We show that the Raman scattering technique can give complete structural information for one-dimensional systems, such as carbon nanotubes. Resonant confocal micro-Raman spectroscopy of an (n,m) individual single-wall nanotube makes it possible to assign its chirality uniquely by measuring one radial breathing mode frequency omega(RBM) and using the theory of resonant transitions. A unique chirality assignment can be made for both metallic and semiconducting nanotubes of diameter d(t), using the parameters gamma(0) = 2.9 eV and omega(RBM) = 248/d(t). For example, the strong RBM intensity observed at 156 cm(-1) for 785 nm laser excitation is assigned to the (13,10) metallic chiral nanotube on a Si/SiO2 surface.

Structural (n,m) determination of isolated single wall carbon nanotubes by resonant Raman scattering

Large-Scale Fabrication of Boron Nitride Nanosheets and Their Utilization in Polymeric Composites with Improved Thermal and Mechanical Properties

Hydrogels for biomedical applications.

Control of spontaneously emitted light lies at the heart of quantum optics. It is essential for diverse applications ranging from miniature lasers and light-emitting diodes, to single-photon sources for quantum information, and to solar energy harvesting. To explore such new quantum optics applications, a suitably tailored dielectric environment is required in which the vacuum fluctuations that control spontaneous emission can be manipulated. Photonic crystals provide such an environment: they strongly modify the vacuum fluctuations, causing the decay of emitted light to be accelerated or slowed down, to reveal unusual statistics, or to be completely inhibited in the ideal case of a photonic bandgap. Here we study spontaneous emission from semiconductor quantum dots embedded in inverse opal photonic crystals. We show that the spectral distribution and time-dependent decay of light emitted from excitons confined in the quantum dots are controlled by the host photonic crystal. Modified emission is observed over large frequency bandwidths of 10%, orders of magnitude larger than reported for resonant optical microcavities. Both inhibited and enhanced decay rates are observed depending on the optical emission frequency, and they are controlled by the crystals’ lattice parameter. Our experimental results provide a basis for all-solid-state dynamic control
of optical quantum systems.

Controlling the dynamics of spontaneous emission from quantum dots by photonic crystals

Triggered by the resounding success of cisplatin, the past decades have seen tremendous efforts to produce clinically beneficial analogues. The recent achievement of oxaliplatin for the treatment of colon cancer should, however, not belie the imbalance between a plethora of investigated complexes and a very small number of clinically approved platinum drugs. Strategies opening up new avenues are increasingly being sought using complexes of metals other than platinum such as ruthenium or gallium. Based on the chemical differences between these metals, the spectrum of molecular mechanisms of action and potential indications can be broadened substantially. Other approaches focus on complexes with tumour-targeting properties, thereby maximizing the impact on cancer cells and minimizing the problem of adverse side effects, and complexes with biologically active ligands.

Antitumour metal compounds: more than theme and variations

Preparation, surface functionalization and application of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles.

Simultaneous adsorption of heavy metals and organic dyes by β-Cyclodextrin-Chitosan based cross-linked adsorbent.

Pebax-1657 is known as a promising polymeric membrane material for CO /N and CO/H separation. In order to further improve its gas separation performance and reinforce the membrane, different fillers including silica nanoparticles, polystyrene (PS) colloids, and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were incorporated into the polymer matrix to form nanocomposite membranes. The nanocomposite membranes of Pebax-1657/silica and Pebax-1657/PS colloid had a decreased CO permeability and selectivity over N or H compared to the pure Pebax-1657 membrane, while the Pebax-1657/CNT nanocomposite membranes had an increased CO permeability, retaining similar CO/N or CO/H selectivity compared to the pure polymer membrane. The CO permeability increased with increasing CNT content and reached a maximum at 5 wt % CNTs. The CNT-enhanced gas permeability was attributed to the increase in gas diffusivity. The tensile modulus of Pebax-1657 increased 43% after adding 5 wt % single-wall CNTs (SWNTs), and increased 24% after adding 5 wt % multi-wall CNTs (MWNTs). Thus, it is feasible to add CNTs to Pebax-1657 membranes for improved mechanical strength and gas separation performance.

Pebax‐1657 nanocomposite membranes incorporated with nanoparticles/colloids/carbon nanotubes for CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 separation

Nanoparticles have been developed for tumor treatment due to the enhanced permeability and retention effects. However, lack of specific cancer cells selectivity results in low delivery efficiency and undesired side effects. In that case, the stimuli-responsive nanoparticles system designed for the specific structure and physicochemical properties of tumors have attracted more and more attention of researchers. Esterase-responsive nanoparticle system is widely used due to the overexpressed esterase in tumor cells. For a rational designed esterase-responsive nanoparticle, ester bonds and nanoparticle structures are the key characters. In this review, we overviewed the design of esterase-responsive nanoparticles, including ester bonds design and nano-structure design, and analyzed the fitness of each design for different application. In the end, the outlook of esterase-responsive nanoparticle is looking forward.

Bing Yu

Papers

Preparation, surface functionalization and application of Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles.

Simultaneous adsorption of heavy metals and organic dyes by β-Cyclodextrin-Chitosan based cross-linked adsorbent.

Pebax‐1657 nanocomposite membranes incorporated with nanoparticles/colloids/carbon nanotubes for CO2/N2 and CO2/H2 separation

Application and design of esterase-responsive nanoparticles for cancer therapy

NIR-II bioimaging of small organic molecule.