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Paper des Monats
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The microstructure of an apatite-wollastonite (code name AP40) glass-ceramic is analyzed in this study by combining 2D microscopy, phase analysis, X-ray absorption and synchrotron X-ray refraction computed tomography (XCT and SXRCT, respectively). It is shown that this combination provides a useful toolbox to characterize the global microstructure in a wide scale range, from sub-micrometer to millimeter. The material displays a complex microstructure comprising a glassy matrix with embedded fluorapatite and wollastonite small crystals. In this matrix, large (up to 200 μm) spike-shaped structures are distributed. Such microstructural features are oriented around a central sphere, thereby forming a structure resembling a sea urchin. A unique feature of SXRCT, in contrast to XCT, is that internal interfaces are visualized; this allows one to show the 3D distribution of these urchins with exceptionally good contrast. Furthermore, it is revealed that the spike-shaped structures are not single crystals, but rather composed of sub-micrometric crystals, which are identified as fluorapatite and diopside phases by SEM-EDX analysis.
Luminescence lifetimes are an attractive analytical method for detection due to its high sensitivity and stability. Iridium probes exhibit luminescence with long excited-state lifetimes, which are sensitive to the local environment. Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is listed as a chemical of high concern regarding its toxicity and is classified as a “forever chemical”. In addition to strict limits on the presence of PFOA in drinking water, environmental contamination from industrial effluent or chemical spills requires rapid, simple, accurate, and cost-effective analysis in order to aid containment. Herein, we report the fabrication and function of a novel and facile luminescence sensor for PFOA based on iridium modified on gold surfaces. These surfaces were modified with lipophilic iridium complexes bearing alkyl chains, namely, IrC6 and IrC12, and Zonyl-FSA surfactant. Upon addition of PFOA, the modified surfaces IrC6-FSA@Au and IrC12-FSA @Au show the largest change in the red luminescence signal with changes in the luminescence lifetime that allow monitoring of PFOA concentrations in aqueous solutions. The platform was tested for the measurement of PFOA in aqueous samples spiked with known concentrations of PFOA and demonstrated the capacity to determine PFOA at concentrations >100 μg/L (240 nM).
Stainless steel AISI 304 surfaces were studied after a mild anodic polarization for oxide growth in the presence and absence of two derivatives of vitamin B2 (riboflavin and flavin mononucleotide) that can be secreted by metal‐reducing bacteria and act as a chelating agent for iron species. The alterations in oxide chemistry were studied by means of surface‐sensitive techniques such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analysis. The complementary electrochemical characterization revealed a preferential growth of an oxide/hydroxide iron‐rich film that is responsible for an altered pit initiation and nucleation behavior. These findings suggest that as the corrosion behavior is determined by the interplay of the chemical and electronic properties, only a mild anodic polarization in the presence of redox‐active molecules is able to alter the chemical and electronic structure of the passive film formed on stainless steel AISI 304. This helps to achieve a profound understanding of the mechanisms of microbially influenced corrosion (MIC) and especially the possible effects of the redox‐active biomolecules, as they may play an important role in the corrosion susceptibility of stainless steel surfaces.
Bulk metallic glasses (BMG) are amorphous metal alloys known for their unique physical and mechanical properties. In the present study, the formation of femtosecond (fs) laser-induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) on the Zr-based BMGs Zr46Cu46Al8, Zr61Cu25Al12Ti2, Zr52.5Cu17.9Al10Ni14.6Ti5 (Vit105) and Zr57Cu15.4Al10Ni12.6Nb5 (Vit106) was investigated as a function of their different chemical composition. For this purpose, LIPSS were generated on the sample surfaces in an air environment by fs-laser irradiation (λ = 1025 nm, τ = 300 fs, frep = 100 kHz). The surface topography was characterized by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Moreover, the impact of LIPSS formation on the structure and chemical surface composition was analyzed before and after fs-laser irradiation by X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy as well as by transmission electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Despite the different chemical composition of the investigated BMGs, the fs-laser irradiation resulted in almost similar properties of the generated LIPSS patterns. In the case of Zr61Cu25Al12Ti2, Vit105 and Vit106, the surface analysis revealed the preservation of the amorphous state of the materials during fs-laser irradiation. The study demonstrated the presence of a native oxide layer on all pristine BMGs. In addition, fs-laser irradiation results in the formation of laser-induced oxide layers of larger thickness consisting of an amorphous ZrAlCu-oxide. The precise laser-structuring of BMG surfaces on the nanoscale provides a versatile alternative to thermoplastic forming of BMG surfaces and is of particular interest for the engineering of functional material surfaces.
This work presents the determination of the corrosion characteristics of CrCoNi (medium entropy alloy) and CrMnFeCoNi (high entropy alloy) in 0.1 M NaCl and 0.1 M H2SO4. The morphology and chemical composition of the oxide layers formed on CrCoNi and CrMnFeCoNi were comparatively analyzed by scanning Kelvin probe microscopy (SKPFM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and supported with chemical analysis by means of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The analysis of the 3p core level peaks showed that the oxide layer (native and after anodic passivation) on CrCoNi consisted mainly of Cr oxides, while the oxide layer on CrMnFeCoNi was primarily composed of a mixture of Cr and Fe oxides. In addition, XPS was utilized to assess the oxide layer thicknesses. These results were compared to the thicknesses obtained by means of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), with both approaches yielding values up to about 4 nm depending on the electrolyte and the alloy. Cyclic polarization measurements indicated superior corrosion resistance of CrCoNi in both aqueous environments compared to CrMnFeCoNi, as well as to AISI 304 stainless steel.
Controlling 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 applicationrelevant functionality like a high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield, calling for a whole nanoobject approach. 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. In addition to demonstrating the potential of this novel whole nanoobject approach for determining architectures of small nanoparticles, the presented results also highlight challenges faced by different sizing and structural analysis methods and method-inherent uncertainties.
In this chapter sample preparation, image acquisition, and nanoparticle size and shape characterization methods using the scanning electron microscope (SEM) in reflective and transmitted working modes are described. These help in obtaining reliable, highly repeatable results. The best solutions vary case-by-case and depend on the raw (powdered or suspension) nanoparticle material, the required measurement uncertainty and on the performance of the SEM.
