters in the form of precursor raw materials. These raw materials can be then further up-cycled through a simple thermal treatment for their specific application in electrocatalysis.
Industrial and agricultural waste streams (waste waters, sludges, tailings etc.), which contain high concentrations of NH4+, PO43- and transition metals, are environmentally harmful due to their toxic pollutants. At the same time, phosphorus and selective transition metals such as Cobalt could be potentially depleted as a critical raw material due to the high demand and rapidly declining natural ore deposits. Therefore, due to simultaneous scarcity and abundance, the phosphorus and 3d metal recovery from agricultural, industrial, mining, or urban wastewaters have been an important factor in sustaining our global consumption and preservation of the natural environment. Typically, separate pathways have been considered to extract hazardous substances such as transition metals or phosphate, independently from each other. Here, we investigate the crystallization of transition metal phosphate (TMP) compounds (NH4MPO4∙6H2O, M3(PO4)2∙8H2O with M = Ni2+, Co2+, NixCo1-x2+ M-struvite and M-phosphate octahydrate) out of aqueous solutions, which allow for P, ammonia and metal co-precipitation. The precipitation of these compounds from industrial and agricultural waste waters has high potential as a P- and 3d metal recovery route. For this purpose, a detailed understanding of the crystallization process beginning from combination of solved ions and ending in a final crystalline product is required. Through adjusting the reaction conditions, the stability, crystallite size and morphology of the as-obtained TMPs could be controlled. Detailed investigations of the precipitation process in time using ex- and in-situ techniques provided new insights into their non-classical crystallization mechanism/crystal engineering of these materials. These TMPs involve transitional colloidal nanophases during the crystallization process. Over time, their complex amorphous framework changes significantly resulting simultaneously in an agglomeration and densification of the compound. After extended reaction times these colloidal nanophases condensed to a final crystal. However, the reaction kinetics of the formation of a final crystalline product and the lifetime of these intermediate phases vary significantly depending on the metal cation involved in the precipitation process. Ni-struvite is stable in a wide reactant concentration range and at different metal/phosphorus (M/P)-ratios, whereas Co tends to form Co-struvite and/or Co-phosphate octahydrate depending on the (M/P)-ratio. The mixed NixCo1-x system shows a significantly different crystallization behavior and reaction kinetics of the precipitation compared to the pure endmembers. The observed various degree of stability could be linked to the octahedral metal coordination environment in these compounds. The achieved level of control over the precipitates, is highly desirable for 3d- and P-recovery methods. Under this paradigm, the crystals can be potentially upcycled as precursor materials for (electro)catalytical applications.
Industrial and agricultural waste streams (waste waters, sludges, tailings etc.), which contain high concentrations of NH4+, PO43- and transition metals, are environmentally harmful due to their toxic pollutants. At the same time, phosphorus and selective transition metals such as Cobalt could be potentially depleted as a critical raw material due to the high demand and rapidly declining natural ore deposits. Therefore, due to simultaneous scarcity and abundance, the phosphorus and 3d metal recovery from agricultural, industrial, mining, or urban wastewaters have been an important factor in sustaining our global consumption and preservation of the natural environment. Typically, separate pathways have been considered to extract hazardous substances such as transition metals or phosphate, independently from each other. Here, we report the synthesis routes for transition metal phosphate (TMP) compounds (M3(PO4)2∙8H2O, NH4MPO4∙6H2O, M = Ni2+, Co2+, NixCo1-x2+ M-struvite and M-phosphate octahydrate), which allow for P, ammonia and metal co-precipitation. The precipitation of these compounds from industrial and agricultural waste waters could be a promising P-recovery route. Through adjusting the reaction conditions, the stability, crystallite size and morphology of the as-obtained TMP could be controlled. Detailed investigations of the precipitation process using ex- and in-situ techniques provided new insights into their non-classical crystallization mechanism/crystal engineering of these materials. These TMPs involve transitional colloidal nanophases which subsequently aggregate and condense to final crystals after extended reaction times. However, the reaction kinetics of the formation of a final crystalline product vary significantly depending on the metal cation involved in the precipitation process. Ni-struvite is stable in a wide reactant concentration range and at different metal/phosphorus (M/P)-ratios, whereas Co tends to form Co-struvite and/or Co-phosphate octahydrate depending on the (M/P)-ratio. The mixed NixCo1-x system shows a significantly different crystallization behavior and reaction kinetics of the precipitation compared to the pure endmembers. The observed various degree of stability could be linked to the octahedral metal coordination environment in these compounds. The achieved level of control over the precipitates, is highly desirable for 3d- and P-recovery methods. Under this paradigm, the crystals can be potentially upcycled as precursor materials for (electro)catalytical applications.
