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Role of metal cations in plasmon-catalyzed oxidation: A case study of p-aminothiophenol dimerization
(2017)
The mechanism of the plasmon-catalyzed reaction of p-aminothiophenol (PATP) to 4,4′-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) on the surface of metal nanoparticles has been discussed using data from surface-enhanced Raman scattering of DMAB. Oxides and hydroxides formed in a plasmon-catalyzed process were proposed to play a central role in the reaction. Here, we report DMAB formation on gold nanoparticles occurring in the presence of the metal cations Ag+, Au3+, Pt4+, and Hg2+. The experiments were carried out under conditions where formation of gold oxide or hydroxide from the nanoparticles can be excluded and at high pH where the formation of the corresponding oxidic species from the metal ions is favored. On the basis of our results, we conclude that, under these conditions, the selective oxidation of PATP to DMAB takes place via formation of a metal oxide from the ionic species in a plasmon-catalyzed process. By evidencing the necessity of the presence of the metal cations, the reported results underpin the importance of metal oxides in the reaction.
Efficient water oxidation catalysts are required for the development of water splitting technologies. Herein, the synthesis of layered hybrid NiFephenylphosphonate compounds from metal acetylacetonate precursors and phenylphosphonic acid in benzyl alcohol, and their Oxygen evolution reaction performance in alkaline medium, are reported. The hybrid particles are formed by inorganic layers of NiO6 and FeO6 distorted octahedra separated by bilayers of the organic group, and template the Formation in situ of NiFe hydroxide nanosheets of sizes between 5 and 25 nm and thicknesses between 3 and 10 nm. X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements suggest that the hybrid also acts as a template for the local structure of the metal sites in the active catalyst, which remain distorted after the transformation. Optimum electrocatalytic activity is achieved with the hybrid compound with a Fe content of 16%. The combination of the synergistic effect between Ni and Fe with the structural properties of the hybrid results in an efficient catalyst that generates a current density of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 240 mV, and also in a stable catalyst that operates continuously at low overpotentials for 160 h.
Carbon nanotube-grafted carbon fiber polymer composites: Damage characterization on the micro scale
(2017)
Multiwall carbon nanotubes (CNTs) e carbon fibers (CFs)hybrid materials were produced by directly growing CNTs on CFs by means of chemical vapor deposition. For the latter, the oxidative dehydrogenation reaction of C2H2 and CO2 was applied, which allows growing CNTs without damaging the CF surface. Uni-directional nano-engineered carbon fiber reinforced composites (nFRCs) were fabricated by impregnating these hybrid materials with epoxy. The nFRCs subjected to single fiber push-out tests revealed a decrease of the interfacial shear strength (IFSS) of about 36% compared to the carbon fiber composites without CNTs. By means of transverse three-point bending tests performed on pre-notched composite beams inside a scanning electron microscope, the fracturing behavior parallel to the fibers was studied in-situ. The nFRCs showed significantly reduced fiber/matrix debonding while CNTs pull-out, CNTs bridging as well as matrix failure occurred. These results demonstrate that the presence of CNTs in nFRCs affects the stress distribution and consequently the damage Initiation as well as the damage propagation. The presence of CNTs suppresses the stress concentration at the fiber/Matrix interface and reduces the debonding of CFs from the matrix. However, our results indicate that the stress concentration shifts towards the CNTs' ends/matrix interface and causes promoted matrix failure leading to lower IFSS.
Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS) is often applied to assess the dispersity and the end groups of synthetic polymers through the addition of cationizing agents. Here weaddress how these cation adducts are formed using polystyrene (PS) as a model polymer. We analyzed PSby MALDI-MS with a 2-[(2E)-3-(4-tert-butylphenyl)-2-methylprop-2-enylidene]malononitrile (DCTB) as the matrix and a range of trifluoroacetate (TFA) salts as cationizing agents on a range of different targetplate materials (copper, 1.4301 stainless steel, aluminum, Inconel 625, Ti90/Al6/V4 and chromium-, gold-and silver-plated stainless steel). It was found that on a stainless steel substrate the metal cations Al+,Li+, Na+, Cu+and Ag+formed polystyrene adducts, whereas K+, Cs+, Ba2+, Cr3+, Pd2+, In3+, or their lower oxidation states, did not. For the copper and silver substrates, PS and DCTB adduct formation with cations liberated from these target plate materials was observed upon addition of a cationizing agent, which indicates the occurrence of redox reactions between the added TFA salts and the target plate material. Judging from their standard electrode potentials, these redox reactions would not normally occur, i.e.,they require an additional energy input, strongly suggesting that the observed redox reactions are laser-induced. Furthermore, copper granules were found to successfully sequester PS from a tetrahydrofuran(THF) solution, consistent with the view complex formation with the copper target plate can take place prior to the MALDI-MS measurement.