Auger electron spectroscopy
(2020)
An introduction in the application of Auger Electron Spectroscopy to surface chemical analysis of nanoparticles is given. Auger Electron Spectroscopy is a mature method in the field of surface chemical analysis. The chapter addresses the physical basis of the method, the principal design of recent instruments together with modes of operation and options for the presentation of spectra, as well as different approaches for qualitative (including identification of chemical species) and quantitative surface analysis of elements. An application paragraph on surface chemical analysis of nanoparticles by AES or SAM introduces the different measurement approaches and sample preparation strategies applied by analysts. The analysis of nanoparticle ensembles, the so-called selected point analysis where a narrow primary electron beam is centered on an individual nanoparticle, and chemical mapping of individual nanoparticles (or a line scan across) are addressed. Existing literature is reviewed and informative case studies presented. Limitations and pitfalls in the application of AES in surface chemical analysis of nanoparticles are also addressed.
Imaging and small-spot (small area) XPS have become increasingly important components of surface chemical analysis during the last three decades, and its use is growing. Some ambiguity in the use of terminology, understanding of concepts, and lack of appropriate reference materials leads to confusing and not always reproducible data. In this paper, it is shown that by using existing knowledge, appropriate test specimens, and standardized approaches, problems of comparability and such reproducibility issues recently observed for XPS data reported in the scientific literature can be overcome. The standardized methods of ISO 18516:2019, (i) the straight-edge, (ii) the narrow-line, and (iii) the grating method, can be used to characterize and compare the lateral resolution achieved by imaging XPS instruments and are described by reporting examples. The respective measurements are made using new test specimens. When running an XPS instrument in the small-spot (small area) mode for a quantitative analysis of a feature of interest, the question arises as to what contribution to the intensity originates from outside the analysis area. A valid measurement approach to control the intensity from outside the nominal analysis area is also described. As always, the relevant resolution depends on the specific question that needs to be addressed. The strengths and limitations of methods defining resolution are indicated.
Dr Martin Seah, NPL, was the initiator, founder, and first chairman of the Surface Analysis Working Group (SAWG) at the Consultative Committee for Amount of Substance, Metrology in Chemistry and Biology (CCQM) at the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM), the international organization established by the Metre Convention. This tribute letter summarizes his achievements during his chairmanship and his long-running impact on the successful work of the group after his retirement.
The status of standardization related to x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS, ESCA) at ASTM International (Subcommittee E42.03) and ISO (TC 201) is presented and commented upon in a structured manner. The survey also identifies other active bodies, here VAMAS Technical Working Area 2 and the Surface Analysis Working Group at the International Meter Convention, contributing to prestandardization Research and metrology of XPS and reports their specific activities. It is concluded that existing standardization is delivering good practices in the use of XPS and has a high potential to avoid the recently observed erroneous use, misapplications, and misinterpretation by new and inexperienced users of the method—which seems to be the main reason for the “reproducibility crisis” in the field of XPS applications. A need for a more proactive publicizing of international documentary standards by experienced XPS users, specifically those who are involved in standardization, is identified. Because the existing portfolio of standards addressing the use of XPS is not complete, future standardization projects planned or already ongoing are mentioned. The way the standardization bodies are identifying future needs is shortly explained.
Multidrug resistance resulting from a variety of defensive pathways in Cancer has become a global concern with a considerable impact on the mortality associated with the failure of traditional chemotherapy. Therefore, further research and new therapies are required to overcome this challenge. In this work, a cyclic R10 peptide (cR10) is conjugated to polyglycerol-covered nanographene oxide to engineer a nanoplatform for the surmounting of multidrug resistance. The nuclear translocation of the nanoplatform, facilitated by cR10 peptide, and subsequently, a laser-triggered release of the loaded doxorubicin result in efficient anticancer activity confirmed by both in vitro and in vivo experiments. The synthesized nanoplatform with a combination of different features, including active nucleus-targeting, highloading capacity, controlled release of cargo, and photothermal property, provides a new strategy for circumventing multidrug resistant cancers.
Inspired by the chemistry of mussel adhesive proteins, polydopamine (PDA has been shown as one of the most versatile platforms for altering the properties and incorporating new functionalities to nearby any material surface despite its nature. Rich chemistry of PDA enables broad variety of surface modification and diverse secondary reactions that makes it extremely interesting for a wide range of application including biomedical field, e.g., drug delivery, adhesives, cell adhesion, biosensing. Despite high potential of polydopamine, the lack of deposition control and precision in existed methods limits their applications in microdevices and miniaturized functional systems like, for example, MEMS, microfluidic and sensorics.
Herein, we demonstrate a novel maskless approach for surface micropatterning with polydopamine based on Multiphoton Lithography that overcomes present limitations. Neither strong oxidants, metal ions nor adjustment of pH to alkaline is required by this technique. The spatial resolution down to 0.8 µm has been achieved which is at least an order of magnitude smaller than shown by other existed methods. We are able to control the morphology and thickness of the micropattern by altering fabrication parameters allowing structure 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. Post-modification of polydopamine micropatterns with protein enzyme like trypsin is demonstrated to highlight its sensing potential.
Presented in this work microfabrication technique empowers advanced applications of mussel-inspired materials in single-molecule bioassays, sensors and other complex microdevices.
In this work, a novel boehmite (BA)-embedded organic/inorganic nanocomposite coating based on cycloaliphatic epoxy oligosiloxane (CEOS) resin was fabricated applying UV-induced cationic polymerization. The main changes of the material behavior caused by the nanofiller were investigated with regard to its photocuring kinetics, thermal stability, and glass transition. The role of the particle surface was of particular interest, thus, unmodified nanoparticles (HP14) and particles modified with p-toluenesulfonic acid (OS1) were incorporated into a CEOS matrix in the concentration range of 1–10 wt.%. Resulting nanocomposites exhibited improved thermal properties, with the glass transition temperature (Tg) being shifted from 30 °C for unfilled CEOS to 54 °C (2 wt.% HP14) and 73 °C (2 wt.% OS1) for filled CEOS. Additionally, TGA analysis showed increased thermal stability of samples filled with nanoparticles. An attractive interaction between boehmite and CEOS matrix influenced the curing. Real-time infrared spectroscopy (RT-IR) experiments demonstrated that the epoxide conversion rate of nanocomposites was slightly increased compared to neat resin. The beneficial role of the BA can be explained by the participation of hydroxyl groups at the particle surface in photopolymerization processes and by the complementary contribution of p-toluenesulfonic acid surface modifier and water molecules introduced into the system with nanoparticles.
