Article
Chemistry, Physical
Chih-Feng Wang, Patrick Z. El-Khoury
Summary: The study reveals that nonlinear optical processes can be enhanced at plasmonic tip-sample nanojunctions, allowing for high-spatial-resolution chemical analysis through enhanced spectroscopies.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Matthew Gabel, Brian T. O'Callahan, Chloe Groome, Chih-Feng Wang, Regina Ragan, Yi Gu, Patrick Z. El-Khoury
Summary: The study reveals that para-mercaptobenzoic acid molecules chemisorbed onto plasmonic silver nanocubes exist in at least two distinct configurations: S- and CO2- bound. By using high spatial resolution TER mapping, the distinct adsorption geometries can be distinguished with a pixel-limited spatial resolution of less than 5 nm under ambient laboratory conditions.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Swati J. Patil, Dmitry Kurouski
Summary: Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) was used to investigate the plasmon-driven dimerization of 4-bromothiophenol (4-BTP) into thiophenol (TP) and 4,4'-biphenyldithiol (4,4'-BPDT) on Au and Ni@AuNPs. TERS revealed that the cross-coupling of these molecular reactants into 4,4'-BPDT primarily occurred on Ni nano islands rather than the surrounding Au on the surface of Ni@AuNPs.
CHEMICAL COMMUNICATIONS
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Raymond A. A. Wong, Yasuyuki Yokota, Yousoo Kim
Summary: Electrochemistry plays a crucial role in addressing societal issues, and understanding the nature of electrode-electrolyte interfaces is a challenge due to the thick liquid electrolyte layer. However, combined ultrahigh vacuum-electrochemistry (UHV-EC) approaches provide a way to bridge electrochemistry with UHV-based techniques by removing the electrolyte layer for analysis.
ACCOUNTS OF CHEMICAL RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Physical
Anette Beata Britz-Grell, Monika Saumer, Alexey Tarasov
Summary: Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is an emerging technique with potential applications in various fields such as chemistry, physics, and life sciences. TERS in liquids offers nondestructive and label-free topographical and chemical imaging of molecules and chemical reactions at a nanometer scale. By combining Raman spectroscopy with scanning probe microscopy, TERS provides unique chemical information with high spatial resolution, allowing for study of molecular structures, interfaces, and chemical reactions in liquid environments.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yang Luo, Alberto Martin-Jimenez, Rico Gutzler, Manish Garg, Klaus Kern
Summary: Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) allows for the tracing of vibrational fingerprints of molecules and low-dimensional materials with subnanometer resolution. The localization of light in the plasmonic nanocavity of the STM enables high spatial resolution in STM-TERS. However, the temporal resolution is currently limited. In this study, stable TERS measurements were demonstrated from subphthalocyanine (SubPc) molecules excited by 500 fs long laser pulses in a low-temperature (LT) ultrahigh-vacuum (UHV) STM. The intensity of the TERS signal scales linearly with the increasing flux of the laser pulses and exponentially with the decreasing gap-size of the plasmonic nanocavity. Furthermore, the characteristic features of TERS excited with ultrashort pulses were compared with those excited with a continuous-wave (CW) laser.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Meng-Kai Lin, Guan-Hao Chen, Ciao-Lin Ho, Wei-Chen Chueh, Joseph Andrew Hlevyack, Chia-Nung Kuo, Tsu-Yi Fu, Juhn-Jong Lin, Chin Shan Lue, Wen-Hao Chang, Noriaki Takagi, Ryuichi Arafune, Tai-Chang Chiang, Chun-Liang Lin
Summary: Monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides show tunability in electronic properties, with bandgap modulation possible through control of tunneling current. Monolayer PtTe2 exhibits a reversible semiconductor-to-metal transition at moderate tunneling current, attributed to its surface electronic structure coupling with the tunneling tip.