Industrial and agricultural waste streams (waste waters, sludges, tailings etc.) which contain high concentrations of NH4+, PO43- and transition metals are environmentally harmful and toxic pollutants . Typically, separate pathways have been considered to extract hazardous and transition metals or phosphate as critical raw materials, independently from each other. Here, we report the synthesis routes for transition metal phosphate (TMP) compounds (M3(PO4)2∙8H2O, NH4MPO4∙6H2O, M = Ni2+, Co2+, M-struvite and M-phosphate octahydrate), which allow for P, ammonia and metal co-precipitation. The precipitation of these compounds from industrial and agricultural waste waters could be a promising P-recovery route. Through adjusting the reaction conditions, the stability, crystallite size and morphology of the as-obtained TMP could be controlled. Detailed investigations of the precipitation process using ex- and in-situ techniques provided new insights into their non-classical crystallization mechanism/crystal engineering of these materials. These TMPs involve transitional colloidal nanophases which subsequently aggregate and condense to final crystals after extended reaction times. However, the reaction kinetics of the formation of a final crystalline product vary significantly depending on the metal cation(s) involved in the precipitation process. The occurring amorphous nanophases seem to majorly influence the outcome of crystallization. Ni-struvite is stable in a wide reactant concentration range and at different metal/phosphorus (M/P)-ratios, whereas Co tends to form Co-struvite and/or Co-phosphate octahydrate depending on the (M/P)-ratio. The observed various degree of stability could be linked to the octahedral metal coordination environment. The achieved level of control over the precipitates, is highly desirable for 3d- and P-recovery methods. Under this paradigm, the crystals can be potentially upcycled as precursor materials for (electro)catalytical applications 4.
Evolution of mesoporous frameworks from precipitated struvite-structured metal phosphate materialsls
(2022)
Mesoporous transition metal phosphates (TMPs) have attracted major interest due to their high (electro-)catalytic activity suitable for H2 generation, supercapacitors or batteries. Typically, mesoporous materials are synthesized via a template-based route. This way is in the case of TMP because the surfactants used are difficult to remove due to the sensitivity of the mesoporous framework. We present a template-free method including the formation of a precursor phase called M-struvite (NH4MPO4•6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Ni2+xCo2+1-x) to synthesize mesoporous and amorphous metal phosphates. This method relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amorphous and simultaneous mesoporous phase associated with the degassing of NH3 and H2O. The temporal evolution of mesoporous frameworks and the response of the coordination metal coordination environment was followed with diffraction and spectroscopy based in-situ and ex-situ methods. We highlight the systematic differences in absolute surface area, pore shape, pore size, and phase transitions between the chemical systems. In a complex amorphous structure, thermal decomposed Mg-, Ni- and NixCo1-x-struvites exhibit high surface areas and pore volumes for phosphate materials with a spherical to channel-like pore geometry (240 m²g-1 and 0.32 cm-3 g-1 for Mg and 90 m²g-1 and 0.13 cm-3 g-1 for Ni). In addition to this low-cost, environmentally friendly and simple synthesis, M-struvites could grow as a recycling product from industrial and agricultural wastewaters. These waste products could be upcycled through a simple thermal treatment for further applications.
Liquid crystalline mesophases in nanoconfinement exhibit intriguing phase transition behaviors and relaxation dynamics. Here in, we investigate the molecular dynamics and electrical conductivity of a linear shaped guanidinium based ILC confined in self-ordered nano porous alumina oxide membranes of pore size ranging from 180nm down to 25nm by employing broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) and calorimetry. Calorimetric investigation reveals a complete suppression of the columnar – isotropic transition, while the plastic crystalline – columnar transition temperature decreases with inverse pore size and deviates from the Gibbs – Thomson equation.
For the bulk case, BDS detects two relaxation modes in the crystalline phase, the relaxation and the α1 relaxation, and two relaxation modes in the columnar phase, the α2 and α3 relaxation. For the confined case, all relaxation modes slow down compared to the bulk. However, for the least pore size (25 nm), the α2 relaxation is absent. We discuss the possible molecular origins of the different relaxation modes observed. For the bulk ILC, a clear jump of 4 orders of magnitude in the absolute values of DC conductivity occurs at the transition from the plastic crystalline to hexagonal columnar phase, for the confined ILC, this transition is smooth. DC conductivity is reduced for the confined case, except for the 25nm, where the values is similar to the bulk.
