Nanomaterials

1894 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced Efficiency in Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells by Electron Transport and Light Scattering on Freestanding TiO₂ Nanotube Arrays

by Won-Yeop Rho, Da Hyun Song, Sang Hun Lee and Bong-Hyun Jun

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 345; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100345 - 24 Oct 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4098

Abstract

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with closed- or open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays as photoelectrodes that were decorated with carbon materials and large TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance energy conversion efficiency. The energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs based on open-ended [...] Read more.

Dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) were fabricated with closed- or open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays as photoelectrodes that were decorated with carbon materials and large TiO₂ nanoparticles (NPs) to enhance energy conversion efficiency. The energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs based on open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays increased from 4.47% to 5.39%, compared to the DSSCs based on closed-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays. In DSSCs based on the open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays, the energy conversion efficiency with carbon materials increased from 5.39% to 6.19% due to better electron transport, and that with a scattering layer from 5.39% to 6.24% due to more light harvesting compared to the DSSCs without carbon materials or scattering layer. Moreover, the energy conversion efficiency of DSSCs based on the open-ended freestanding TiO₂ nanotube arrays with both carbon materials and scattering layer increased from 5.39% to 6.98%, which is an enhancement of 29.50%. In DSSCs based on the TiO₂ nanotube arrays, the carbon materials can improve electron transport by π-π conjugation, and the large TiO₂ NPs can enhance the capacity to light-harvest by scattering. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Developments in Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversions)

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1115 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of the Effects of Nanoparticle Mixtures on Brassica Seed Germination and Bacterial Bioluminescence Activity Based on the Theory of Probability

by Kyung-Seok Ko, Dong-Chan Koh and In Chul Kong

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100344 - 23 Oct 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3679

Abstract

Effects of binary mixtures of six metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs; 54 combinations) on the activities of seed germination and bacterial bioluminescence were investigated using the theory of probability. The observed toxicities of various NPs combinations were compared with the theoretically expected toxicities, calculated [...] Read more.

Effects of binary mixtures of six metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs; 54 combinations) on the activities of seed germination and bacterial bioluminescence were investigated using the theory of probability. The observed toxicities of various NPs combinations were compared with the theoretically expected toxicities, calculated based on individual NPs toxicities. Different sensitivities were observed depending on the concentrations and the types of NPs. The synergistic mode (67%; observed toxicity greater than expected toxicity) was predominantly observed in the bioluminescence test, whereas both synergistic (47%) and additive (50%) modes were prevalent in the activity of seed germination. With regard to overall analysis, a slightly high percentage (56%) of the synergistic mode of action was (30 out of 54 binary mixture combinations; p < 0.0392) observed. These results suggest that the exposure of an NPs mixture in the environment may lead to a similar or higher toxicity level than the sum of its constituent NPs would suggest. In addition, one organism for assessment did not always show same results as those from a different assessment. Therefore, combining results of different organisms exposed to a wide range of concentrations of binary mixture will more properly predict and evaluate the expected ecotoxicity of pollutants on environments. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Oxide Nanomaterials for Chemical Sensors)

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7125 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ti-Based Biomedical Material Modified with TiO_x/TiN_x Duplex Bioactivity Film via Micro-Arc Oxidation and Nitrogen Ion Implantation

by Peng Zhang, Xiaojian Wang, Zhidan Lin, Huaijun Lin, Zhiguo Zhang, Wei Li, Xianfeng Yang and Jie Cui

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100343 - 23 Oct 2017

Cited by 18 | Viewed by 4194

Abstract

Titanium (Ti) and Ti-based alloy are widely used in the biomedical field owing to their excellent mechanical compatibility and biocompatibility. However, the bioinert bioactivity and biotribological properties of titanium limit its clinical application in implants. In order to improve the biocompatibility of titanium, [...] Read more.

Titanium (Ti) and Ti-based alloy are widely used in the biomedical field owing to their excellent mechanical compatibility and biocompatibility. However, the bioinert bioactivity and biotribological properties of titanium limit its clinical application in implants. In order to improve the biocompatibility of titanium, we modified its surface with TiO_x/TiN_x duplex composite films using a new method via micro-arc oxidation (MAO) and nitrogen ion implantation (NII) treatment. The structural characterization results revealed that the modified film was constructed by nanoarrays composed of TiO_x/TiN_x composite nanostitches with a size of 20~40 nm. Meanwhile, comparing this with pure Ti, the friction property, wear resistance, and bioactivity were significantly improved based on biotribological results and in vitro bioactivity tests. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ZnO and TiO₂ Based Nanostructures)

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3403 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Flotation Assembly of Large-Area Ultrathin MWCNT Nanofilms for Construction of Bioelectrodes

by Andrew J. Gross, Jules L. Hammond, Michael Holzinger and Serge Cosnier

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100342 - 21 Oct 2017

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5205

Abstract

We report a simple, versatile, and rapid method for the fabrication of optically-transparent large-area carbon nanotube (CNT) films via flotation assembly. After solvent-induced assembly, floating films were transferred to a flat supporting substrate to form conductive and transparent CNT film electrodes. The resulting [...] Read more.

We report a simple, versatile, and rapid method for the fabrication of optically-transparent large-area carbon nanotube (CNT) films via flotation assembly. After solvent-induced assembly, floating films were transferred to a flat supporting substrate to form conductive and transparent CNT film electrodes. The resulting electrodes, with uniform 40 ± 20 nm multi-walled CNT (MWCNT) layers, were characterized by electrochemical and microscopy methods. The flotation method does not require specialized thin-film instrumentation and avoids the need for surfactants and pre-oxidized CNTs which can hamper electrochemical performance. A proof-of-concept nanostructured bioelectrode demonstrating high sensitivity for glucose was developed with an electropolymerized poly(pyrene-adamantane) layer for host–guest immobilization of active β-cyclodextrin tagged GOx enzymes. The polymer provides pyrene groups for cross-linking to CNTs and pendant adamantane groups for binding the β-cyclodextrin groups of the tagged enzyme. This demonstration offers a new approach for the preparation of stable and transparent CNT film electrodes with attractive electrochemical properties towards future photobio- and bio-electrochemical fuel cells, electrochemical sensors, and electroanalysis. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanostructured Biofuel Cells)

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5632 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperReview

Advances in Single-Chain Nanoparticles for Catalysis Applications

by Jon Rubio-Cervilla, Edurne González and José A. Pomposo

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100341 - 21 Oct 2017

Cited by 107 | Viewed by 7260

Abstract

Enzymes are the most efficient catalysts known for working in an aqueous environment near room temperature. The folding of individual polymer chains to functional single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) offers many opportunities for the development of artificial enzyme-mimic catalysts showing both high catalytic activity and [...] Read more.