Silica nanowires spanning 10 μm-deep trenches are fabricated from different types of silsesquioxane-based precursors by direct e-beam patterning on silicon followed by release through deep reactive ion etching. Nanowire aspect ratios as large as 150 are achieved with a critical dimension of about 50 nm and nearly rectangular cross-sections. In situ bending tests are carried out inside a scanning electron microscope, where the etch depth of 10 mm provides sufficient space for deformation. Silica NWs are indeed observed to exhibit superplastic behavior without fracture with deflections reaching the full etch depth, about two orders of magnitude larger than the nanowire thickness. A large-deformation elastic bending model is utilized for predicting the deviation from the elastic behavior. The results of forty different tests indicate a critical stress level of 0.1–0.4 GPa for the onset of plasticity. The study hints at the possibility of fabricating silica nanowires in a monolithic Fashion through direct e-beam patterning of silsesquioxane-based resins. The fabrication technology is compatible with semiconductor manufacturing and provides silica nanowires with a very good structural integrity.
Nanoscale building blocks impart added functionalities to microelectromechanical systems (MEMS). The integration of silicon nanowires with MEMS-based sensors leading to miniaturization with improved sensitivity and higher noise immunity is one example highlighting the advantages of this multiscale approach. The accelerated pace of research in this area gives rise to an urgent need for batch-compatible solutions for scaling to nano. To address this challenge, a monolithic fabrication approach of silicon nanowires with 10-lm-thick silicon-on-insulator (SOI) MEMS is developed in this work. A two-step Si etching approach is adopted, where the first step creates a shallow surface protrusion and the second step releases it in the form of a nanowire. It is during this second deep etching step that MEMS—with at least a 2-order-of-magnitude scale difference - is formed as well. The technique provides a pathway for preserving the lithographic resolution and transforming it into a very high mechanical precision in the assembly of micro- and nanoscales with an extreme topography. Validation of the success of integration is carried out via in situ actuation of MEMS inside an electron microscope loading the nanowire up to its fracture. The technique yields nanowires on the top surface of MEMS, thereby providing ease of access for the purposes of carrying out surface processes such as doping and contact formation as well as in situ observation. As the first study demonstrating such monolithic integration in thick SOI, the work presents a pathway for scaling down to nano for future MEMS combining multiple scales.
The rational design of brighter upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) requires a better understanding of the radiationless deactivation pathways in these materials. Here, we demonstrate the potential of excitation power density (P)-dependent studies of upconversion (UC) luminescence intensities, slope factors, and absolute quantum yields (ΦUC) of popular β-NaYF4:20% Yb3+,2% Er3+ UCNPs of different surface chemistries in organic solvents, D2O, and water as a tool to gain deeper insight into the UC mechanism including population and deactivation pathways particularly of the red emission. Our measurements, covering a P regime of three orders of magnitude, reveal a strong difference of the P-dependence of the ratio of the green and red luminescence bands (Ig/r) in water and organic solvents and P-dependent population pathways of the different emissive energy levels of Er3+. In summary, we provide experimental evidence for three photon processes in UCNPs, particularly for the red emission. Moreover, we demonstrate changes in the excited population dynamics via bi- and triphotonic processes dependent on the environment, surface chemistry, and P, and validate our findings theoretically
A combined methodical approach is tested for the first time with respect to the characterization of the inner structure of porous TiO2 layers infiltrated with ruthenium molecular sensitizer as typically used in modern dye sensitized solar cells (DSSC). Their performance is directly linked to the surface area ‘offered’ by the pore Network to the dye. The micrometer thick layer employed was manufactured by screen-printing of a starting TiO2 powder constituted of shape-controlled, bipyramidal anatase nanoparticles (NPs) on FTO/glass substrates. The
analytical methods exploited in our study are Focused Ion Beam (FIB) slicing followed by 3D reconstruction as well as the new approach transmission Kikuchi diffraction (TKD) technology in the scanning electron microscope (SEM). While the first method results in the visualization of the 3D pore network within the TiO2 layer, the second one can be successfully applied to analyze the crystal orientation of grains (i.e. NPs in our case) in nanometer resolution. Moreover, size and shape distribution of the TiO2 NPs within the layer can be extracted.