Thermosetting materials are gaining increasing attention in many structural composite applications. However, the incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) into polymer matrix is a promising approach to enhance their functional characteristics, and thus, to enable the development of thermosets advanced application. It has been shown that Boehmite Alumina (BA) used as nanofillers can improve different parameters of polymers. This NPs can be easily tailored enabling desirable interactions with a big range of polymers. However, the overall effect of nanofiller depends on many factors, therefore, making it hard to predict the resulted performance of nanocomposites. In the current contribution we would like to discuss the impact of Boehmite NPs on two different epoxy resin nanocomposite systems with the focus on the possible influence mechanisms of this nanofiller.
As the first system, UV curable Cycloaliphatic-Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEOS) resin/Boehmite nanocomposites were investigated by FTIR, TGA, DSC and T-SEM. It was observed that incorporation of BA leads to the reinforcement of glass transition (Tg) and overall thermal stability indicating the attractive interactions between BA and CEOS network. In addition, an increase in epoxy conversion of CEOS was concluded for nanocomposites assuming that particles are involved in UV polymerisation processes.
The second epoxy/Boehmite nanocomposite is based on the bisphenol-A-diglycidyl ether (DGEBA) cured with methyl tetrahydrophtalic acid anhydride (MTHPA). Thermomechanical as well as nanomechanical properties of this material were investigated by DMTA and IR spectroscopy and the advanced Intermodulation AFM, respectively. In contrast to the first system, it was found that BA leads to a decrease of Tg and crosslink density of the polymer while the young’s modulus of the composite and local stiffness of polymer matrix increase significantly.
As a result, the versatile role of Boehmite was detected depending on the investigated systems. Based on the obtained results, the parameters indicating property-efficient epoxy/Boehmite system are suggested.
Mussel-inspired polydopamine (PDA) initiated a multifunctional modification route that leads to the generation of novel advanced materials and their applications. However, existing PDA deposition techniques still exhibit poor spatial control, have a very limited capability of micropatterning and do not allow to locally tune PDA topography. Herein, we demonstrate PDA deposition based on Multiphoton Lithography (MPL) that enables full spatial and temporal control with nearly total freedom of patterning design. Using MPL, we achieve 2D microstructures of complex design with pattern precision of 0.8 μm without the need of a photomask or stamp. Moreover, this approach permits adjusting the morphology and thickness of the fabricated microstructure within one deposition step, resulting in a unique tunability of materials properties. The chemical composition of PDA is confirmed and its ability for protein enzyme immobilization is demonstrated. This work presents a new methodology for high precision and complete control of PDA deposition, enabling PDA incorporation in applications where fine and precise local surface functionalization is required. Possible applications include multicomponent functional elements and devices in microfluidics or lab-on-a-chip systems.
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.
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.
Hybrid materials have attracted growing interest during the last decade, particularly due to their extraordinary properties. Cycloalyphatic-epoxy oligosiloxane (CEO) resin was shown to be a good candidate as a barrier material for the encapsulation purposes. Incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles such as Boehmite (BA) into polymers was observed to modify their specific characteristics, in particular, thermal, thermo-oxidative and barrier ones. In this work, novel BA-embedded organic inorganic hybrid nanocomposite material was engineered by combining the advantageous properties of hybrid polymers and nanoparticle enhancement effect. Impacts of particles on the photocuring kinetics, degree of crosslinking and the resultant changes in the thermal properties of the cured films were investigated. CEO synthesis via condensation reaction was confirmed by 1H and 29Si NMR. The particle distribution within the films was verified by SEM including transmission mode coupled with EDX elemental analysis. Photocuring kinetics and thermal properties of the films were studied by in situ FTIR spectroscopy and DSC with TGA, respectively.
Coating materials are nowadays often required to deliver not only sufficient barrier performance and suited optical appearance but a broad range of other functional properties. The incorporation of inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) is known to improve many key characteristics and provide new functionalities in polymer materials. Presented work aims to prepare and characterize an organic-inorganic coating material designed to bring together advantageous properties of hybrid materials and reinforcement effect delivered from the inorganic NPs embedment.
Siloxane-based hybrid resins hold great advantages as coating materials as their properties can be tuned between those of polymers and those of glasses, thus, the compositions with superior thermal and mechanical properties can be achieved. We used Cycloaliphatic Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEOS) resin as a polymeric matrix where the network formation was achieved by UV induced cationic polymerisation. Boehmite Alumina (BA) nanoparticles were added to CEOS resin as a reinforcing agent and resultant material was processed into films either by bar-coating or by spin-coating depending on further characterization procedure. Two different types of BA NPs, hydrophilic and organophilic, were used in order to assess the impact of particles surface on the resin characteristics. CEOS synthesis by condensation reaction was confirmed using 13C and 29Si NMR. Changes in CEOS photocuring process, resulting from particles incorporation, were monitored by real-time IR spectroscopy. At the same time, the thermal behaviour was evaluated by DSC and TGA methods. Morphology of the coatings was investigated by means of SEM operated in transmission mode.
It was observed that BA presence increased the epoxy conversion degree and glass transition temperature. Material formulations providing best film characteristics were determined with regard to the particle type and loading. Compared to the hydrophilic nanoparticles, organophilic BA NPs yield superior overall performance of the foils.
Organic-inorganic nanostructured materials have drawn much attention over the past decade, particularly due to their versatile and outstanding properties. Possessing the properties between those of polymers and those of glasses, siloxane-based resins are non-toxic, easy to synthesize and process hybrid materials, that hold a promising potential in the field of advanced coatings.
