Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Stephanie Nicole Bonvicini, Bo Fu, Alison Joy Fulton, Zhitai Jia, Yujun Shi
Summary: The formation of Au, Pt, and bimetallic Au-Pt nanostructures by thermal dewetting of single-layer Au, Pt and bilayer Au-Pt thin films on Si substrates was systematically studied. The dewetting process involves heterogeneous void initiation followed by void growth via capillary agglomeration. The size of the resulting nanoparticles is strongly influenced by the initial thin film thickness. The increased resistance to thermal dewetting in the Au-Pt bilayer films is attributed to the stabilizing effect of Pt in the bimetallic system.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Linh Quy Ly, Alison Joy Fulton, Stephanie Nicole Bonvicini, Yujun Shi
Summary: This study systematically explored two different methods for dewetting of silver thin films, PLiD and TD, and found that both methods can produce silver NPs of similar size, with PLiD showing better size uniformity for thinner films. On the other hand, TD produced larger silver NPs for thicker films.
Article
Polymer Science
Dong Hwan Kim, Hong Gu Kwon, Hong Kyoon Choi
Summary: In this study, dewetting-induced hierarchical patterns were successfully formed using two self-assembled materials: block copolymers and colloidal crystals. The periodic structures of colloidal crystals were used as templates to generate multi-scale hierarchical patterns with block copolymers. Various concentric ring patterns were observed and explained using a free energy model. Spiral-defective features were also examined and found to be promoted by Y-junction defects.
Article
Materials Science, Coatings & Films
Krishna Kumar, Mrudula Kavuri, P. Swaminathan
Summary: This study investigates the effect of metallic nanoparticles on the liquid-state dewetting behavior of bismuth films. The addition of Ag and Au destabilizes the film, while Cu has a stabilizing effect. The mechanism involves the formation of solid solutions and pinning the dewetting front, providing insight into the stability of metallic films in low melting systems.
SURFACE ENGINEERING
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Corie A. Horwood, Ebenezer Owusu-Ansah, Yujun J. Shi, Viola I. Birss
Summary: This study provides clear evidence that pulsed laser-induced dewetting of thin films of Au on Ta2O5/Ta follows the spinodal dewetting mechanism and is dependent on the surface topology of the substrate. The properties of Au nanoparticles formed on polished Ta are related to the initial Au film thickness, while those formed on chemically polished Ta remain unaffected by laser fluence or irradiation time. Thicker Au films on dimpled/patterned Ta substrates result in Au nanoparticles with a more uniform diameter and spacing, indicating an alternative dewetting mechanism.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Luozhen Jiang, Chen Tian, Yunan Li, Rui Si, Meng Du, Xiuhong Li, Lingling Guo, Lina Li
Summary: This paper reports a facile route to prepare yttria nanosheets using NaCl as a template to support platinum nanoparticles, which exhibit higher CO oxidation activity compared to traditionally prepared Pt/Y2O3. The study demonstrates that nano-sized Pt species with the PtxOy structure play a crucial role in the CO oxidation process and Pt nanoparticles supported on NaCl templated Y2O3 are more easily reduced, providing more Pt adsorption sites for CO oxidation.
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Neslihan Torun, Ilker Torun, Menekse Sakir, Mustafa Kalay, M. Serdar Onses
Summary: There is a strong demand for encoded surfaces with multiple security layers that are prepared by stochastic processes and are adaptable to deterministic fabrication approaches. Dewetting instabilities in nanoscopic polymer films present a suitable platform for fabricating unclonable surfaces, with the thermal annealing-induced dewetting of P2VP enabling fabrication of randomly positioned functional features that are separated at a microscopic length scale. The patterning of P2VP films presents opportunities for fabricating hybrid security labels, which can be resolved through both stochastic and deterministic pathways, offering key opportunities in encoding applications.
ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Mostafa A. Elbahnasawy, Mahmoud L. Nasr
Summary: Lipid-bilayer nanodiscs and liposomes are used to stabilize membrane proteins and study their structures and functions. DNA-origami nanostructures can be used as templates to control the shapes and arrangements of lipid bilayers, which is crucial for the study of large membrane proteins.