SEM in transmission mode and atomic force microscopy (AFM) have been used to verify the dimensional data obtained by the new combined methodical approach. Its analytical benefits but also the challenges and limitations
are highlighted.
Reliable nanomaterial classification of powders using the volume-specific surface area method
(2017)
The volume-specific surface area (VSSA) of a particulate material is one of two apparently very different metrics recommended by the European Commission for a definition of "nanomaterial" for regulatory purposes: specifically, the VSSA metric may classify nanomaterials and non-nanomaterials differently than the median size in number metrics, depending on the chemical composition, size, polydispersity, shape, porosity, and aggregation of the particles in the powder.
Here we evaluate the extent of agreement between classification by electron microscopy (EM) and classification by VSSA on a large set of diverse particulate substances that represent all the anticipated challenges except mixtures of different substances. EM and VSSA are determined in multiple labs to assess also the level of reproducibility. Based on the results obtained on highly characterized benchmark materials from the
NanoDefine EU FP7 project, we derive a tiered screening strategy for the purpose of implementing the definition of nanomaterials. We finally apply the Screening strategy to further industrial materials, which were classified correctly and left only borderline cases for EM.
On platelet-shaped nanomaterials, VSSA is essential to prevent false-negative classification by EM. On porous materials, approaches involving extended Adsorption isotherms prevent false positive classification by VSSA. We find no false negatives by VSSA, neither in Tier 1 nor in Tier 2, despite real-world industrial polydispersity and diverse composition, shape, and coatings. The VSSA screening strategy is recommended for inclusion in a technical guidance for the implementation of the definition.
We analyse the signal formation process for scanning electron microscopic imaging applications on crystalline specimens. In accordance with previous investigations, we find nontrivial effects of incident beam diffraction on the backscattered electron distribution in energy and momentum. Specifically, incident beam diffraction causes angular changes of the backscattered electron distribution which we identify as the dominant mechanism underlying pseudocolour orientation imaging using multiple, angle-resolving detectors. Consequently, diffraction effects of the incident beam and their impact on the subsequent coherent and incoherent electron transport need to be taken into account for an in-depth theoretical modelling of the energy- and momentum distribution of electrons backscattered from crystalline sample regions. Our findings have implications for the level of theoretical detail that can be necessary for the interpretation of complex imaging modalities such as electron channelling contrast imaging (ECCI) of defects in crystals. If the solid angle of detection is limited to specific regions of the backscattered electron momentum distribution, the image contrast that is observed in ECCI and similar applications can be strongly affected by incident beam diffraction and topographic effects from the sample surface. As an application, we demonstrate characteristic changes in the resulting images if different properties of the backscattered electron distribution are used for the analysis of a GaN thin film sample containing dislocations.
Divalent metal phosphonates are promising hybrid materials with a broad field of application. The rich coordination chemistry of the phosphonate linkers enables the formation of structures with different dimensionalities ranging from isolated complexes and layered structures to porous frameworks incorporating various functionalities through the choice of the building blocks.
In brief, metal phosphonates offer an interesting opportunity for the design of multifunctional materials. Here, we provide a short review on the class of divalent metal phosphonates discussing their syntheses, structures, and applications. We present the advantages of the recently introduced mechanochemical pathway for the Synthesis of divalent phosphonates as a possibility to generate new, in certain cases metastable compounds. The benefits of in situ investigation of synthesis mechanisms as well as the implementation of sophisticated methods for the structure analysis of the resulting compounds are discussed.
