Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Stylianos Vasileios Kontomaris, Andreas Stylianou, Anastasios Georgakopoulos, Anna Malamou
Summary: Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) is utilized to mechanically characterize biological materials at the nanoscale. A new approach is presented in this paper for 3-dimensional nanomechanical characterization based on average Young's modulus and AFM indentation method. The method can clarify the variability of mechanical properties in the 3-dimensional space, and new mathematical methods for quantitative characterization are also proposed. The presented approach is a step towards accurate and complete characterization of biological materials and could contribute to user-independent diagnosis of diseases like cancer in the future.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wenlong Yao, Qin Ling, Qing Dai, Shuyan Fang, Cheng Yang, Like Huang, Xiaohui Liu, Houcheng Zhang, Jing Zhang, Yuejin Zhu, Ziyang Hu
Summary: This paper systematically examines the degradation mechanisms of all-inorganic perovskite CsPbI2Br under a humid environment. It is found that the level of relative humidity (RH) is important for the degradation process and it initiates at the grain boundaries and extends toward the grain interiors.
ACS APPLIED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Wan-Ci Liao, Bernard Haochih Liu, Ching-Chich Leu
Summary: This study conducted in-situ observation of degradation-induced local elastic modulus variation in CH3NH3PbI3 polycrystalline film using continuous scanning by scanning probe microscopy and found the degradation to be a photo-excited process. The degradation rate was accelerated by light illumination, particularly in humid air, O-2, dry air, and N-2 atmosphere. The analysis showed that several hours in N-2 is enough for MAPbI3 film to undergo red light degradation.
APPLIED SURFACE SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Nathan R. Velez, Frances Allen, Mary Ann Jones, Jenn Donohue, Wei Li, Kristofer Pister, Sanjay Govindjee, Gregory F. Meyers, Andrew M. Minor
Summary: A method for small-scale testing and imaging of freestanding, microtomed polymer films using a push-to-pull device was developed, with improvements in sample preparation and device design to enhance accuracy and broaden testing capabilities.
JOURNAL OF MATERIALS RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zachary T. Gossage, Nanako Ito, Tomooki Hosaka, Ryoichi Tatara, Shinichi Komaba
Summary: This study provides a deeper understanding of the solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI) that occurs in highly concentrated water-insalt electrolytes (WISEs). The research shows that SEI in aqueous batteries exhibits similar passivating structures and slow electron transfer rates to that found in lithium-ion batteries. Additionally, the properties of SEI change when the electrolyte becomes more concentrated.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Georg H. Simon, Christopher S. Kley, Beatriz Roldan Cuenya
Summary: Electrochemical AFM is an effective tool for real-space characterization of catalysts under CO2RR conditions, revealing the complex interplay between morphology, structure, defect density, applied potential, and electrolyte in copper CO2RR catalysts. The study showed distinct nanoscale surface morphologies and their potential-dependent transformations during CO2RR on a Cu(100) model surface in 0.1 m KHCO3. In situ atomic-scale imaging identified specific adsorption at different cathodic potentials impacting the catalyst structure.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Chunlei Yang, Tianhui Su, Yanbo Hua, Liming Zhang
Summary: This review summarizes the latest results of electrochemical scanning probe microscopy techniques in studying the interfacial properties of electrocatalysts and photoelectrodes, and offers some perspectives on future research directions.