Article
Spectroscopy
Andre M. Batista, Leticia Foiani, Mathilde Champeau, Herculano Martinho
Summary: This article primarily introduces the applications of techniques such as Raman, atomic force microscopy, and tip-enhanced Raman scattering in the study of cells and tissues, as well as the detailed physical, chemical, biophysical, and physiological property analysis they can provide. It also discusses the limitations, drawbacks, and future prospects of these technologies.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Asia Sarycheva, Maruda Shanmugasundaram, Andrey Krayev, Yury Gogotsi
Summary: MXenes are extensively researched materials due to their unique combination of high electronic conductivity and hydrophilic surface. In this study, nanoscale Raman imaging of single-layer and few-layer Hakes of Ti3C2Tx MXene is reported using tip-enhanced Raman scattering (TERS). The absolute intensities of MXene peaks decrease with increasing number of layers, while the relative intensity of certain bands increases. The peak positions of the main MXene bands do not significantly change with different layers, suggesting weak coupling between the MXene layers. The study also reveals the stiffening of vibrations over the wrinkles in MXene Hakes.
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Sirshendu Dinda, Shivam Trivedi, Ananyo Roy, Frank D. Pammer, Maximilian Fichtner
Summary: Tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) is used to study the chemical components of the electrode-electrolyte interface (EEI) in a sodium-ion battery. The EEI is found to be mainly composed of organic carbonates, oligoethylene oxides, α,β-unsaturated vinyl ketones/acetates, and inorganic species. The composition of the EEI evolves over cycling, with the emergence of long chain bridging carboxylates and alkoxides. The study also reveals the nano-scale heterogeneity and multilayered nano-mosaic coating structure of the EEI.
ADVANCED ENERGY MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Nanoscience & Nanotechnology
Luke R. McCourt, Ben S. Routley, Michael G. Ruppert, Vicki J. Keast, C. I. Sathish, Rohan Borah, Renee V. Goreham, Andrew J. Fleming
Summary: This Article presents a method for characterizing the imaging performance of tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy probes. The method uses atomic force microscope maps and specific excitation methods to identify single-walled carbon nanotubes suitable for Raman scattering. High resolution cross sections of the nanotubes are collected, and point spread functions, optical contrast, and spot diameter are calculated. The method is applied to several probes, resulting in imaging recommendations and limitations summary for each probe. Elemental analysis and boundary element simulations explain the formation of multiple peaks in the point spread functions due to random grain formation on the probe surface.
ACS APPLIED NANO MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Mohsen Katebi Jahromi, Rahim Ghayour, Zahra Adelpour
Summary: The research team significantly increased the local electric field intensity in the AFM-TERS system by designing tips with grating structures, optimizing parameters, and introducing particle swarm optimization algorithm for system operation. Results showed a substantial improvement in the performance of the AFM-TERS system by applying appropriate gratings and using two laser sources.
OPTICAL AND QUANTUM ELECTRONICS
(2021)
Article
Spectroscopy
Sayantan Mahapatra, Linfei Li, Jeremy F. Schultz, Nan Jiang
Summary: This work demonstrates an alternative method for reusing and recycling plasmonic tips in an ultrahigh vacuum environment, providing evidence of the ability to recycle tips without compromising experimental results and showing long-term preservation of plasmonically active probes.
JOURNAL OF RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Natalie Fardian-Melamed, Liat Katrivas, Dvir Rotem, Alexander Kotlyar, Danny Porath
Summary: In recent years, the novel guanine octuplex DNA has attracted much interest as a stable and rigid nanostructure. Electronic structure studies have shown that its lower energy gap results in higher transverse conductivity compared to guanine quadruplex DNA.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Yu Zhang, Ying Su, Lin He
Summary: Vortices in graphene induced by single carbon defects can be considered as atomic-scale vortices mediated by pseudospin, with angular momenta of +2 and -2. Quantum interference measurements show that these vortices cancel each other, resulting in zero total angular momentum or aggregate chirality similar to a single vortex of the majority.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yingying Ning, Guo-Qing Jin, Meng-Xin Wang, Song Gao, Jun-Long Zhang
Summary: Biological imaging and biosensing techniques have greatly contributed to advances in chemical biology, drug discovery, disease diagnosis, and prognosis. Metal-based molecular probes show unique promise in optical bioimaging and biosensing, with advantages such as small size, strong luminescence, and high photostability.