Photocurable resins are nowadays widely used as coatings due to their unique advantages. In particular, cationic ring-opening curing is not inhibited by oxygen, leads to low degree of shrinkage and superior adhesion. The most important, it enables production of high-quality coatings within short exposure times without applying temperature, thus, minimizing the presence of the thermal stress in the substrate. Photocured Cycloaliphatic-Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEO) resin was reported to be used as encapsulation material for organic electronics. However, further reinforcement of CEO properties is desired to achieve requested device lifetime. One of the common approaches to improve material characteristics is by embedding inorganic nanoparticles into polymer matrix. It has been shown that the resulted nanocomposites exhibit enhanced functional properties included but not limited by optical, mechanical, thermal and barrier ones.
In this work we focused on the incorporation of Boehmite nanoparticles (BA) into CEO matrix as a tool to strengthen the film properties and to study the main changes occurred in the material behavior with regard to its photocuring kinetics, thermal stability and glass transition. Particular interest was focused on the role of particle surface in nanocomposite properties. Hence, BA particles without (HP14) and with organic surface modifier (OS1) at different loadings
(up to 10 wt%) were applied in this study. Morphology investigation with SEM operated in transmission mode showed good BA dispersion forming
network-like structure. At the same time, distribution of particles differed for HP14 and OS1 as a result of different interaction in CEO-solvent-particles system. CEO structure obtained via non-hydrolytic sol-gel reaction was verified by 13C and 29Si NMR. In situ monitoring of film curing was performed using
RT-IR spectroscopy. A slight increase of final convention degree with particle incorporation was observed in contrast to the considerable decrease of curing efficiency reported previously for similar system. Further, the cured hybrid nanocomposite films were analyzed by TGA and DSC, which revealed impact of surface modifier on thermal stability and glass transition temperature.
UV-curing coatings are nowadays widely used due to their unique advantages. High-quality coatings can be obtained at short curing times and low temperatures so that thermal stress to the substrate is minimised. Photocured Cycloaliphatic-Epoxy Oligosiloxane (CEO) resin was reported to be used as encapsulation material for organic electronics. However, further reinforcement of CEO film properties is desired to achieve requested device lifetime.
In this work we introduced Boehmite nanoparticles (BA) into CEO matrix in order to modify the film properties and study the main changes of the material behaviour with regard to its photocuring kinetics, thermal stability and glass transition. Particular interest was focused on the role of particle surface in nanocomposite properties. Hence, BA particles without (HP14) and with organic surface modifier (OS1) at different loadings (up to 10 wt%) were applied in this study. Morphology investigation with SEM operated in transmission mode showed good BA dispersion forming network-like structure. At the same time, distribution of particles differed for HP14 and OS1 as a result of different interaction in CEO-solvent-particles system. CEO structure obtained via non-hydrolytic sol-gel reaction was verified by 13C and 29Si NMR. In situ monitoring of film curing was performed using RT-IR spectroscopy. No significant modification of final convention degree with particle incorporation was observed in contrast to considerable decrease of curing efficiency reported previously for similar system by Esposito et al.,2008. Further, cured hybrid nanocomposite films were analysed by TGA and DSC, which revealed impact of surface modifier on film thermal properties.
The X-ray intensities of the K-, L- and M-lines of copper, zirconium and tungsten have been measured with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer of known efficiency as function of photon energy. X-ray production efficiencies were determined from the measured intensities for Kα- and L-series of Cu and Zr and for the L- and M-series of W. These data were compared to calculated X-ray production efficiencies based on the widely used matrix correction models of Pouchou and Pichoir (XPP) and Bastin (PROZA96).
Our results indicate that a replacement of the stopping power in the PROZA96 algorithm by expressions of Joy and Jablonski has only a minor influence on the calculated X-ray production efficiencies. In contrast, the modifications of the ionization cross-section show a stronger effect. We replaced the ionization cross-sections for K lines of the PROZA96 algorithm with different models.
The results for L- and M-Lines are different. For the L-lines of Cu the original XPP and PROZA96 models show the best agreement while using the Bote cross-sections result in an overestimation. For the Zr-L and W-L1, -L2, -L3 X-ray production efficiencies, the Bote cross-sections lead to a significant improvement compared to all other models. The original XPP model represents the best agreement for the M5 efficiencies but underestimates the M4 efficiencies.
There is no superior model or modification because the parameter sets in the models need to be aligned to each other. However, using the ionization cross-sections of Bote, which are based on quantum mechanical calculations, show promising results in many cases.
The thickness of thin films can be measured by various methods, e.g., profilometry, ellipsometry, atomic force microscopy (AFM), or X-ray reflectometry. For the additional determination of thin film composition, techniques like X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) or mass spectrometry-based techniques can be used. An alternative non-destructive technique is electron probe microanalysis (EPMA). This method assumes a sample of homogenous (bulk) chemical composition, so that it cannot be usually applied to thin film samples. However, in combination with the thin film software StrataGEM, the thickness as well as the composition of such films on a substrate can be determined.
This has been demonstrated for FeNi on Si and SiGe on Al2O3 film systems. For both systems five samples with different elemental composition and a reference were produced and characterised by Korean research institute KRISS using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). These samples were used for an international round robin test.
In 2021, a new and open-source thin film evaluation programme called BadgerFilm has been released. It can also be used to determine thin film composition and thickness from intensity ratios of the unknown sample and standards (k-ratios).
In this contribution, we re-evaluated the data acquired for the FeNi and SiGe systems using the BadgerFilm software package and compared the resulting composition and thickness with the results of the established StrataGEM software and other reference methods. With the current evaluation, the BadgerFilm software shows good agreement with the composition and thickness calculated by StrataGEM and as the reference values provided by the KRISS.
Elemental composition and thickness determination of thin films by electron probe microanalysis
(2023)
Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) applies to solid samples of homogenous (bulk) chemical composition and can usually not be applied to structures which are inhomogeneous in the micrometer range such as thin film systems down to a few nm. However, in combination with the established thin film software Stratagem, the thickness as well as the elemental composition of thin films on a substrate can be determined. This has been recently successfully demonstrated for Fe-Ni on Si and Si-Ge on Al2O3 thin film systems. For both systems five samples of different elemental composition and a reference were produced and characterised by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as reference values. Last year, a new and open-source thin film evaluation programme called BadgerFilm has been released. It can also be used to determine thin film composition and thickness from intensity ratios of the unknown sample and standards (k-ratios). In this contribution, we reevaluated the data acquired for the Fe-Ni and Si-Ge systems using the BadgerFilm software package and compared the obtained elemental compositions and thickness values with the results of the Stratagem software and the reference methods. The conclusion is that the BadgerFilm software shows good agreement with the elemental composition and thickness calculated by Stratagem (mostly <2% for both composition and thickness) and with the reference values for two representative thin film systems (<1%–2% for composition and <10%–20% for thickness).