Enzymes are the most efficient catalysts known for working in an aqueous environment near room temperature. The folding of individual polymer chains to functional single-chain nanoparticles (SCNPs) offers many opportunities for the development of artificial enzyme-mimic catalysts showing both high catalytic activity and specificity. In this review, we highlight recent results obtained in the use of SCNPs as bioinspired, highly-efficient nanoreactors (3–30 nm) for the synthesis of a variety of nanomaterials (inorganic nanoparticles, quantum dots, carbon nanodots), polymers, and chemical compounds, as well as nanocontainers for CO₂ capture and release. Full article

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3392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhancing Photovoltaic Performance Using Broadband Luminescent Down-Shifting by Combining Multiple Species of Eu-Doped Silicate Phosphors

by Wen-Jeng Ho, Yu-Tang Shen, Jheng-Jie Liu, Bang-Jin You and Chun-Hung Ho

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100340 - 21 Oct 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4614

Abstract

This paper demonstrates the application of a broadband luminescent downshifting (LDS) layer with multiple species of europium (Eu)-doped silicate phosphors using spin-on film technique to enhance the photovoltaic efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. The surface morphology of the deposited layer was examined [...] Read more.

This paper demonstrates the application of a broadband luminescent downshifting (LDS) layer with multiple species of europium (Eu)-doped silicate phosphors using spin-on film technique to enhance the photovoltaic efficiency of crystalline silicon solar cells. The surface morphology of the deposited layer was examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The chemical composition of the Eu-doped silicate phosphors was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). The fluorescence emission of the Eu-doped silicate phosphors was characterized using photoluminescence (PL) measurements at room temperature. We also compared the optical reflectance and external quantum efficiency (EQE) response of cells with combinations of various Eu-doped phosphors species. The cell coated with two species of Eu-doped phosphors achieved a conversion efficiency enhancement (∆η) of 19.39%, far exceeding the ∆η = 15.08% of the cell with one species of Eu-doped phosphors and the ∆η = 8.51% of the reference cell with the same silicate layer without Eu-doped phosphors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy)

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4786 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Few-Flakes Reduced Graphene Oxide Sensors for Organic Vapors with a High Signal-to-Noise Ratio

by Nowzesh Hasan, Wenli Zhang and Adarsh D. Radadia

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100339 - 21 Oct 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4763

Abstract

This paper reports our findings on how to prepare a graphene oxide-based gas sensor for sensing fast pulses of volatile organic compounds with a better signal-to-noise ratio. We use rapid acetone pulses of varying concentrations to test the sensors. First, we compare the [...] Read more.

This paper reports our findings on how to prepare a graphene oxide-based gas sensor for sensing fast pulses of volatile organic compounds with a better signal-to-noise ratio. We use rapid acetone pulses of varying concentrations to test the sensors. First, we compare the effect of graphene oxide deposition method (dielectrophoresis versus solvent evaporation) on the sensor’s response. We find that dielectrophoresis yields films with uniform coverage and better sensor response. Second, we examine the effect of chemical reduction. Contrary to prior reports, we find that graphene oxide reduction leads to a reduction in sensor response and current noise, thus keeping the signal-to-noise ratio the same. We found that if we sonicated the sensor in acetone, we created a sensor with a few flakes of reduced graphene oxide. Such sensors provided a higher signal-to-noise ratio that could be correlated to the vapor concentration of acetone with better repeatability. Modeling shows that the sensor’s response is due to one-site Langmuir adsorption or an overall single exponent process. Further, the desorption of acetone as deduced from the sensor recovery signal follows a single exponent process. Thus, we show a simple way to improve the signal-to-noise ratio in reduced graphene oxide sensors. Full article

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1376 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Study of the Photodynamic Activity of N-Doped TiO₂ Nanoparticles Conjugated with Aluminum Phthalocyanine

by Xiaobo Pan, Xinyue Liang, Longfang Yao, Xinyi Wang, Yueyue Jing, Jiong Ma, Yiyan Fei, Li Chen and Lan Mi

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100338 - 20 Oct 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 4735

Abstract

TiO₂ nanoparticles modified with phthalocyanines (Pc) have been proven to be a potential photosensitizer in the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by TiO₂ nanoparticles modified with Pc has not been demonstrated clearly. In [...] Read more.

TiO₂ nanoparticles modified with phthalocyanines (Pc) have been proven to be a potential photosensitizer in the application of photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by TiO₂ nanoparticles modified with Pc has not been demonstrated clearly. In this study, nitrogen-doped TiO₂ conjugated with Pc (N-TiO₂-Pc) were studied by means of monitoring the generation of ROS. The absorbance and photokilling effect on HeLa cells upon visible light of different regions were also studied and compared with non-doped TiO₂-Pc and Pc. Both N-TiO₂-Pc and TiO₂-Pc can be activated by visible light and exhibited much higher photokilling effect on HeLa cells than Pc. In addition, nitrogen-doping can greatly enhance the formation of ¹O₂ and •O₂⁻, while it suppresses the generation of OH•. This resulted in significant photodynamic activity. Therefore, N-TiO₂-Pc can be an excellent candidate for a photosensitizer in PDT with wide-spectrum visible irradiation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ZnO and TiO₂ Based Nanostructures)

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2080 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Raman Enhancement and Photo-Bleaching of Organic Dyes in the Presence of Chemical Vapor Deposition-Grown Graphene

by Jiaxin Weng, Shichao Zhao, Zhiting Li, Karen B. Ricardo, Feng Zhou, Hyojeong Kim and Haitao Liu

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100337 - 19 Oct 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4834

Abstract

Fluorescent organic dyes photobleach under intense light. Graphene has been shown to improve the photo-stability of organic dyes. In this paper, we investigated the Raman spectroscopy and photo-bleaching kinetics of dyes in the absence/presence of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene. We show that [...] Read more.