CURRENT OPINION IN CHEMICAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Sayantan Mahapatra, Jeremy F. Schultz, Linfei Li, Xu Zhang, Nan Jiang
Summary: We report plasmon-assisted dissociation of a specific molecular site on a Cu(100) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). By precisely controlling the position of the probe and bringing it extremely close to the molecule, we achieved plasmonic nanoconfinement and selective activation of a specific molecular site.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guo-Qing Jin, Haoqiang Lai, Zi-Shu Yang, Yingying Ning, Linqi Duan, Jing Zhang, Tianfeng Chen, Song Gao, Jun-Long Zhang
Summary: Molecular phototheranostics is an emerging field in modern precision medicine that has recently gained attention for its non-invasive, highly precise, and controllable use of light. This study focuses on gadolinium porphyrinoids as promising agents for both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). The synthesized gadolinium compounds showed improved biocompatibility and photophysical properties, making them suitable for phototheranostic applications.
CHEMISTRY-AN ASIAN JOURNAL
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Guo-Qing Jin, De-en Sun, Xiaoqian Xia, Zhi-Fan Jiang, Bo Cheng, Yingying Ning, Fuyi Wang, Yao Zhao, Xing Chen, Jun-Long Zhang
Summary: In this study, clickable and highly near-infrared fluorescent lanthanide complexes were developed for bioorthogonal labeling of biomolecules. These complexes, which are hydrophilic and fluorogenic, exhibit strong NIR fluorescence upon conjugation with biomolecules. They enable NIR fluorescence imaging of DNA, RNA, proteins, and glycans in cells and are compatible with click-expansion microscopy and time-of-flight secondary-ion mass spectrometry imaging.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Lizhi Gai, Ruijing Zhang, Xiuguang Shi, Zhigang Ni, Sisi Wang, Jun-Long Zhang, Hua Lu, Zijian Guo
Summary: A boron-containing chromophore called BOINPY was developed using the concept of photoinduced nonadiabatic decay. BOINPY exhibited specific features that addressed concerns related to the design of photothermal agents, and showed efficient photothermal conversion for the treatment of solid tumors. This study provides theoretical guidance and practical chromophores for the development of high-performance photothermal therapy agents.
Editorial Material
Optics
Sayantan Mahapatra, Nan Jiang
Summary: Sub-nanometer-resolved TERS offers a systematic approach to study tip-molecule interaction and molecular motions, which is a promising technique for investigating on-surface reaction mechanisms and catalysis at the microscopic level.
LIGHT-SCIENCE & APPLICATIONS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Dairong Liu, Linfei Li, Buddhika S. A. Gedara, Michael Trenary, Nan Jiang
Summary: Extensive research on ultrathin ferrous oxide (FeO) islands and films has significantly contributed to understanding their structural and catalytic properties. In this study, scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) was used to investigate the interaction of Pd and Pt with FeO grown on Au(111). The results demonstrate different metal affinities of FeO edges, with Pd preferentially growing on the Fe-terminated edge and Pt preferentially growing on the O-terminated edge, resulting in selectively blocked FeO edges. This study provides new insights into the edge reactivity of FeO/Au(111) and suggests a potential approach for controlling the selectivity of FeO catalysts.