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%).
Electron probe microanalysis (EPMA)is a non-destructive technique which assumes a sample of homogenous (bulk) chemical composition and can, therefore, not be used for thin film samples. However, in combination with one of the possible thin film software packages, STRATAGEM, the thickness as well as the composition of such films on a substrate can be determined.
This has been demonstrated for FeNi on Si and SiGe on Al2O3 film systems. For both systems five samples with different elemental composition and a reference were produced and characterised by the Korean research institute KRISS using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), Rutherford backscattering (RBS), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
In 2021, a new and open source thin film evaluation programme called BADGERFILM has been released. It can also be used to determine thin film composition and thickness from intensity ratios of the unknown sample and standards (k-ratios).
In this contribution, we re-evaluated the data acquired for the FeNi and SiGe systems using the BADGERFILM software package and compared the resulting composition and thickness with the results of the established STRATAGEM software and other reference methods. With the current evaluation, the BADGERFILM software shows good agreement with the composition and thickness calculated by STRATAGEM and provided by the KRISS.
These results between two well-known layered material systems analysed with available conventional EMPA approaches (STRATAGEM and direct thickness measurement by TEM) and a new one (BADGERFILM) proves that reliable non-destructive thin film analysis is possible. In this way, we validate the performance of the new software, which is not at all self-explanatory for such
complex quantification algorithms lying behind the final quantified results.
Small-area/spot photoelectron spectroscopy (SAXPS) is a powerful tool for the investigation of small surface features like microstructures of electronic devices, sensors or other functional surfaces. For evaluating the quality of such microstructures, it is crucial to know whether a small signal in a spectrum is an unwanted contamination of the field of view (FoV), defined by the instrument settings, or it originated from outside. The aperture has a major influence on the signal-contribution from the outside. For the evaluation of the FoV, we determined the Au4f intensities measured with the center of the FoV aligned with the center of the spot and normalized to the Au4f intensity determined on the Au-film. With this test specimen, it was possible to characterize the FoV: The signal-contribution from the outside is reduceable down to lower than 50 %, when the aperture is 30 % of the structure dimension for our Kratos AXIS Ultra DLD system.
Das EMPIR-Förderprogramm wird kurz erläutert und laufende Projekte aus der Nanotechnologie werden vorgestellt. Der Schwerpunkt liegt auf Standardisierungsprojekten, die gemeinsam mit ISO/TC 229 'Nanotechnologies' und CEN/TC 352 'Nanotechnologies' zu neuen Normen führen sollten. Als Beispiel für laufende Nanotechnologie-Projekte mit Koordination aus Deutschland werden MagNaStand (PTB) und nPSize (BAM) gegeben.
Influence of oxygen vacancies on core-shell formation in solid solutions of (Na,Bi)TiO3 and SrTiO3
(2021)
Solid solutions of (Na,Bi)TiO3 (NBT) and SrTiO3 (ST) are materials of interest for high-strain or high-energy density capacitor applications. Often, they exhibit chemical heterogeneity and develop core-shell structures during regular solid-state synthesis with an NBT-rich core. In this case, the NBT forms first so that the strontium needs to diffuse into the material to reach chemical homogeneity. Depending on the presence of core-shell structures, the electrical properties can vary drastically. In this work, we rationalize the effect of variations in oxygen vacancy concentration by Fe-acceptor and Nb-donor doping. It can be shown that a diffusion couple of strontium and oxygen is responsible for chemical homogenization and that the oxygen vacancy content can control the formation of a core-shell structure.
Although the use of noble metal catalysts can increase the efficiency of hydrogen evolution reaction, the process is still limited by the characteristics of the metal-hydrogen (M−H) bond, which can be too strong or too weak, depending on the metal employed. Studies revealed that the hydrogen affinity for the metal surface (i.e. H absorption/desorption) is regulated also by the potential at the metal nanoparticles. Through controlled periodic illumination (CPI) of a series of metal/TiO2 suspensions, here we demonstrated that an increase of the HER efficiency is possible for those photodeposited metals which have a Tafel slope below 125 mV. Two possible explanations are here reported, in both of them the M−H interaction and the metal covering level play a prominent role, which also depend on the prevailing HER mechanism (Volmer-Heyrovsky or Volmer-Tafel).
For almost 150 years it is known that hydrogen has a deleterious effect on the mechanical properties of metallic components. Nowadays, the problem of hydrogen assisted degradation is highly relevant in energy related fields due to the massive use of steel as a structural component in these applications and its sensitivity to hydrogen. Since the discovery of hydrogen assisted cracking (HAC), researchers studied intensively and suggested possible explanations and mechanisms in order to define how hydrogen is affecting the material. In general, it is considered that hydrogen changes the mechanical properties more in terms of ductility (deformation capacities) than in strength (load capacities). Hydrogen concentration is one of three crucial factors in the degradation process, together with the microstructure of the material and the internal/external mechanical load. The relatively high concentration of hydrogen resulting in this loss of ductility can originate during production or before service (e.g. welding processes) and during service (i.e. catholically protected systems to eliminate corrosion processes in sour environments).
In parallel to the theoretical work, tremendous efforts were, and are still, invested in searching for a proper method to elucidate, map and quantify the hydrogen in the microstructure, which is the basis for this work. For steels, the focus is mainly on the observations of diffusion processes and the interaction of hydrogen with the microstructure
in regions with high local stresses/strains (for example around evolving cracks). The challenge for reaching this goal arises from the fact that accurate indication of hydrogen by means of position, unlike heavier atoms, can be made only by mass spectrometry or by interaction with another element (e.g. silver decoration, special coating and resonant nuclear reaction by nitrogen). In addition to this, the difficulty recording the hydrogen behavior while it rapidly diffuses through the material, leaving only the unpredicted failure, should be taken into account.