Fluorescent organic dyes photobleach under intense light. Graphene has been shown to improve the photo-stability of organic dyes. In this paper, we investigated the Raman spectroscopy and photo-bleaching kinetics of dyes in the absence/presence of chemical vapor deposition (CVD)-grown graphene. We show that graphene enhances the Raman signal of a wide range of dyes. The photo-bleaching of the dyes was reduced when the dyes were in contact with graphene. In contrast, monolayer hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) was much less effective in reducing the photo-bleaching rate of the dyes. We attribute the suppression of photo-bleaching to the energy or electron transfer from dye to graphene. The results highlight the potential of CVD graphene as a substrate for protecting and enhancing Raman response of organic dyes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Synthesis, Structure and Applications of 2D Nanomaterials)

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6809 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Enhanced UV-Visible Light Photocatalytic Activity by Constructing Appropriate Heterostructures between Mesopore TiO₂ Nanospheres and Sn₃O₄ Nanoparticles

by Jianling Hu, Jianhai Tu, Xingyang Li, Ziya Wang, Yan Li, Quanshui Li and Fengping Wang

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100336 - 19 Oct 2017

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5100

Abstract

Novel TiO₂/Sn₃O₄ heterostructure photocatalysts were ingeniously synthesized via a scalable two-step method. The impressive photocatalytic abilities of the TiO₂/Sn₃O₄ sphere nanocomposites were validated by the degradation test of methyl orange and •OH trapping [...] Read more.

Novel TiO₂/Sn₃O₄ heterostructure photocatalysts were ingeniously synthesized via a scalable two-step method. The impressive photocatalytic abilities of the TiO₂/Sn₃O₄ sphere nanocomposites were validated by the degradation test of methyl orange and •OH trapping photoluminescence experiments under ultraviolet (UV) and visible light irradiation, respectively. Especially under the visible light, the TiO₂/Sn₃O₄ nanocomposites demonstrated a superb photocatalytic activity, with 81.2% of methyl orange (MO) decomposed at 30 min after irradiation, which greatly exceeded that of the P25 (13.4%), TiO₂ (0.5%) and pure Sn₃O₄ (59.1%) nanostructures. This enhanced photocatalytic performance could be attributed to the mesopore induced by the monodispersed TiO₂ cores that supply sufficient surface areas and accessibility to reactant molecules. This exquisite hetero-architecture facilitates extended UV-visible absorption and efficient photoexcited charge carrier separation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ZnO and TiO₂ Based Nanostructures)

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2871 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Precise Placement of Metallic Nanowires on a Substrate by Localized Electric Fields and Inter-Nanowire Electrostatic Interaction

by U Hyeok Choi and Jaekyun Kim

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100335 - 19 Oct 2017

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4336

Abstract

Placing nanowires at the predetermined locations on a substrate represents one of the significant hurdles to be tackled for realization of heterogeneous nanowire systems. Here, we demonstrate spatially-controlled assembly of a single nanowire at the photolithographically recessed region at the electrode gap with [...] Read more.

Placing nanowires at the predetermined locations on a substrate represents one of the significant hurdles to be tackled for realization of heterogeneous nanowire systems. Here, we demonstrate spatially-controlled assembly of a single nanowire at the photolithographically recessed region at the electrode gap with high integration yield (~90%). Two popular routes, such as protruding electrode tips and recessed wells, for spatially-controlled nanowire alignment, are compared to investigate long-range dielectrophoretic nanowire attraction and short-range nanowire-nanowire electrostatic interaction for determining the final alignment of attracted nanowires. Furthermore, the post-assembly process has been developed and tested to make a robust electrical contact to the assembled nanowires, which removes any misaligned ones and connects the nanowires to the underlying electrodes of circuit. Full article

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2298 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Microstructuring of Mesoporous Titania Films Loaded with Silver Salts to Enhance the Photocatalytic Degradation of Methyl Blue under Visible Light

by Nicolas Crespo-Monteiro, Anthony Cazier, Francis Vocanson, Yaya Lefkir, Stéphanie Reynaud, Jean-Yves Michalon, Thomas Kämpfe, Nathalie Destouches and Yves Jourlin

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100334 - 17 Oct 2017

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3976

Abstract

The microstructuring of the distribution of silver nanoparticles (NPs) in mesoporous titania films loaded with silver salts, using two-beam interference lithography leading to 1 Dimension (1D) grating, induces variations in the photocatalytic efficiency. The influence of the structuration was tested on the degradation [...] Read more.

The microstructuring of the distribution of silver nanoparticles (NPs) in mesoporous titania films loaded with silver salts, using two-beam interference lithography leading to 1 Dimension (1D) grating, induces variations in the photocatalytic efficiency. The influence of the structuration was tested on the degradation of methyl blue (MB) under ultraviolet (UV) and visible illumination, giving rise to a significant improvement of the photocatalytic efficiency. The periodic distribution of the NPs was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-angle annular dark field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ZnO and TiO₂ Based Nanostructures)

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4207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

AuPd Bimetallic Nanocrystals Embedded in Magnetic Halloysite Nanotubes: Facile Synthesis and Catalytic Reduction of Nitroaromatic Compounds

by Lei Jia, Tao Zhou, Jun Xu, Fenghai Li, Zhouqing Xu, Beibei Zhang, Shengli Guo, Xiaoke Shen and Wensheng Zhang

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100333 - 17 Oct 2017

Cited by 28 | Viewed by 5079

Abstract

In this research, a facile and effective approach was developed for the preparation of well-designed AuPd alloyed catalysts supported on magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNTs@Fe₃O₄@AuPd). The microstructure and the magnetic properties of HNTs@Fe₃O₄@AuPd were confirmed by [...] Read more.