Ionic Liquid Crystals (ILCs) are emerging class of materials that combine the properties of liquid crystals with the ionic conduction similar to ionic liquids. It’s known that liquid crystals exhibit intriguing properties when confined and are of importance from both fundamental and technological perspective. Here, we study the molecular dynamics and electrical conductivity of a homologous series of Dopamine (DOPA) based ILCs, ILCn (n = 12,14,16) confined in self ordered nanoporous alumina oxide membrane of 180 nm pore size using Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS). We aim to understand how the alkyl chain length and confinement influence the dynamics in this system.
In the bulk, for all ILCs, we observe two relaxation modes in the crystalline phase, the and α1 relaxation respectively, and one relaxation mode in the columnar phase, the α2 relaxation, but for ILC16, where two relaxation modes (α2 and α3) are detected in the columnar phase.
For the confined case, all relaxation processes slowdown compared to the bulk. For ILC16, the α1 relaxation is completely suppressed. For all ILCs, the absolute values of DC conductivity are reduced by some three orders of magnitude. We discuss in detail the possible molecular origin of the relaxation processes and the charge transport in this system.
Mechanochemistry offers a unique opportunity to modify or synthesize new crystal forms. Although the method is very promising, little is known about the mechanochemical means to control the synthesis of a solid form. Using an polymorphic organic cocrystal system, we show here that mechanochemistry can be used to obtain a polymorph transformation under the apparently conventional (thermal) transition point.
Mapping the Hydrophobic Composition of Lignosulfonates with 2D HIC-SEC aq. Liquid Chromatography
(2022)
2D-LC provides in-depth information on the complex composition of lignosulfonates – information hitherto inaccessible by state-of-the-art lignin analytics. Analysis of 12 industrial lignosulfonates revealed considerable differences in their composition and functional dispersity - properties that are crucial for lignosulfonate usage
Morpho-Chemical Characterisation of Me-TiO2 Nanoparticles for Enhanced Photocatalytical Activity
(2022)
The conversion of solar energy into electricity and solar fuels is of crucial importance for a green and sustainable future. Water splitting using semiconductor photo-catalysts is considered a sustainable method to produce clean hydrogen (H2) fuel. Nevertheless, H2 photo-production efficiency remains still low, although extensive research works to understand better the mechanisms of the Hydrogen Evolution Reaction (HER) and the Oxygen Evolution Reaction (OER) are being carried out. In this respect, TiO2 is a key photoactive material, usually employed with a co-catalyst deposited onto the surface to enhance charge carriers’ separation and catalyze surface charge transfer reactions. The deposition of a co-catalyst on the TiO2 nanoparticle surface represents one successful way to enhance the activity of the photocatalyst through a modification of its surface and redox properties. In this context, high-resolution scanning electron microscopy coupled with elemental analysis by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) is fundamental for studying and understanding the effect of the nanoparticle morphology on the functional properties of shape-controlled TiO2 crystals (bipyramides, platelets, and elongated particles). Different types of metal-semiconductor combinations, TiO2 shapes and dopant metals (Ag, Pt, etc) and metal concentrations will be discussed.
Evolution of mesoporous frameworks from precipitated struvite-structured metal phosphate materials
(2022)
Mesoporous transition metal phosphates (TMPs) have attracted major interest due to their high (electro-)catalytic activity suitable for H2 generation, supercapacitors or batteries. Typically, mesoporous materials are synthesized via a template-based route. This way is in the case of TMP because the surfactants used are difficult to remove due to the sensitivity of the mesoporous framework. We present a template-free method including the formation of a precursor phase called M-struvite (NH4MPO4•6H2O, M = Mg2+, Ni2+, Co2+, Ni2+xCo2+1-x) to synthesize mesoporous and amorphous metal phosphates. This method relies on the thermal decomposition of crystalline M-struvite precursors to an amorphous and simultaneous mesoporous phase associated with the degassing of NH3 and H2O. The temporal evolution of mesoporous frameworks and the response of the coordination metal coordination environment was followed with diffraction and spectroscopy based in-situ and ex-situ methods. We highlight the systematic differences in absolute surface area, pore shape, pore size, and phase transitions between the chemical systems. In a complex amorphous structure, thermal decomposed Mg-, Ni- and NixCo1-x-struvites exhibit high surface areas and pore volumes for phosphate materials with a spherical to channel-like pore geometry (240 m²g-1 and 0.32 cm-3 g-1 for Mg and 90 m²g-1 and 0.13 cm-3 g-1 for Ni). In addition to this low-cost, environmentally friendly and simple synthesis, M-struvites could grow as a recycling product from industrial and agricultural wastewaters. These waste products could be upcycled through a simple thermal treatment for further applications.