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Prachi Ghoderao, Sanjay Sahare, Shern-Long Lee, Prashant Sonar
Summary: Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is a powerful technique that allows for the observation and analysis of nanoscale materials and biological molecules through the use of sharp probes that scan the sample surface. This method, which includes scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM), provides valuable insights into the properties and behavior of these materials at a molecular level. This review highlights the applications of SPM in biomolecule imaging and the study of physiological processes, as well as the challenges and potential solutions in biological sample preparation. It also discusses the recent advancements in STM and AFM applications on biomolecules, such as DNA, proteins, and carbohydrates, and their potential applications in fields like drug delivery and biosensors.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Marta Z. Pacia, Natalia Chorazy, Magdalena Sternak, Benedikt Fels, Michal Pacia, Mariusz Kepczynski, Kristina Kusche-Vihrog, Stefan Chlopicki
Summary: In this study, the role of Rac1 in TNF-induced vascular inflammation was investigated. It was found that Rac1 mediated the formation of lipid droplets and nanostructural alterations associated with vascular inflammation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Rafal Babilas, Katarzyna Mlynarek-Zak, Adrian Radon, Wojciech Lonski, Mariola Kadziolka-Gawel, Tymon Warski, Darya Rudomilova, Edyta Wyszkowska, Lukasz Kurpaska
Summary: This study utilized thermodynamic approach to design and study new complex compositional Al-Ni-Fe(Cr,Cu) alloys based on aluminum. The objective was to understand microstructure changes during rapid solidification process and evaluate the anticorrosion and nanomechanical properties of the developed alloys. Prediction of chemical composition was done by optimizing thermodynamic parameters like configurational entropy and Gibbs free energy. Two cooling methods were used, slow cooling for ingots and fast cooling using high-pressure die-casting method for plates. Quasicrystalline decagonal phase D-Al71Ni24Fe5 was found in Al72Ni24Fe4 alloy along with crystalline phases Al3Ni, Al3Ni2, and Al9Ni1.3Fe0.7. Al72Ni24Fe2.5Cr1.5 alloy showed the best electrochemical parameters. Local galvanic microcells were formed due to large potential differences (>50 mV) between Al-Ni and Al-Ni-Fe phases in the studied alloys. Al72Ni24Fe4 alloy showed the highest average indentation hardness values of 9.98 ± 1.75 GPa after normal and rapid solidification. Al72Ni24Cr1.5Fe2.5 alloy exhibited higher ductility compared to Al72Ni24Fe4 and Al72Ni24Cu1.5Fe2.5 alloys, as confirmed by the lowest average hardness and Young's modulus values.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
David Necas, Petr Klapetek
Summary: Synthetic data play an increasingly important role in nanometrology for development of data processing methods and analysis of uncertainties. This paper reviews methods for generating synthetic data and their applications in scanning probe microscopy, focusing on principles, performance, and applicability. The benefits of using synthetic data in tasks related to improving scanning approaches and estimating reliability of data processing methods are demonstrated, along with analyzing systematic errors common to scanning probe microscopy methods.
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Yuji Nashimoto, Minori Abe, Ryota Fujii, Noriko Taira, Hiroki Ida, Yasufumi Takahashi, Kosuke Ino, Javier Ramon-Azcon, Hitoshi Shiku
Summary: This study evaluates the role of scanning probe microscopy (SPM) as an analytical tool for microphysiological systems (MPS), providing a new solution for real-time high spatial resolution imaging. A simple vascular model was used for permeability and topographical analysis, paving the way for the application of SPM technology in MPS.
ADVANCED HEALTHCARE MATERIALS
(2021)
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jinsong Zhang, Jinyang Wang, Yunlong Tang, Mengkun Yue, Zhe Qu, Xufei Fang, Xue Feng
Summary: Understanding the chemo-mechanics during oxidation is crucial for designing new materials protection strategies, but accurately measuring mechanical stress/strain components at micro/nanoscale remains challenging. In this study, a novel method combining surface markers and high temperature scanning probe microscopy is proposed to quantify oxide thickness and map displacement and strain fields on a nickel-based alloy surface during high temperature oxidation. The method has great potential for quantitatively mapping non-uniform oxide distribution, providing a new approach to investigate high temperature oxidation processes.
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Daniel Kiener, Michael Wurmshuber, Markus Alfreider, Gerald J. K. Schaffar, Verena Maier-Kiener
Summary: Nanoindentation techniques have been greatly improved by continuous stiffness monitoring capabilities, allowing for comprehensive characterization of hardness, elastic modulus, and plastic properties. By combining different methods and improving experimental conditions, insights into material behavior under extreme conditions can be achieved.
CURRENT OPINION IN SOLID STATE & MATERIALS SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Mechanical
A. Bird, L. Yang, G. Wu, B. J. Inkson
Summary: In situ SEM scratch testing was conducted on DLC and Si-doped DLC coatings to evaluate their deformation and wear stages using sharp diamond asperities. The testing revealed that as the load increased, plastic deformation and tensile cracking progressed to the propagation of radial and lateral cracks, leading to full coating spallation. The failure mechanisms of DLC were found to be influenced by the asperity geometry, with smaller radii more likely to cause coating spallation. The study was rated 8 out of 10 for its importance.