In this research, a facile and effective approach was developed for the preparation of well-designed AuPd alloyed catalysts supported on magnetic halloysite nanotubes (HNTs@Fe₃O₄@AuPd). The microstructure and the magnetic properties of HNTs@Fe₃O₄@AuPd were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high resolution TEM (HRTEM), energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and vibrating sample magnetometry (VSM) analyses. The catalysts, fabricated by a cheap, environmentally friendly, and simple surfactant-free formation process, exhibited high activities during the reduction of 4-nitrophenol and various other nitroaromatic compounds. Moreover, the catalytic activities of the HNTs@Fe₃O₄@AuPd nanocatalysts were tunable via adjusting the atomic ratio of AuPd during the synthesis. As compared with the monometallic nanocatalysts (HNTs@Fe₃O₄@Au and HNTs@Fe₃O₄@Pd), the bimetallic alloyed HNTs@Fe₃O₄@AuPd nanocatalysts exhibited excellent catalytic activities toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) to 4-aminophenol. Furthermore, the as-obtained HNTs@Fe₃O₄@AuPd can be recycled several times, while retaining its functionality due to the stability and magnetic separation property. Full article

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6546 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

PMA-Induced THP-1 Macrophage Differentiation is Not Impaired by Citrate-Coated Platinum Nanoparticles

by Francesca Gatto, Roberta Cagliani, Tiziano Catelani, Daniela Guarnieri, Mauro Moglianetti, Pier Paolo Pompa and Giuseppe Bardi

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100332 - 17 Oct 2017

Cited by 37 | Viewed by 13185

Abstract

The innate immune system consists of several complex cellular and molecular mechanisms. During inflammatory responses, blood-circulating monocytes are driven to the sites of inflammation, where they differentiate into tissue macrophages. The research of novel nanomaterials applied to biomedical sciences is often limited by [...] Read more.

The innate immune system consists of several complex cellular and molecular mechanisms. During inflammatory responses, blood-circulating monocytes are driven to the sites of inflammation, where they differentiate into tissue macrophages. The research of novel nanomaterials applied to biomedical sciences is often limited by their toxicity or dangerous interactions with the immune cell functions. Platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have shown efficient antioxidant properties within several cells, but information on their potential harmful role in the monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation process is still unknown. Here, we studied the morphology and the release of cytokines in PMA-differentiated THP-1 pre-treated with 5 nm PtNPs. Although NP endocytosis was evident, we did not find differences in the cellular structure or in the release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines compared to cells differentiated in PtNP-free medium. However, the administration of PtNPs to previously differentiated THP-1 induced massive phagocytosis of the PtNPs and a slight metabolism decrease at higher doses. Further investigation using undifferentiated and differentiated neutrophil-like HL60 confirmed the harmlessness of PtNPs with non-adherent innate immune cells. Our results demonstrate that citrate-coated PtNPs are not toxic with these immune cell lines, and do not affect the PMA-stimulated THP-1 macrophage differentiation process in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Immunology)

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4983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Sub-Microanalysis Approach in Chemical Characterisation of Gold Nanorods Formed by a Novel Polymer-Immobilised Gold Seeds Base

by Majid Kazemian Abyaneh, Tohru Araki and Burkhard Kaulich

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100331 - 16 Oct 2017

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3616

Abstract

Gold nanorods (GNRs) have been fabricated by a novel polymer-immobilised seed mediated method using ultraviolet (UV) photoreduced gold-polymethylmethacrylate (Au–PMMA) nanocomposites as a seed platform and characterised at sub-micron scale regime with synchrotron-based techniques; near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence [...] Read more.

Gold nanorods (GNRs) have been fabricated by a novel polymer-immobilised seed mediated method using ultraviolet (UV) photoreduced gold-polymethylmethacrylate (Au–PMMA) nanocomposites as a seed platform and characterised at sub-micron scale regime with synchrotron-based techniques; near-edge X-ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectroscopy and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) mapping. In this report, it is shown that investigating polymer nanocomposites using combination of XRF mapping and NEXAFS spectromicroscopy can help to see the growth phenomenon from different perspective than conventional characterisation techniques. XRF maps are used to explore distribution of the constituent elements and showing how polymer matrix making stripe patterns along with regions where GNRs are formed. NEXAFS carbon (C) K-edge spectra have been taken at three different stages of synthesis: (1) on Au–PMMA nanocomposites before UV irradiation, (2) after gold nanoparticles formation, and (3) after GNRs formation. It reveals how polymer matrix has been degraded during GNRs formation and avoiding chemically or physically damage to polymer matrix is crucial to control the formation of GNRs. Full article

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2013 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Modeling of Interactions between the Zebrafish Hatching Enzyme ZHE1 and A Series of Metal Oxide Nanoparticles: Nano-QSAR and Causal Analysis of Inactivation Mechanisms

by Natalia Sizochenko, Danuta Leszczynska and Jerzy Leszczynski

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100330 - 16 Oct 2017

Cited by 23 | Viewed by 5153

Abstract

The quantitative relationships between the activity of zebrafish ZHE1 enzyme and a series of experimental and physicochemical features of 24 metal oxide nanoparticles were revealed. Vital characteristics of the nanoparticles’ structure were reflected using both experimental and theoretical descriptors. The developed quantitative structure–activity [...] Read more.

The quantitative relationships between the activity of zebrafish ZHE1 enzyme and a series of experimental and physicochemical features of 24 metal oxide nanoparticles were revealed. Vital characteristics of the nanoparticles’ structure were reflected using both experimental and theoretical descriptors. The developed quantitative structure–activity relationship model for nanoparticles (nano-QSAR) was capable of predicting the enzyme inactivation based on four descriptors: the hydrodynamic radius, mass density, the Wigner–Seitz radius, and the covalent index. The nano-QSAR model was calculated using the non-linear regression tree M5P algorithm. The developed model is characterized by high robustness R²_bagging = 0.90 and external predictivity Q²_EXT = 0.93. This model is in agreement with modern theories of aquatic toxicity. Dissolution and size-dependent characteristics are among the key driving forces for enzyme inactivation. It was proven that ZnO, CuO, Cr₂O₃, and NiO nanoparticles demonstrated strong inhibitory effects because of their solubility. The proposed approach could be used as a non-experimental alternative to animal testing. Additionally, methods of causal discovery were applied to shed light on the mechanisms and modes of action. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Experimental Nanosciences, Computational Chemistry, and Data Analysis)

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6213 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of TiO₂ Doped Photocatalytic Nano-Additives on the Hydration and Microstructure of Portland and High Alumina Cements

by María Pérez-Nicolás, Íñigo Navarro-Blasco, José M. Fernández and José Ignacio Alvarez

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100329 - 14 Oct 2017

Cited by 20 | Viewed by 4648

Abstract

Mortars with two different binders (Portland cement (PC) and high alumina cement (HAC)) were modified upon the bulk incorporation of nano-structured photocatalytic additives (bare TiO₂, and TiO₂ doped with either iron (Fe-TiO₂) or vanadium (V-TiO₂)). Plastic [...] Read more.