Although using powerful characterization methods, models and computational simulations, the key to defining the mechanisms behind HAC is still under debate and not fully understood. The relationship between material and hydrogen is determined by three factors, i.e., the material structure and microstructure – determining the physical properties, the mechanical load applied on the material and the hydrogen concentration. It is well known that in order to have a complete definition of HAC these three factors must be examined locally with the minimal scale and the maximal resolution reachable. The major gap is the lack in such a characterization method or a technique by which one has the ability to detect and observe the hydrogen in the metallic microstructure. The commonly used techniques nowadays are capable of characterization of the microstructure without the ability to observe the hydrogen distribution. Global hydrogen concentration and localized hydrogen observation are possible by some techniques which are incapable of indicating a change in the structure or microstructure therefore a comprehensive overview can be gained only by combining several methods.
In the presented research, secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) was adopted as the main tool to detect and locally map the hydrogen distribution in two types of duplex stainless steel grades: EN 1.4462 (standard 2205 duplex stainless steel) and EN 1.4162 (2101 lean duplex stainless steel). The term duplex stainless steel (DSS) refers to the austenitic-ferritic microstructure of the steel where the combination of physical and mechanical properties of the two phases is achieved. The DSS was selected as a case study for this work due to the wide use of this grade in many energy and the lack of knowledge on hydrogen behavior in two-phase containing microstructures. ToFSIMS was exploited in-situ and ex-situ in three experimental approaches during or following
an electrochemical charging procedure. This type of hydrogen charging was selected as it simulated a procedure of cathodic protection of most sub-water oil and gas extraction and delivery systems. The experimental procedures were:
1. Ex-situ charging followed by ToF-SIMS imaging for basic understanding of hydrogen distribution.
2. Ex-situ charging followed by in-situ mechanical loading to obtain information on hydrogen behavior around a propagating crack.
3. In-situ permeation of hydrogen through a steel membrane inside the ToF-SIMS to obtain information on diffusion behavior of hydrogen in a two-phase microstructure.
The comprehensive view of the effect of hydrogen on steel was gained by using supplementary methods, such as high resolution scanning electron microscopy (HR-SEM), focused ion beam (FIB) and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD). The state of the art in this work lies in applying both: in-situ experimental approaches and data treatment of the ToF-SIMS raw data. The data treatment includes the combination of data from several sources (data fusion).
The results for the ex-situ charging followed by static sample imaging and data fusion showed that when the analyzed surface is directly exposed to the electrolyte the degradation is pronounced differently in the ferrite, austenite and interface. The degradation mechanisms in the ferrite and austenite were reflected by the formation of cracks on the surface of both, where a high concentration of hydrogen was obtained. This result supports the assumption that hydrogen is attracted to highly deformed regions. The advantage of using in-situ charging/permeation in comparison to ex-situ charging is that the effect of hydrogen on the ferrite and austenite phases when the hydrogen is evolving from within the microstructure is realized, in comparison to when the analyzed surface is initially exposed directly to the electrolyte. In both experiments the ferrite was observed as a fast diffusion path for the hydrogen. The faster diffusion of hydrogen through the ferrite is expected due to the higher diffusion coefficient, however, a direct proof for the diffusion sequence in this scale was never shown. Most significant results were achieved by the ‘core’ experiments of this research. These experiments included the design of a novel dynamic mechanical loading device to apply an external load during SIMS imaging of a hydrogen precharged-notched sample. For the first time it was shown that plastic deformation induced by applying a mechanical load is resulting in a redistribution of hydrogen locally around the notch.
Duplex (DSS) and austenitic stainless steels (ASS) are frequently used in many energy related applications. The duplex grade is considered to have outstanding mechanical properties as well as good corrosion resistance. The austenitic phase combines high ductility, even at low temperatures, with sufficient strength, and therefore such materials are applied in storage and transport of high-pressure hydrogen. During service in acidic environments large amounts of hydrogen can ingress into the microstructure and induce many changes in the mechanical properties of the steel. Embrittlement of steels by hydrogen remains unclear even though this topic has been intensively studied for several decades. The reason for that lies in the inability to validate the proposed theoretical models in the sub-micron scale. Among the very few available methods nowadays, Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) enables a highly accurate mapping of hydrogen in the microstructure in a spatial resolution below 100 nm. In the present work ToF-SIMS was used as a main tool in order to investigate the effect of deuterium on a duplex microstructure of lean and standard DSSs during and after the electrochemical charging process. Electrochemical charging simulates the service of a component in acidic environments under conditions of cathodic protection that are commonly applied to prevent corrosion reactions. ToF-SIMS after multivariate data analysis (MVA) was combined with high resolution topographic images and electron back-scattered diffraction (EBSD) data to characterize the structural changes. It was observed that the ferritic phase was affected almost identical in all steels whereas in the austenitic phase significant differences were obtained in the lean duplex in comparison to the standard DSS. The obtained results have been compared to similar investigations on a AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel. The advantage of the combined techniques is reflected by the ability to correlate the hydrogen distribution in the microstructure and the resulted phase transformation.
In the presented research, the high potential and abilities of secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) to detect and locally map the hydrogen distribution in two types of duplex stainless steels are shown. The research validates certain proposed mechanisms by combining ToF-SIMS with high-resolution scanning electron microscopy and electron-backscattered diffraction. The combination of data from several techniques on the same region was conducted in this field for the first time by applying data treatment of the ToF-SIMS raw data and data fusion approach. This powerful combination of methods allows reviewing of the occurring processes related to hydrogen assisted cracking. The step beyond the state of the art in this field was gained here by developing permeation and mechanical loading experiments within the ToF-SIMS during chemometric imaging of the hydrogen distribution in the microstructure. The research presents the necessary correlation between the hydrogen distribution and the resulted structural changes, the diffusion behavior in a duplex microstructure and stress induced diffusion of hydrogen by applying external load at the microscale.
Due to its low mass and high diffusivity in presence of compositional, thermal and mechanical gradients, hydrogen within a metallic microstructure can result in severe loss in ductility even at low concentrations and might lead eventually to a catastrophic and unpredictable failure of structural components during service. In this context, hydrogen mapping at the microscale is still considered among the most important challenges on the pathway towards a better understanding of the hydrogen transport and assisted cracking phenomena in metals, specifically in structural components, e.g. steels.