FRONTIERS IN CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Stephanie N. Bonvicini, Annie Hoang, Viola I. Birss, Sarah K. Purdy, Ramaswami Sammynaiken, Tsun-Kong Sham, Yujun Shi
Summary: The formation of Au-Pt bimetallic nanoparticles through the pulsed laser-induced dewetting of Au-Pt bilayer thin films on patterned dimpled Ta substrates was reported. The total bilayer film thickness determines the size of the nanoparticles, while the sputtering order and laser fluence have little effect on the nanoparticle size. Dimple coverage, which characterizes the formation of nanoparticle arrays, depends on the comparison of nanoparticle diameter to dimple size.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Maria Almeida, Apoorva Sharma, Patrick Matthes, Nicole Koehler, Sandra Busse, Matthias Mueller, Olav Hellwig, Alexander Horn, Dietrich R. T. Zahn, Georgeta Salvan, Stefan E. Schulz
Summary: This study investigates the method of locally triggered crystallization of 10 nm thick Co-Fe-B films by laser irradiation, which can achieve similar crystallization effects compared to furnace annealing, and laser annealing has the potential to locally enhance the TMR ratio, especially for MgO capping layers with lower laser intensity requirements.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Energy & Fuels
Fatemeh Seifikar, Saeid Azizian, Mahtab Eslamipanah, Babak Jaleh
Summary: This study environmentally-friendly prepared Pt-nanofluids with localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property using laser ablation in liquids (LAL) with H2O as the working fluid. The Pt nanoparticles obtained had an average diameter of 6 nm and were surrounded by H2O molecules, providing excellent durability. Fluorescence spectroscopy and microscopy images indicated the sample had fluorescence property, allowing for more light absorption and conversion to heat. The Pt-nanofluids showed high efficiency in light to heat conversion and demonstrated potential in solar energy harvesting.
SOLAR ENERGY MATERIALS AND SOLAR CELLS
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Alessandro Marchetti, Alessandro Gori, Anna Maria Ferretti, Daniel Arenas Esteban, Sara Bals, Claudia Pigliacelli, Pierangelo Metrangolo
Summary: Finite 3D structures with controlled morphology can be achieved in the out-of-equilibrium self-assembly of Au NPs using a spherical peptide-gold superstructure (PAuSS) as a template, resulting in a transient 3D-branched Au-nanoshell (BAuNS) stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulphate (SDS). The BAuNS dismantles and regresses to PAuSS through equilibrium of SDS concentration gradient over time in the sample solution, causing NP disassembly. The assembly and disassembly of BAuNS promote temporary interparticle plasmonic coupling, enabling reversible and tunable changes in their plasmonic properties, which is highly desirable for the development of optoelectronic nanodevices.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Jae-Hyeok Lee, Sang-Koog Kim
Summary: This work presents a novel technique for fabricating well-ordered arrays of three-dimensional partially spherical magnetic nanodots over a large area, by combining pre-patterning with e-beam lithography and short-pulsed-laser-induced dewetting of thin continuous permalloy film. Significant changes in magnetization configuration and reversal were observed between square and partially spherical dots, with the latter exhibiting a single magnetic vortex structure. This efficient method offers a reliable and cost-effective approach for large-area fabrication of highly ordered 3D nanodots.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Zahra Abdali, Masoud Aminzare, Amy Chow, Noemie-Manuelle Dorval Courchesne
Summary: Bacterial collagen, with its special arrangement and charged residues, can be used to nucleate three different inorganic materials and form collagen/mineral composites with more uniform particle size distribution. The gelation of silica during mineralization allows for the production of processable self-standing collagen composites. Therefore, combining bacterial collagen with minerals extends their applications in biomaterials and tissue engineering, particularly for bone regenerative scaffolds.
BIOMEDICAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kathryn N. Guye, Hao Shen, Muammer Y. Yaman, Gerald Y. Liao, David Baker, David S. Ginger
Summary: The study focuses on the protein-directed assembly of colloidal gold nanoparticles on de novo designed protein nanofiber templates. By controlling the size of nanoparticles and the pH of the solution, the importance of charge-dependent particle-fiber and particle-substrate interactions is explored. A negative correlation between particle size and attachment density to protein nanofibers is found, with pH-dependent particle attachment density and binding specificity observed. Hyperspectral scattering microscopy is used to draw conclusions about particle density and interparticle spacings of optically observable particle assemblies.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Laetitia Bardet, Herve Roussel, Stefano Saroglia, Masoud Akbari, David Munoz-Rojas, Carmen Jimenez, Aurore Denneulin, Daniel Bellet
Summary: The thermal instability of silver nanowires leads to increased electrical resistance in AgNW networks. Understanding the relationship between structural and electrical properties of AgNW networks is crucial for their integration as transparent electrodes in flexible optoelectronics. In situ X-ray diffraction measurements were used to study the crystallographic evolution of Ag-specific Bragg peaks during thermal ramping, revealing differences in thermal and structural transitions between bare and SnO2-coated AgNW networks.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Nathalia Cancino-Fuentes, Arnau Manasanch, Joana Covelo, Alex Suarez-Perez, Enrique Fernandez, Stratis Matsoukis, Christoph Guger, Xavi Illa, Anton Guimera-Brunet, Maria V. Sanchez-Vives
Summary: This study provides a comprehensive characterization of graphene-based solution-gated field-effect transistors (gSGFETs) for brain recordings, highlighting their potential clinical applications.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sikandar Aftab, Hailiang Liu, Dhanasekaran Vikraman, Sajjad Hussain, Jungwon Kang, Abdullah A. Al-Kahtani
Summary: This study examines the effects of hybrid nanoparticles made of NiO@rGO and NiO@CNT on the active layers of polymer solar cells and X-ray photodetectors. The findings show that these hybrid nanoparticles can enhance the charge carrier capacities and exciton dissociation properties of the active layers. Among the tested configurations, the NiO@CNT device demonstrates superior performance in converting sunlight into electricity, and achieves the best sensitivity for X-ray detection.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyo Jung Shin, Seung Gyu Choi, Fengrui Qu, Min-Hee Yi, Choong-Hyun Lee, Sang Ryong Kim, Hyeong-Geug Kim, Jaewon Beom, Yoonyoung Yi, Do Kyung Kim, Eun-Hye Joe, Hee-Jung Song, Yonghyun Kim, Dong Woon Kim
Summary: This study investigates the role of SOX9 in reactive astrocytes following ischemic brain damage using a PLGA nanoparticle plasmid delivery system. The results demonstrate that PLGA nanoparticles can reduce ischemia-induced neurological deficits and infarct volume, providing a potential opportunity for stroke treatment.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Anurag Chaudhury, Koushik Debnath, Nikhil R. Jana, Jaydeep K. Basu
Summary: The study investigates the interaction between nanoparticles and cell membranes, and identifies key parameters, including charge, crowding, and membrane fluidity, that determine the adsorbed concentration and unbinding transition of nanoparticles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sina Sadeghi, Fazel Bateni, Taekhoon Kim, Dae Yong Son, Jeffrey A. Bennett, Negin Orouji, Venkat S. Punati, Christine Stark, Teagan D. Cerra, Rami Awad, Fernando Delgado-Licona, Jinge Xu, Nikolai Mukhin, Hannah Dickerson, Kristofer G. Reyes, Milad Abolhasani
Summary: In this study, an autonomous approach for the development of lead-free metal halide perovskite nanocrystals is presented, which integrates a modular microfluidic platform with machine learning-assisted synthesis modeling. This approach enables rapid and optimized synthesis of copper-based lead-free nanocrystals.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zahir Abbas, Nissar Hussain, Surender Kumar, Shaikh M. Mobin
Summary: The rational construction of free-standing and flexible electrodes for electrochemical energy storage devices is an emerging research focus. In this study, a redox-active metal-organic framework (MOF) was prepared on carbon nanofibers using an in situ approach, resulting in a flexible electrode with high redox-active behavior and unique properties such as high flexibility and lightweight. The prepared electrode showed excellent cyclic retention and rate capability in supercapacitor applications. Additionally, it could be used as a freestanding electrode in flexible devices at different bending angles.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lishan Zhang, Xiaoting Zhang, Hui Ran, Ze Chen, Yicheng Ye, Jiamiao Jiang, Ziwei Hu, Miral Azechi, Fei Peng, Hao Tian, Zhili Xu, Yingfeng Tu