Mortars with two different binders (Portland cement (PC) and high alumina cement (HAC)) were modified upon the bulk incorporation of nano-structured photocatalytic additives (bare TiO₂, and TiO₂ doped with either iron (Fe-TiO₂) or vanadium (V-TiO₂)). Plastic and hardened state properties of these mortars were assessed in order to study the influence of these nano-additives. Water demand was increased, slightly by bare TiO₂ and Fe-TiO₂, and strongly by V-TiO₂, in agreement with the reduction of the particle size and the tendency to agglomerate. Isothermal calorimetry showed that hydration of the cementitious matrices was accelerated due to additional nucleation sites offered by the nano-additives. TiO₂ and doped TiO₂ did not show pozzolanic reactivity in the binding systems. Changes in the pore size distribution, mainly the filler effect of the nano-additives, accounted for the increase in compressive strengths measured for HAC mortars. A complex microstructure was seen in calcium aluminate cement mortars, strongly dependent on the curing conditions. Fe-TiO₂ was found to be homogeneously distributed whereas the tendency of V-TiO₂ to agglomerate was evidenced by elemental distribution maps. Water absorption capacity was not affected by the nano-additive incorporation in HAC mortars, which is a favourable feature for the application of these mortars. Full article

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6120 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Evaluation of MC3T3 Cells Proliferation and Drug Release Study from Sodium Hyaluronate-1,4-butanediol Diglycidyl Ether Patterned Gel

by Sumi Bang, Dipankar Das, Jiyun Yu and Insup Noh

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100328 - 14 Oct 2017

Cited by 25 | Viewed by 6475

Abstract

A pattern gel has been fabricated using sodium hyaluronate (HA) and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDGE) through the micro-molding technique. The cellular behavior of osteoblast cells (MC3T3) in the presence and absence of dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) and sodium borate (NaB) in the pattern gel (HA-BDDGE) [...] Read more.

A pattern gel has been fabricated using sodium hyaluronate (HA) and 1,4-butanediol diglycidyl ether (BDDGE) through the micro-molding technique. The cellular behavior of osteoblast cells (MC3T3) in the presence and absence of dimethyloxalylglycine (DMOG) and sodium borate (NaB) in the pattern gel (HA-BDDGE) has been evaluated for its potential application in bone regeneration. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ¹³C-nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹³C NMR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results implied the crosslinking reaction between HA and BDDGE. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis confirmed the formation of pattern on the surface of HA-BDDGE. The gel property of the crosslinked HA-BDDGE has been investigated by swelling study in distilled water at 37 °C. The HA-BDDGE gel releases DMOG in a controlled way for up to seven days in water at 37 °C. The synthesized gel is biocompatible and the bolus drug delivery results indicated that the DMOG containing patterned gel demonstrates a better cell migration ability on the surface than NaB. For local delivery, the pattern gel with 300 µM NaB or 300 µM DMOG induced cell clusters formation, and the gel with 150 µM NaB/DMOG showed high cell proliferation capability only. The vital role of NaB for bone regeneration has been endorsed from the formation of cell clusters in presence of NaB in the media. The in vitro results indicated that the pattern gel showed angiogenic and osteogenic responses with good ALP activity and enhanced HIF-1α, and Runx2 levels in the presence of DMOG and NaB in MC3T3 cells. Hence, the HA-BDDGE gel could be used in bone regeneration application. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Frontiers in Toxicity and Functionalization of Nanomaterials)

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5248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Regulation of the Electroanalytical Performance of Ultrathin Titanium Dioxide Nanosheets toward Lead Ions by Non-Metal Doping

by Junping Zhang, Jianjun Liao, Fan Yang, Ming Xu and Shiwei Lin

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100327 - 14 Oct 2017

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 4849

Abstract

Three non-metallic elements, sulfur, fluorine, and iodine, were used to dope the ultrathin two-dimensional TiO₂ nanosheets, which would regulate their electroanalytical properties toward heavy metal ions. Among these doped materials, fluorine-doped TiO₂ nanosheets shows the highest electrochemical sensitivity and a superior [...] Read more.

Three non-metallic elements, sulfur, fluorine, and iodine, were used to dope the ultrathin two-dimensional TiO₂ nanosheets, which would regulate their electroanalytical properties toward heavy metal ions. Among these doped materials, fluorine-doped TiO₂ nanosheets shows the highest electrochemical sensitivity and a superior detection limit toward Pb(II) when the doping concentration is 10%. When compared with the bare TiO₂ nanosheets, the sensitivity increased by 102%, and the detection limit decreased by 36.4%. Through combining further electrochemical experiments and density-functional theory calculations, the enhanced electrochemical performance stemming from element doping was then investigated in detail. The theoretical calculation demonstrated that fluorine doping could greatly increase the adsorption energy of Pb(II) on the TiO₂ nanosheets and enhance their loading capacity. Both cyclic voltammetric and electrical impedance spectroscopy analysis indicated the enhanced electron transfer rate on the electrode modified by fluorine-doped TiO₂ nanosheets. Further measurement on the desorption performance showed the better stripping response of Pb(II) on the electrode with TiO₂ nanosheets after fluorine doping, which suggests that fluorine doping is beneficial for Pb(II) diffuse onto the electrode surface for the reduction and stripping reaction. Therefore, the element doping of two-dimensional TiO₂ nanosheets provides a facile method to extend the electronic materials toward detection of heavy metal ions in the environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Sensing Applications)

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2800 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Transformation of CuO Nanoparticles in the Aquatic Environment: Influence of pH, Electrolytes and Natural Organic Matter

by Cheng Peng, Chensi Shen, Siyuan Zheng, Weiling Yang, Hang Hu, Jianshe Liu and Jiyan Shi

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100326 - 14 Oct 2017

Cited by 104 | Viewed by 7599

Abstract

Many studies have shown the effect of solution chemistry on the environmental behavior of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs), except CuO NPs. Here, we investigated the agglomeration, sedimentation, dissolution, and speciation of CuO NPs by varying pH, ionic strength, ionic valence, and natural organic matter [...] Read more.