Electron Probe Microanalysis (EPMA) provides a non-destructive approach in the dedicated thin film analysis mode with the commercial StrataGem software. Recently, the open-source programme BadgerFilm by Moy and Fournelle became available. Similarly to StrataGem, it is based on the algorithm of Pouchou and Pichoir and needs intensity ratios of the unknown sample and standards (k-values). We have evaluated the k-values measured for the FeNi and SiGe film systems using the BadgerFilm software package and compared the thickness and composition with the results obtained with the established StrataGem software and other reference methods. The thicknesses of the SiGe films obtained by the BadgerFilm software agree within 20% with the StrataGem and TEM results; the elemental compositions BadgerFilm-StrataGEM agree within 2% with one exception (9%).
Polydopamine (PDA) is one of the simplest and most versatile approaches for forming an excellent binding exterior to confer new functionalities to nearly any material surface. Inspired by nature, it mimics the behavior of mussels and can be easily deposited on virtually all types of inorganic and organic substrates, including superhydrophobic surfaces. Moreover, PDA exhibits high potential for surface modification and diversified secondary reactions that makes it extremely interesting for a wide range of application including biomedical field, e.g., drug delivery, adhesives, cell adhesion, biosensing. PDA has undergone significant expansion in its applications and is one of the most attractive areas within the materials field. Nevertheless, PDA integration in microdevices is still constrained by poor spatial and temporal control of excited deposition methods.
Herein, we demonstrate a novel maskless approach for PDA micropatterning based on Direct Laser Writing that overcomes present limitations. The pattern is formed upon exposure of the dopamine solution by light produced by tightly-focused fs NIR laser that scans substrate surface accordingly to the selected pattern design. Neither strong oxidants, metal ions nor adjusting pH to alkaline is required by this technique to perform dopamine polymerization. Our method achieves the PDA micropatterns with the spatial resolution of 0.8 µm, at least an order of magnitude smaller than what is possible with other PDA microplanning techniques. Some examples of PDA patterns are shown in Figure 1. The here introduced PDA deposition technique will uniquely unravel applications of polydopamine and other catecholamine-based mussel-inspired materials in various multifunctional systems and microdevices (e.g., MEMS elements, microfluidics).
The chemical nature of PDA was confirmed by locally recorded vibrational and x-ray photoelectron spectra. Moreover, the morphology and thickness of PDA microstructure can be controlled by the laser power and scanning velocity revealing the possibility of fabricating the structures with gradient. In most of the applied conditions the increase of the laser intensity and decrease of the scanning velocity would lead to the thicker PDA pattern. Different morphologies from smooth and bulky-like to grain like has been obtained.
PDA was produced in the presence of tris buffer, phosphate buffer and DI water only. We also tested the effect of the solution pH applying pH 6.0, 7.0 and 8.5. Furthermore, the effect of antioxidants and purging of the solution with oxygen and nitrogen was investigated. Summarizing, we could see that the structures could be produced in all the given conditions, however their thickness and quality, morphology and roughness would differ. We did not observe negative impact of the antioxidants and nitrogen purging on the performance of PDA build up indicating that the PDA formation mechanism is different to common autooxidation. The current mechanism is based on the interaction of dopamine molecules with the photoinitiator added to solution as active to DLW laser light component.
Apart from the glass substrate, we achieved PDA patterning at surfaces of different nature such as polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene terephthalate, silicon wafers, and fluorinated glass coverslips.
We also performed facile posts-modification of the PDA surface with protein enzymes like trypsin that was confirmed by XPS. Obtained bioactive pattern could be further integrated in the protein sensing devices.
Presented in this work DLW-based microfabrication technique and the possibilities for further PDA surface post-functionalization empowers advanced applications of this material in single-molecule bioassays, sensors and other complex microdevices.
Inspired by the chemistry of mussel adhesive proteins, polydopamine (PDA) is one of the simplest and most versatile approaches to confer new functionalities to nearly any material surface. Moreover, PDA exhibits high potential for surface modification and diversified secondary reactions that makes it extremely interesting for a wide range of application including biomedical field, e.g., drug delivery, adhesives, cell adhesion, biosensing. PDA has undergone significant expansion in its applications and is one of the most attractive areas within the materials field. Nevertheless, PDA integration in microdevices is still constrained by poor spatial and temporal control of excited deposition methods.