MATERIALS CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Linfei Li, Jeremy F. Schultz, Sayantan Mahapatra, Xiaolong Liu, Xu Zhang, Mark C. Hersam, Nan Jiang
Summary: Ultra-high vacuum tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (UHV-TERS) was used to chemically characterize bilayer borophene at the atomic level. The achieved results validated the three-dimensional lattice geometry of bilayer borophene and demonstrated its enhanced chemical stability compared to its monolayer counterpart. This work not only provides fundamental chemical insight into bilayer borophene but also establishes UHV-TERS as a powerful tool to probe atomic-level interlayer bonding and surface reactivity of low-dimensional materials.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Xin-Xin Peng, Hang Zhang, Ruijing Zhang, Ze-Hao Li, Zi-Shu Yang, Jing Zhang, Song Gao, Jun-Long Zhang
Summary: This study revealed that gallium ion can induce ferroptosis, a type of non-apoptotic cell death regulated by iron, through an indirect pathway. The gallium complex Ga-1 acts as an anion transporter, causing mitochondrial dysfunction and release of ferrous iron. Ga-1 also inhibits protein disulfide isomerases, preventing the repair of the antioxidant glutathione system and enforcing ferroptosis. Combination treatment of Ga-1 and dietary polyunsaturated fatty acids showed a synergistic therapeutic effect in vitro and in vivo, providing a strategy to enhance the anti-neoplastic effect.
ANGEWANDTE CHEMIE-INTERNATIONAL EDITION
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Physical
Kai Wang, Dairong Liu, Manoj K. Manna, Guang Yang, Linfei Li, Xu Zhang, A. Jean-Luc Ayitou, Nan Jiang
Summary: Quinoidal acene-thioamides have shown potential for various applications, such as photosensitization and metal ion sensing. This study investigated the self-assembly and behavior of N,N-diphenylquinodimethyl thioamide (Ph(2)QDM) nanostructures on transition-metal surfaces. The results revealed different structures on different surfaces and the occurrence of desulfurization and bonding with Ag atoms. This research provides insights into substrate effects on self-assembly and opens new possibilities for metal-organic catalysts and nanodevices.
JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY C
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Ruijing Zhang, Hongxue Xu, Yuhang Yao, Guangliu Ran, Wenkai Zhang, Jing Zhang, Jonathan L. Sessler, Song Gao, Jun-Long Zhang
Summary: Phototheranostics is a promising subset of cancer theranostics that provides precise photoinduced diagnoses and therapeutic outcomes. This study introduces a dual-functional oxygen-independent phototheranostic agent, Ni-2, that demonstrates photoactivated thermal- and hydroxyl radical-enhanced photoimmunotherapeutic anticancer response. Ni-2 inhibits tumor growth and activates immune response, and when combined with other drugs, it suppresses cancer metastasis.
JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN CHEMICAL SOCIETY
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Yuhang Yao, Jiyun Hu, Guiyu Liu, Yin-Shan Meng, Song Gao, Jun-Long Zhang
Summary: In this study, a novel gold(I) bifluoride complex, LAuHF2, supported by a sterically bulky ligand (L, (t)BuXantphos), showed exceptional reactivity towards hydrodefluorination (HDF) and hydrosilylation of CO2 in the presence of hydrosilanes. Compared to the LAuCl counterpart, the LAuHF2 complex exhibited significantly higher turnover frequency in HDF and hydrosilylation of CO2. Further experimental and computational studies revealed the critical role of non-coordinated fluoride in silane activation, leading to the generation of an active gold hydride intermediate for catalytic activities. This work demonstrates the importance of counterion effect in gold catalysis and provides new insights for the design of metal catalysts for small molecule activation.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2023)
Article
Chemistry, Inorganic & Nuclear
Zhenhua Zhu, Guo-Qing Jin, Jinjiang Wu, Xu Ying, Chen Zhao, Jun-Long Zhang, Jinkui Tang
Summary: Boron-assisted synthesis of highly luminescent and long-lived lanthanide macrocycles has been achieved, which can serve as bioprobes with high-quality in vitro imaging and no apparent cell toxicity.
INORGANIC CHEMISTRY FRONTIERS
(2022)