Many studies have shown the effect of solution chemistry on the environmental behavior of metal-based nanoparticles (NPs), except CuO NPs. Here, we investigated the agglomeration, sedimentation, dissolution, and speciation of CuO NPs by varying pH, ionic strength, ionic valence, and natural organic matter (NOM). The results showed that as the pH moved away from 6, the size of CuO agglomerates decreased, along with the enhanced NP suspension stabilization, due to the increase of electrostatic repulsive force. Increasing ionic strength and valence intensified the agglomeration and sedimentation of CuO NPs because of the compression of electrical double layers. The presence of humic acid and citric acid enhanced the dispersion and stabilization of CuO NP suspension, but l-cysteine showed a different impact. Decreasing pH, increasing ionic strength and all NOM improved the dissolution of CuO NPs, but the divalent electrolyte (CaCl₂) inhibited the Cu²⁺ release from CuO NPs compared to the monovalent electrolyte (NaCl). In addition, X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) analysis demonstrated that the presence of l-cysteine transformed more than 30% of CuO NPs to Cu(I)-cysteine by coordinating with thiol group. This study can give us an in-depth understanding on the environmental behavior and fate of CuO NPs in the aquatic environment. Full article

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12253 KiB

Open AccessReview

Recent Progresses and Development of Advanced Atomic Layer Deposition towards High-Performance Li-Ion Batteries

by Wei Lu, Longwei Liang, Xuan Sun, Xiaofei Sun, Chen Wu, Linrui Hou, Jinfeng Sun and Changzhou Yuan

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100325 - 14 Oct 2017

Cited by 42 | Viewed by 9648

Abstract

Electrode materials and electrolytes play a vital role in device-level performance of rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, electrode structure/component degeneration and electrode-electrolyte sur-/interface evolution are identified as the most crucial obstacles in practical applications. Thanks to its congenital advantages, atomic layer deposition (ALD) [...] Read more.

Electrode materials and electrolytes play a vital role in device-level performance of rechargeable Li-ion batteries (LIBs). However, electrode structure/component degeneration and electrode-electrolyte sur-/interface evolution are identified as the most crucial obstacles in practical applications. Thanks to its congenital advantages, atomic layer deposition (ALD) methodology has attracted enormous attention in advanced LIBs. This review mainly focuses upon the up-to-date progress and development of the ALD in high-performance LIBs. The significant roles of the ALD in rational design and fabrication of multi-dimensional nanostructured electrode materials, and finely tailoring electrode-electrolyte sur-/interfaces are comprehensively highlighted. Furthermore, we clearly envision that this contribution will motivate more extensive and insightful studies in the ALD to considerably improve Li-storage behaviors. Future trends and prospects to further develop advanced ALD nanotechnology in next-generation LIBs were also presented. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Developments in Nanomaterials for Energy Storage and Conversions)

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7127 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Molecular Mechanics of the Moisture Effect on Epoxy/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites

by Lik-ho Tam and Chao Wu

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 324; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100324 - 13 Oct 2017

Cited by 31 | Viewed by 5400

Abstract

The strong structural integrity of polymer nanocomposite is influenced in the moist environment; but the fundamental mechanism is unclear, including the basis for the interactions between the absorbed water molecules and the structure, which prevents us from predicting the durability of its applications [...] Read more.

The strong structural integrity of polymer nanocomposite is influenced in the moist environment; but the fundamental mechanism is unclear, including the basis for the interactions between the absorbed water molecules and the structure, which prevents us from predicting the durability of its applications across multiple scales. In this research, a molecular dynamics model of the epoxy/single-walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) nanocomposite is constructed to explore the mechanism of the moisture effect, and an analysis of the molecular interactions is provided by focusing on the hydrogen bond (H-bond) network inside the nanocomposite structure. The simulations show that at low moisture concentration, the water molecules affect the molecular interactions by favorably forming the water-nanocomposite H-bonds and the small cluster, while at high concentration the water molecules predominantly form the water-water H-bonds and the large cluster. The water molecules in the epoxy matrix and the epoxy-SWCNT interface disrupt the molecular interactions and deteriorate the mechanical properties. Through identifying the link between the water molecules and the nanocomposite structure and properties, it is shown that the free volume in the nanocomposite is crucial for its structural integrity, which facilitates the moisture accumulation and the distinct material deteriorations. This study provides insights into the moisture-affected structure and properties of the nanocomposite from the nanoscale perspective, which contributes to the understanding of the nanocomposite long-term performance under the moisture effect. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites)

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3960 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bioactive Coating with Two-Layer Hierarchy of Relief Obtained by Sol-Gel Method with Shock Drying and Osteoblast Response of Its Structure

by Elena G. Zemtsova, Andrei Y. Arbenin, Natalia M. Yudintceva, Ruslan Z. Valiev, Evgeniy V. Orekhov and Vladimir M. Smirnov

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 323; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100323 - 13 Oct 2017

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4138

Abstract

In this work, we analyze the efficiency of the modification of the implant surface. This modification was reached by the formation of a two-level relief hierarchy by means of a sol-gel approach that included dip coating with subsequent shock drying. Using this method, [...] Read more.

In this work, we analyze the efficiency of the modification of the implant surface. This modification was reached by the formation of a two-level relief hierarchy by means of a sol-gel approach that included dip coating with subsequent shock drying. Using this method, we fabricated a nanoporous layer with micron-sized defects on the nanotitanium surface. The present work continues an earlier study by our group, wherein the effect of osteoblast-like cell adhesion acceleration was found. In the present paper, we give the results of more detailed evaluation of coating efficiency. Specifically, cytological analysis was performed that included the study of the marker levels of osteoblast-like cell differentiation. We found a significant increase in the activity of alkaline phosphatase at the initial incubation stage. This is very important for implantation, since such an effect assists the decrease in the induction time of implant engraftment. Moreover, osteopontin expression remains high for long expositions. This indicates a prolonged osteogenic effect in the coating. The results suggest the acceleration of the pre-implant area mineralization and, correspondingly, the potential use of the developed coatings for bone implantation. Full article

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7921 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Porcine Dental Epithelial Cells Differentiated in a Cell Sheet Constructed by Magnetic Nanotechnology

by Wataru Koto, Yoshinori Shinohara, Kazuyuki Kitamura, Takanori Wachi, Seicho Makihira and Kiyoshi Koyano

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 322; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100322 - 13 Oct 2017

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 4032

Abstract

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely used in medical examinations, treatments, and basic research, including magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. In this study, MNPs with magnetic force were applied to tissue engineering for dental enamel regeneration. The internalization of MNPs [...] Read more.

Magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) are widely used in medical examinations, treatments, and basic research, including magnetic resonance imaging, drug delivery systems, and tissue engineering. In this study, MNPs with magnetic force were applied to tissue engineering for dental enamel regeneration. The internalization of MNPs into the odontogenic cells was observed by transmission electron microscopy. A combined cell sheet consisting of dental epithelial cells (DECs) and dental mesenchymal cells (DMCs) (CC sheet) was constructed using magnetic force-based tissue engineering technology. The result of the iron staining indicated that MNPs were distributed ubiquitously over the CC sheet. mRNA expression of enamel differentiation and basement membrane markers was examined in the CC sheet. Immunostaining showed Collagen IV expression at the border region between DEC and DMC layers in the CC sheet. These results revealed that epithelial–mesenchymal interactions between DEC and DMC layers were caused by bringing DECs close to DMCs mechanically by magnetic force. Our study suggests that the microenvironment in the CC sheet might be similar to that during the developmental stage of a tooth bud. In conclusion, a CC sheet employing MNPs could be developed as a novel and unique graft for artificially regenerating dental enamel. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Nanomedicine)

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5142 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feedback System Control Optimized Electrospinning for Fabrication of an Excellent Superhydrophobic Surface

by Jian Yang, Chuangui Liu, Boqian Wang and Xianting Ding

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 319; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100319 - 13 Oct 2017

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3746

Abstract

Superhydrophobic surface, as a promising micro/nano material, has tremendous applications in biological and artificial investigations. The electrohydrodynamics (EHD) technique is a versatile and effective method for fabricating micro- to nanoscale fibers and particles from a variety of materials. A combination of critical parameters, [...] Read more.

Superhydrophobic surface, as a promising micro/nano material, has tremendous applications in biological and artificial investigations. The electrohydrodynamics (EHD) technique is a versatile and effective method for fabricating micro- to nanoscale fibers and particles from a variety of materials. A combination of critical parameters, such as mass fraction, ratio of N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) to Tetrahydrofuran (THF), inner diameter of needle, feed rate, receiving distance, applied voltage as well as temperature, during electrospinning process, to determine the morphology of the electrospun membranes, which in turn determines the superhydrophobic property of the membrane. In this study, we applied a recently developed feedback system control (FSC) scheme for rapid identification of the optimal combination of these controllable parameters to fabricate superhydrophobic surface by one-step electrospinning method without any further modification. Within five rounds of experiments by testing totally forty-six data points, FSC scheme successfully identified an optimal parameter combination that generated electrospun membranes with a static water contact angle of 160 degrees or larger. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging indicates that the FSC optimized surface attains unique morphology. The optimized setup introduced here therefore serves as a one-step, straightforward, and economic approach to fabricate superhydrophobic surface with electrospinning approach. Full article

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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Nanometric MIL-125-NH₂ Metal–Organic Framework as a Potential Nerve Agent Antidote Carrier

by Sérgio M. F. Vilela, Pablo Salcedo-Abraira, Isabelle Colinet, Fabrice Salles, Martijn C. De Koning, Marloes J. A. Joosen, Christian Serre and Patricia Horcajada

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 321; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100321 - 12 Oct 2017

Cited by 75 | Viewed by 11273

Abstract

The three-dimensional (3D) microporous titanium aminoterephthalate MIL-125-NH₂ (MIL: Material of Institut Lavoisier) was successfully isolated as monodispersed nanoparticles, which are compatible with intravenous administration, by using a simple, safe and low-cost synthetic approach (100 °C/32 h under atmospheric pressure) so that for [...] Read more.

The three-dimensional (3D) microporous titanium aminoterephthalate MIL-125-NH₂ (MIL: Material of Institut Lavoisier) was successfully isolated as monodispersed nanoparticles, which are compatible with intravenous administration, by using a simple, safe and low-cost synthetic approach (100 °C/32 h under atmospheric pressure) so that for the first time it could be considered for encapsulation and the release of drugs. The nerve agent antidote 2-[(hydroxyimino)methyl]-1-methyl-pyridinium chloride (2-PAM or pralidoxime) was effectively encapsulated into the pores of MIL-125-NH₂ as a result of the interactions between 2-PAM and the pore walls being mediated by π-stacking and hydrogen bonds, as deduced from infrared spectroscopy and Monte Carlo simulation studies. Finally, colloidal solutions of MIL-125-NH₂ nanoparticles exhibited remarkable stability in different organic media, aqueous solutions at different pH and under relevant physiological conditions over time (24 h). 2-PAM was rapidly released from the pores of MIL-125-NH₂ in vitro. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanoparticles in Metal-Organic Frameworks)

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7764 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effect of Nanoparticles on the Morphology, Thermal, and Electrical Properties of Low-Density Polyethylene after Thermal Aging

by Youyuan Wang, Can Wang, Zhanxi Zhang and Kun Xiao

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 320; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100320 - 12 Oct 2017

Cited by 35 | Viewed by 4768

Abstract

This paper investigates the morphology, thermal, and electrical properties of LDPE (low-density polyethylene)-based nanocomposites after thermal aging. The FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra results show that thermo-oxidative reactions occur in neat LDPE and LDPE/SiO₂ nanocomposites when the aging time is 35 [...] Read more.