Among the very few available techniques to localize hydrogen at the microscale, Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a reliable tool. Based on the assumption that deuterium influence the microstructure similarly to hydrogen, in the following contribution ToF-SIMS was applied as the main technique to detect and locally map the deuterium distribution in several alloys: lean 2101 and standard 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS), AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel and titanium 6Al-4V alloy. These alloys were selected as case studies in this work due to the wide use of them in many applications and environments which frequently provide critical conditions for hydrogen absorption and assisted degradation.
The innovative design of in-situ and ex-situ experiments enabled us to elucidate the permeation, transport and trapping of deuterium in the microstructure in sub-micron resolution for the first time. In addition to the novel experimental setups, further progress was gained by applying computational multivariate data analysis (MVA) on the raw data and data fusion with high resolution structural characterization methods (scanning electron microscopy and electron back-scattered diffraction – SEM/EBSD). This combination allowed us to correlate the deuterium distribution and the influence on the microstructure.
Among the very few techniques to localize hydrogen (H) at the microscale in steels, Time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF-SIMS) was proven to be a reliable tool. The necessity to detect hydrogen stems from its deleterious effects in metals, that are often used as structural components and to obtain better understanding of the underlying metallurgical mechanisms of hydrogen embrittlement (HE) which are still unclear.
Austenitic stainless steels are nowadays commonly used in a wide variety of application, from hydrogen transport and storage facilities to petrochemical and offshore applications where they are exposed to aggressive environments and therefore prone to HE. One of the greater risks in the austenitic class is the embrittlement of the material due to the instability of the γ austenite and its transformation into a brittle α martensitic phase. This transformation takes place due to the local stresses that are induced by the uptake of hydrogen during service. Nonetheless, it was shown that this transformation can occur as an artefact during SIMS analysis itself where Cs-sputtering is necessary not only to remove surface contaminations but mainly to enhance H/D secondary ion yield.
In the following contribution we show the influence of different sputtering conditions on AISI 304L austenitic stainless steel in order to distinguish the artefact from the hydrogen induced transformation. The material was charged electrochemically in a deuterium based electrolyte. Deuterium (D) must be in these experiments as a replacement for hydrogen which cannot be used because adsorbed hydrogen superimposes hydrogen originating from charging the sample in the SIMS images. ToF-SIMS analyses were conducted by ToF SIMS IV (IONTOF GmbH, Münster, Germany). The experiments were carried out on deuterium charged and non-charged samples. The structural characterization was carried out by SEM and EBSD examinations before and after charging, both with a Leo Gemeni 1530VP field-emission scanning electron microscope and a Zeiss Supra 40 instrument (Carl Zeiss Microscopy GmbH, Oberkochen, Germany). The results showed that the use of 1keV Cs+ beam induces stacking faults while higher sputter beam energies results in γ→α transformation.
Introduction
(2020)
The purpose of this book is to provide a comprehensive collection of analytical methods that are commonly used to measure nanoparticles, providing information on one, or more, property of importance. The chapters provide up-to-date information and guidance on the use of these techniques, detailing the manner in which they may be reliably employed. Within this chapter, we detail the rationale and context of the whole book, which is driven by the observation of a low level of reproducibility in nanoparticle research. The aim of the book is to encourage awareness of both the strengths and weaknesses of the various methods used to measure nanoparticles and raise awareness of the range of methods that are available. The editors of the book have, for many years, been engaged in European projects and standardization activities concerned with nanoparticle analysis and have identified authors who are experts in the various methods included within the book. This has produced a book that can be used as a definitive guide to current best practice in nanoparticle measurement.
Outer membrane lipopolysaccharides (LPS) play a crucial role in determining attachment behavior and pathogenicity of bacteria. The aim of this study was to develop a simple procedure for anchoring bacterial lipopolysaccharides to polystyrene (PS) microparticles as a model system for in situ attachment studies. By using a swellcapture methodology, commercially available LPS of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (strain ATCC 27316 serotype 10.22) was anchored onto PS microparticles in a proof-of-concept study. A detailed chemical and morphological characterization has proven the success of LPS incorporation. It was shown that the coverage and structure of the LPS film was concentration dependent. The procedure can easily be adapted to LPS of other bacterial strains to generate a synthetic model toolkit for attachment studies.
Surface-functionalized polymer beads encoded with molecular luminophores and nanocrystalline emitters such as semiconductor nanocrystals, often referred to as quantum dots (QDs), or magnetic nanoparticles are broadly used in the life sciences as reporters and carrier beads. Many of these applications require a profound knowledge of the chemical nature and total number of their surface functional groups (FGs), that control bead charge, colloidal stability, hydrophobicity, and the interaction with the environment and biological systems. For bioanalytical applications, also the
number of groups accessible for the subsequent functionalization with, e.g., biomolecules or targeting ligands is relevant. In this study, we explore the influence of QD encoding on the amount of carboxylic acid (COOH) surface FGs of 2 μm polystyrene microparticles (PSMPs). This is done for frequently employed oleic acid and oleylamine stabilized, luminescent core/shell CdSe QDs and two commonly used encoding procedures. This included QD addition during bead formation by a thermally induced polymerization reaction and a post synthetic swelling procedure. The accessible number of COOH groups on the surface of QD-encoded and pristine beads was quantified by two colorimetric assays, utilizing differently sized reporters and electrostatic and covalent interactions. The results were compared to the total number of FGs obtained by a conductometric titration and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). In addition, a comparison of the impact of QD and dye encoding on the bead surface chemistry was performed. Our results demonstrate the influence of QD encoding and the QD-encoding strategy on the number of surface FG that is ascribed to an interaction of the QDs with the carboxylic acid groups on the bead surface. These findings are of considerable relevance for applications of nanoparticle-encoded beads and safe-by-design concepts for nanomaterials.
Ellipsometry is a matured experimental method, whose roots reach back into the early phase of modern optics itself. It is often attributed to be invented by Paul Drude in the last decade of the 19th century, but similar techniques had already been applied for years before Drude started his work. With this Special Issue about ellipsometry and related techniques, we hope to bring more attention to this method and advance and propagate it to be used by a broader community. We have collected a good mixture of articles: some texts are more in the line of users’ tutorial and best practice guides; others are intended to show recent developments of the method. With this collection, we also hope to show the generally rapidly expanding possibilities of ellipsometry and polarimetry to draw attention of new users and previously unrelated communities to this valuable tool.