Abstract: Nondestructive evaluation (NDE) methods have received growing acceptance in many testing tasks in the assessment of concrete infrastructures. Substantial progress in NDE methods for concrete structures can be achieved by discussing the specifics of each testing scenario. Because of the large variety of testing scenarios, the testing tasks must be isolated into subtasks, which can then be solved by NDE methods. A classification scheme for NDE tasks is described and discussed in this paper. Four major groups have been identified: the construction process, the concrete structure, physical or chemical processes, and material properties. For each of these groups, a number of subtasks are described. Typical parameter ranges and Resolution requirements are illustrated and major influencing factors listed. Reference specimens may be designed to be used for performance evaluation, validation, and certification of NDE methods. The classifications can also be used to draft a research road map that benefits both the owners of infrastructure and the instrument developers.
Mobility particle size spectrometers (MPSS) belong to the essential instruments in aerosol science that determine the particle number size distribution (PNSD)in the submicrometer size range. Following calibration procedures and target uncertainties against standards and reference instruments are suggested for a complete MPSS quality assurance program: a) calibration of the CPC counting efficiency curve (within 5% for the plateau counting efficiency; within 1 nm for the 50% detection efficiency diameter), b) sizing calibration of the MPSS, using a certified polystyrene latex (PSL) particle size standard at 203 nm (within 3%), c) intercomparison of the PNSD of the MPSS (within 10% and 20% of the dN/dlogDP concentration for the particle size range 20 – 200 nm and 200 to 800 nm, respectively), and d) intercomparison of the integral PNC of the MPSS (within 10%). Furthermore, following measurement uncertainties have been investigated: a) PSL particle size standards in the range from 100-500nm match within 1% after sizing calibration at 203 nm. b) Bipolar diffusion chargers based on the radioactive nuclides Kr85, Am241 and Ni63 and a new ionizer based on corona discharge follow the recommended bipolar charge distribution, while soft X-ray-based charges may alter faster than expected. c) The use of a positive high voltage supply show a 10% better performance than a negative one. d) The intercomparison of the integral PNC of an MPSS against the total number concentration is still within the target uncertainty at an ambient pressure of approximately 500 hPa.
Avoiding aerial microfibre contamination of environmental samples is essential for reliable analyses when it comes to the detection of ubiquitous microplastics. Almost all laboratories have contamination problems which are largely unavoidable without investments in clean-air devices. Therefore, our study supplies an approach to assess background microfibre contamination of samples in the laboratory under particle-free air conditions. We tested aerial contamination of samples indoor, in a mobile laboratory, within a laboratory fume hood and on a clean bench with particles filtration during the examining process of a fish. The used clean bench reduced aerial microfibre contamination in our laboratory by 96.5%. This highlights the value of suitable clean-air devices for valid microplastic pollution data. Our results indicate, that pollution levels by microfibres have been overestimated and actual pollution levels may be many times lower. Accordingly, such clean-air devices are recommended for microplastic laboratory applications in future research work to significantly lower error rate
Novel MnS nanoclusters were synthesized on nickel foam (NF) using a successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) method. MnS nanoclusters with different sizes were obtained by varying the number of deposition cycles. The crystal structure, chemical composition, and surface microstructure of the electrodes were characterized by X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, field Emission scanning electron microscopy, and high-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical behavior of the MnS nanoclusters was examined by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, cycling test, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The MnS nanoclusters prepared with 90 SILAR cycles showed the best supercapacitance in a 6 M KOH aqueous electrolyte with a specific capacitance of 828 F/g at a scan rate of 5 mV/s and cycling stability of 85.2 % after 5000 charge–discharge cycles.
Moreover, an asymmetric supercapacitor (ASC) was assembled with the as-prepared MnS electrode on NF as the positive electrode, hydrothermally prepared reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on NF as the negative electrode, and PVA–KOH gel as the electrolyte. The MnS@NF//rGO@NF ASC showed excellent electrochemical performance with maximum energy and power densities of 34.1 Wh/kg and 12.8 kW/kg, respectively. The ASC also showed a capacitive retention of 86.5 % after 2000 charge–discharge cycles, highlighting its practical application for energy storage.