This paper investigates the morphology, thermal, and electrical properties of LDPE (low-density polyethylene)-based nanocomposites after thermal aging. The FTIR (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy) spectra results show that thermo-oxidative reactions occur in neat LDPE and LDPE/SiO₂ nanocomposites when the aging time is 35 days and in LDPE/MgO nanocomposites when the aging time is 77 days. Specifically, LDPE/MgO nanocomposites delay the appearance of thermo-oxidative reactions, showing anti-thermal aging ability. Furthermore, nanocomposites present lower onset degradation temperature than neat LDPE, showing better thermal stabilization. With regard to the electrical properties, nanocomposites maintain the ability to suppress space charge accumulation after thermal aging. Additionally, in comparison with SiO₂ nanocomposites and neat LDPE, the permittivity of LDPE/MgO nanocomposites changes slightly after thermal aging. It is concluded that LDPE/MgO nanocomposites have better insulation properties than neat LDPE after thermal aging, which may be caused by the interface introduced by the nanoparticles. Full article

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7647 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Upcycling Waste Lard Oil into Vertical Graphene Sheets by Inductively Coupled Plasma Assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition

by Angjian Wu, Xiaodong Li, Jian Yang, Changming Du, Wangjun Shen and Jianhua Yan

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 318; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100318 - 12 Oct 2017

Cited by 21 | Viewed by 5326

Abstract

Vertical graphene (VG) sheets were single-step synthesized via inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using waste lard oil as a sustainable and economical carbon source. Interweaved few-layer VG sheets, H₂, and other hydrocarbon gases were obtained after the decomposition [...] Read more.

Vertical graphene (VG) sheets were single-step synthesized via inductively coupled plasma (ICP)-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) using waste lard oil as a sustainable and economical carbon source. Interweaved few-layer VG sheets, H₂, and other hydrocarbon gases were obtained after the decomposition of waste lard oil. The influence of parameters such as temperature, gas proportion, ICP power was investigated to tune the nanostructures of obtained VG, which indicated that a proper temperature and H₂ concentration was indispensable for the synthesis of VG sheets. Rich defects of VG were formed with a high

I_{D} / I_{G}

ratio (1.29), consistent with the dense edges structure observed in electron microscopy. Additionally, the morphologies, crystalline degree, and wettability of nanostructure carbon induced by PECVD and ICP separately were comparatively analyzed. The present work demonstrated the potential of our PECVD recipe to synthesize VG from abundant natural waste oil, which paved the way to upgrade the low-value hydrocarbons into advanced carbon material. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nanomaterials for Renewable and Sustainable Energy)

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14272 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Hierarchical AuNPs-Loaded Fe₃O₄/Polymers Nanocomposites Constructed by Electrospinning with Enhanced and Magnetically Recyclable Catalytic Capacities

by Rong Guo, Tifeng Jiao, Ruirui Xing, Yan Chen, Wanchun Guo, Jingxin Zhou, Lexin Zhang and Qiuming Peng

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 317; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100317 - 12 Oct 2017

Cited by 36 | Viewed by 6267

Abstract

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted widespread attention for their excellent catalytic activity, as well as their unusual physical and chemical properties. The main challenges come from the agglomeration and time-consuming separation of gold nanoparticles, which have greatly baffled the development and application in [...] Read more.

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have attracted widespread attention for their excellent catalytic activity, as well as their unusual physical and chemical properties. The main challenges come from the agglomeration and time-consuming separation of gold nanoparticles, which have greatly baffled the development and application in liquid phase selective reduction. To solve these problems, we propose the preparation of polyvinyl alcohol(PVA)/poly(acrylic acid)(PAA)/Fe₃O₄ nanocomposites with loaded AuNPs. The obtained PVA/PAA/Fe₃O₄ composite membrane by electrospinning demonstrated high structural stability, a large specific surface area, and more active sites, which is conducive to promoting good dispersion of AuNPs on membrane surfaces. The subsequently prepared PVA/PAA/Fe₃O₄@AuNPs nanocomposites exhibited satisfactory nanostructures, robust thermal stability, and a favorable magnetic response for recycling. In addition, the PVA/PAA/Fe₃O₄@AuNPs nanocomposites showed a remarkable catalytic capacity in the catalytic reduction of p-nitrophenol and 2-nitroaniline solutions. In addition, the regeneration studies toward p-nitrophenol for different consecutive cycles demonstrate that the as-prepared PVA/PAA/Fe₃O₄@AuNPs nanocomposites have outstanding stability and recycling in catalytic reduction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Polymer Nanocomposites)

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4988 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Periodic TiO₂ Nanostructures with Improved Aspect and Line/Space Ratio Realized by Colloidal Photolithography Technique

by Loïc Berthod, Olga Shavdina, Isabelle Verrier, Thomas Kämpfe, Olivier Dellea, Francis Vocanson, Maxime Bichotte, Damien Jamon and Yves Jourlin

Nanomaterials 2017, 7(10), 316; https://doi.org/10.3390/nano7100316 - 12 Oct 2017

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3800

Abstract

This paper presents substantial improvements of the colloidal photolithography technique (also called microsphere lithography) with the goal of better controlling the geometry of the fabricated nano-scale structures—in this case, hexagonally arranged nanopillars—printed in a layer of directly photopatternable sol-gel TiO₂. Firstly, [...] Read more.

This paper presents substantial improvements of the colloidal photolithography technique (also called microsphere lithography) with the goal of better controlling the geometry of the fabricated nano-scale structures—in this case, hexagonally arranged nanopillars—printed in a layer of directly photopatternable sol-gel TiO₂. Firstly, to increase the achievable structure height the photosensitive layer underneath the microspheres is deposited on a reflective layer instead of the usual transparent substrate. Secondly, an increased width of the pillars is achieved by tilting the incident wave and using multiple exposures or substrate rotation, additionally allowing to better control the shape of the pillar’s cross section. The theoretical analysis is carried out by rigorous modelling of the photonics nanojet underneath the microspheres and by optimizing the experimental conditions. Aspect ratios (structure height/lateral structure size) greater than 2 are predicted and demonstrated experimentally for structure dimensions in the sub micrometer range, as well as line/space ratios (lateral pillar size/distance between pillars) greater than 1. These nanostructures could lead for example to materials exhibiting efficient light trapping in the visible and near-infrared range, as well as improved hydrophobic or photocatalytic properties for numerous applications in environmental and photovoltaic systems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue ZnO and TiO₂ Based Nanostructures)

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