In the present talk the basics of the Raman spectroscopy and particularly of Raman microscopy are explained. Advantages and disadvantages of the method are highlighted through selected case studies. In the second part of the lecture examples of correlative imaging with electron, X-ray, ion and optical microscopies from micro- to the nanoscale are highlighted.
This chapter provides an introduction in secondary ion mass spectrometry as one of the leading surface chemical analysis and imaging techniques with molecular specificity in the field of material sciences. The physical basics of the technique are explained along with a description of the typical instrumental setups and their modes of operation. The application paragraph specifically focuses on nanoparticle analysis by SIMS in terms of surface spectrometry, imaging, analysis in organic and complex media, and depth profiling.
A review of the existing literature is provided, and selected studies are showcased. Limitations and pitfalls as well as current technical developments of SIMS application in nanoparticle surface chemical analysis are equally discussed.
While noncovalent interactions at two-dimensional nanobiointerfaces are extensively investigated, less knowledge about covalent interactions at this interface is available. In this work, boronic acid-functionalized 2D MoS2 was synthesized and its covalent multivalent interactions with bacteria and nematodes were investigated. Polymerization of glycidol by freshly exfoliated MoS2 and condensation of 2,5-thiophenediylbisboronic acid on the produced platform resulted in boronic acid-functionalized 2D MoS2. The destructive interactions between 2D MoS2 and bacteria as well as nematodes were significantly amplified by boronic acid functional groups. Because of the high antibacterial and antinematodal activities of boronic acid-functionalized 2D MoS2, its therapeutic efficacy for diabetic wound healing was investigated. The infected diabetic wounds were completely healed 10 days after treatment with boronic acid-functionalized 2D MoS2, and a normal structure for recovered tissues including different layers of skin, collagen, and blood vessels was detected.
We studied the dissolution behavior of β NaYF4:Yb(20%), Er(2%) UCNP of two different sizes in biologically relevant media i.e., water (neutral pH), phosphate buffered saline (PBS), and Dulbecco’s modified Eagle medium (DMEM) at different temperatures and particle concentrations. Special emphasis was dedicated to assess the influence of different surface functionalizations, particularly the potential of mesoporous and microporous silica shells of different thicknesses for UCNP stabilization and protection. Dissolution was quantified electrochemically using a fluoride ion selective electrode (ISE) and by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES). In addition, dissolution was monitored fluorometrically. These experiments revealed that a thick microporous silica shell drastically decreased dissolution. Our results also underline the critical influence of the chemical composition of the aqueous environment on UCNP dissolution. In DMEM, we observed the formation of a layer of adsorbed molecules on the UCNP surface that protected the UCNP from dissolution and enhanced their fluorescence. Examination of this layer by X ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and mass spectrometry (MS) suggested that mainly phenylalanine, lysine, and glucose are adsorbed from DMEM. These findings should be considered in the future for cellular toxicity studies with UCNP and other nanoparticles and the design of new biocompatible surface coatings.
Efficient water electrolysis requires highly active electrodes. The activity of corresponding catalytic coatings strongly depends on material properties such as film thickness, crystallinity, electrical conductivity, and chemical surface speciation. Measuring these properties with high accuracy in vacuum-free and nondestructive methods facilitates the elucidation of structure−activity relationships in realistic environments. Here, we report a novel approach to analyze the optical and electrical properties of highly active oxygen evolution reaction (OER) catalysts via spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE). Using a series of differently calcined, mesoporous, templated iridium oxide films as an example, we assess the film thickness, porosity, electrical resistivity, electron concentration, electron mobility, and interband and intraband transition energies by modeling of the optical spectra. Independently performed analyses using scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, ellipsometric porosimetry, X-ray reflectometry, and absorption spectroscopy indicate a high accuracy of the deduced material properties. A comparison of the derived analytical data from SE, resonant photoemission spectroscopy, X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy with activity measurements of the OER suggests that the intrinsic activity of iridium oxides scales with a shift of the Ir 5d t2g sub-level and an increase of p−d interband transition energies caused by a transition of μ1-OH to μ3-O species.
Ellipsometry-based approach for the characterization of mesoporous thin films for H2 technologies
(2021)
Porous thin layer materials are gaining importance in different fields of technology and pose a challenge to the accurate determination of materials properties important for their function. In this work, we demonstrate a hybrid measurement technique using ellipsometry together with other independent methods for validation. Ellipsometry provides information about the porosity of different mesoporous films (PtRuNP/OMC = 45%; IrOx = 46%) as well as about the pore size (pore radius of ca. 5 nm for PtRuNP/OMC). In addition, the electronic structure of a material, such as intraband transitions of a mesoporous IrOx film, can be identified, which can be used to better understand the mechanisms of chemical processes. In addition, we show that ellipsometry can be used as a scalable imaging and visualization method for quality assurance in production. These require accurate and traceable measurements, with reference materials playing an important role that include porosity and other related properties. We show that our novel analytical methods are useful for improving analytical work in this entire field.
Catalysts are important components in chemical processes because they lower the activation energy and thus determine the rate, efficiency and selectivity of a chemical reaction. This property plays an important role in many of today’s processes, including the electrochemical splitting of water. Due to the continuous development of catalyst materials, they are becoming more complex, which makes a reliable evaluation of physicochemical properties challenging even for modern analytical measurement techniques and industrial manufacturing.
We present a fast, vacuum-free and non-destructive analytical approach using multi-sample spectroscopic ellipsometry to determine relevant material parameters such as film thickness, porosity and composition of mesoporous IrOx–TiOy films. Mesoporous IrOx–TiOy films were deposited on Si wafers by sol–gel synthesis, varying the composition of the mixed oxide films between 0 and 100 wt%Ir. The ellipsometric modeling is based on an anisotropic Bruggeman effective medium approximation (a-BEMA) to determine the film thickness and volume fraction of the material and pores. The volume fraction of the material was again modeled using a Bruggeman EMA to determine the chemical composition of the materials. The ellipsometric fitting results were compared with complementary methods, such as scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron probe microanalysis (EPMA) as well as environmental ellipsometric porosimetry (EEP).