Summary: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising local treatment modality in cancer therapy, but its therapeutic efficacy is restricted by ineffective delivery of photosensitizers and tumor hypoxia. In this study, a phototactic Chlorella-based near-infrared (NIR) driven green affording-oxygen microrobot system was developed for enhanced PDT. The system exhibited desirable phototaxis and continuous oxygen generation, leading to the inhibition of tumor growth in mice. This study demonstrates the potential of using a light-driven green affording-oxygen microrobot to enhance photodynamic therapy.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yujin Li, Jing Xu, Xinqi Luo, Futing Wang, Zhong Dong, Ke-Jing Huang, Chengjie Hu, Mengyi Hou, Ren Cai
Summary: In this study, hollow heterostructured materials were constructed using an innovative template-engaged method as cathodes for zinc-ion batteries. The materials exhibited fast Zn2+ transport channels, improved electrical conductivity, and controlled volume expansion during cycling. The designed structure allowed for an admirable reversible capacity and high coulombic efficiency.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Paritosh Mahato, Shashi Shekhar, Rahul Yadav, Saptarshi Mukherjee
Summary: This study comprehensively elucidates the role of the core and electrostatic surface of metal nanoclusters in catalytic reduction reactions. The electrostatic surface dramatically modulates the reactivity of metal nanoclusters.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pei Liu, Mengdi Liang, Zhengwei Liu, Haiyu Long, Han Cheng, Jiahe Su, Zhongbiao Tan, Xuewen He, Min Sun, Xiangqian Li, Shuai He
Summary: This study demonstrates a simple and environmentally-friendly method for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanozymes (ZnO NZs) using wasted hop extract (WHE). The WHE-ZnO NZs exhibit exceptional peroxidase-like activity and serve as effective catalysts for the oxidation of 3,3,5,5-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). In addition, a straightforward colorimetric technique for detecting both H2O2 and glucose was developed using the WHE-ZnO NZs as peroxidase-like catalysts.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Hyunkyu Oh, Young Jun Lee, Eun Ji Kim, Jinseok Park, Hee-Eun Kim, Hyunsoo Lee, Hyunjoo Lee, Bumjoon J. Kim
Summary: Mesoporous carbon particles have unique structural properties that make them suitable as support materials for catalytic applications. This study investigates the impact of channel nanostructures on the catalytic activity of porous carbon particles (PCPs) by fabricating PCPs with controlled channel exposure on the carbon surface. The results show that PCPs with highly open channel nanostructures exhibit significantly higher catalytic activity compared to those with closed channel nanostructures.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yunjie Lu, Zhaohui Li, Zewei Li, Shihao Zhou, Ning Zhang, Jianming Zhang, Lu Zong
Summary: A tough, long-lasting adhesive and highly conductive nanocomposite hydrogel (PACPH) was fabricated via the synergy of interfacial entanglement and adhesion group densification. PACPH possesses excellent mechanical properties, interfacial adhesion strength, and conductivity, making it a promising material for long-term monitoring of human activities and electrocardiogram signals.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Zichao Wei, Audrey Vandergriff, Chung-Hao Liu, Maham Liaqat, Mu-Ping Nieh, Yu Lei, Jie He
Summary: We have developed a simple method to prepare polymer-grafted plasmonic metal nanoparticles with pH-responsive surface-enhanced Raman scattering. By using pH-responsive polymers as ligands, the aggregation of nanoparticles can be controlled, leading to enhanced SERS. The pH-responsive polymer-grafted nanoparticles show high reproducibility and sensitivity in solution, providing a novel approach for SERS without the need for sample pre-concentration.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Melis Ozge Alas Colak, Ahmet Gungor, Merve Buldu Akturk, Emre Erdem, Rukan Genc
Summary: This research investigates the effect of functionalizing carbon dots with hydroxyl polymers on their performance as electrode materials in a supercapacitor. The results show that the functionalized carbon dots exhibit excellent electrochemical performance and improved stability.