Herein, we demonstrate a novel maskless approach for PDA micropatterning based on Direct Laser Writing (DLW) that overcomes present limitations. The pattern is formed upon exposure of the dopamine solution by light produced by tightly-focused fs NIR laser that scans substrate surface accordingly to the selected pattern design. Neither strong oxidants, metal ions nor adjusting pH to alkaline is required by this technique. Our method achieves the PDA micropatterns with the spatial resolution of 0.8 µm, at least an order of magnitude smaller than what is possible with other PDA microplanning techniques. The here introduced PDA deposition technique will uniquely unravel applications of polydopamine and other catecholamine-based mussel-inspired materials in various multifunctional systems and microdevices (e.g., MEMS elements, microfluidics).
Adjustment of MPL parameters revealed that the morphology and thickness of resulted PDA microstructures can be controlled by altering the laser power and its scanning velocity. As a result, it also enables the production of micropatterns with structural gradient.
Apart from the glass substrate, we achieved PDA patterning at surfaces of different nature such as polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene terephthalate, silicon wafers, and fluorinated glass coverslips.
The chemical nature of PDA was confirmed by locally recorded vibrational and x-ray photoelectron spectra. To ensure post-modification potential of MPL deposited PDA we demonstrated one-step deposition of micropatterns with trypsin. Obtained bio-functionalised surface can be further applied as a protein sensing active microelement.
Presented in this work DLW-based microfabrication technique and the possibilities for further PDA surface post-functionalization empowers advanced applications of this material in single-molecule bioassays, sensors and other complex microdevices.
Inspired by the chemistry of mussel adhesive proteins, polydopamine (PDA) exhibits strong adhesion to nearly any kind of organic or inorganic surface and shows high ability for surface post-modification and secondary reactions. As a result, PDA has been widely used as a base adlayer to enable versatile surface chemistry and functionalization. It has shown great potential in wide range of applications including biomedical field (e.g., drug delivery, adhesives, photothermal therapy, bone and tissue engineering, cell adhesion, biosensing). However, implementation of PDA in microdevices is still hindered by insufficient spatial and temporal control of excited deposition methods.
In this work we present a novel approach to fabricate tunable micropatterned substrates where mussel-inspired chemistry provides base for various surface modification [2]. Current approach applies Multiphoton Lithography (MPL) to initiate local PDA formation, and, therefore, does not require use of microstamp or photomask. As a result, the microstructures of complex designs can be produced with the spatial resolution down to 0.8 μm (Figure 1). The desired design can be easily altered by adjusting the stl model or the fabrication code. Unlike the conventional deposition of PDA based on dopamine auto-oxidation, our method does not require presence of strong oxidants, metal ions or alkaline pH. Herein-demonstrated deposition approach will significantly facilitate applications of polydopamine and other mussel-inspired materials in microdevices and high-resolution active microcomponents (e.g., in MEMS and microfluidics).
Adjustment of MPL parameters revealed that the morphology and thickness of resulted PDA microstructures can be controlled by altering the laser power and its scanning velocity. As a result, it also enables the production of micropatterns with structural gradient. Apart from the glass substrate, we performed PDA patterning at surfaces of different nature such as polychlorotrifluoroethylene, polydimethylsiloxane, polyethylene terephthalate, silicon wafers, and fluorinated glass coverslips. We tested different composition of dopamine solution for its ability of PDA buildup. Solutions containing Tris buffer, phosphate buffer or DI water only as well as different pH (6.0, 7.0 and 8.5) could be successfully applied for high-precision PDA micropatterning. Moreover, the effect of antioxidants and purging of the solution with oxygen and nitrogen was investigated. In all cases, no decrease of deposition efficiency was observed. The chemical nature of PDA was confirmed by locally recorded vibrational and x-ray photoelectron spectra. To ensure post-modification potential of MPL deposited PDA we demonstrated one-step deposition of micropatterns with trypsin. Obtained bio-functionalised surface can be further applied as a protein sensing active microelement.
Nonporous corundum powder was functionalized covalently with protein binders to isolate and enrich specific proteins from complex matrices.The common crosslinker glutaraldehyde was compared with a hyperbranched polyglycerol (PG) of around 10 kDa. The latter was oxidized with periodate to generate aldehyde groups that can covalently react with the amines of the surface and the amino groups from the protein via a reductive amination process. The amount of bound protein was quantified via aromatic amino acid analysis (AAAA). As a proof of concept, IgG was extracted with protein A from crude human plasma. The advantages of corundum include the very low price, extremely high physical and chemical stability, pressure resistance, favorable binding kinetics, convenient handling, and flexible application.