The current review focuses on vesicles obtained from the self-assembly of two types of dendritic macromolecules, namely amphiphilic Janus dendrimers (forming dendrimersomes) and amphiphilic dumbbells. In the first part, we will present some synthetic strategies and the various building blocks that can be used to obtain dendritic-based macromolecules, thereby showing their structural versatility. We put our focus on amphiphilic Janus dendrimers and amphiphilic dumbbells that form vesicles in water but we also encompass vesicles formed thereof in organic solvents. The second part of this review deals with the production methods of these vesicles at the nanoscale but also at the microscale. Furthermore, the influence of various parameters (intrinsic to the amphiphilic JD and extrinsic—from the environment) on the type of vesicle formed will be discussed. In the third part, we will review the numerous biomedical applications of these vesicles of nano- or micron-size.
Currently great effort is made to find materials and technologies for the recycling of phosphate from wastewater.
Herein, we present an in-depth study of the Phosphate adsorption mechanism of a promising adsorber material, a Zn−Fe−Zr oxyhydroxide-based nanostructured precipitate. The behavior of the multicomponent nanomaterial, consisting of both crystalline and amorphous parts, is investigated via X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and Mössbauer spectroscopy, revealing the importance of the nanostructured composition for the phosphate adsorption. We found evidence that adsorption takes place especially in the vicinity of iron sites in the amorphous part of the material.
This article reports on the characterization of four superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles stabilized with dimercaptosuccinic acid, which are suitable candidates for reference materials for magnetic properties. Particles p1 and p2 are single-core particles, while p3 and p4 are multi-core particles. Small-angle X-ray scattering analysis reveals a lognormal type of size distribution for the iron oxide cores of the particles. Their mean radii are 6.9 nm (p1), 10.6 nm (p2), 5.5 nm (p3) and 4.1 nm (p4), with narrow relative distribution widths of 0.08, 0.13, 0.08 and 0.12. The cores are arranged as a clustered network in the form of dense mass fractals with a fractal dimension of 2.9 in the multi-core particles p3 and p4, but the cores are well separated from each other by a protecting organic shell. The radii of gyration of the mass fractals are 48 and 44 nm, and each network contains 117 and 186 primary particles, respectively. The radius distributions of the primary particle were confirmed with transmission electron microscopy. All particles contain purely maghemite, as shown by X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy
Basic paths towards fully green flame retarded kenaf fiber reinforced polylactic acid (K-PLA) biocomposites are compared. Multicomponent flame retardant Systems are investigated using an amount of 20 wt% such as Mg(OH)2 (MH), ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and expandable graphite (EG), and combinations with Silicon dioxide or layered silicate (LS) nanofillers. Adding Kenaf fibers and flame retardants increases the E modulus up to a factor 2, although no compatibilizer was used at all. Thus, in particular adding EG and MH decreases the strength at maximum elongation, and kenaf fibers, MH, and EG are crucial for reducing the elongation to break. The Oxygen index is improved by up to 33 vol% compared to 17 vol% for K-PLA. The HB classification of K-PLA in the UL 94 test is outperformed. All flame retarded biocomposites show somewhat lower thermal stability and increased amounts of residue. MH decreases the fire load significantly, and the greatest reduction in peak heat release rate is obtained for K-PLA/15MH/5LS. Synergistic effects are observed between EG and APP (ratio 2:1) in flammability and fire properties. Synergistic multicomponent systems containing EG and APP, or MH with adjuvants offer a promising route to green flame retarded natural fiber reinforced PLA biocomposites.
Magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle clusters (mnpc) coated with organic stabilizers were investigated using scanning transmission x-ray microscopy (STXM). Simultaneous surface and bulk sensitive Fe L₃ edge absorption spectra, obtained using a photomultiplier tube and a channeltron, were used to detect subtle changes in the oxidation state in the surface and bulk of Iron Oxide mnpc. The effectiveness of this mode of STXM operation is demonstrated for these nanoparticle clusters.