Core/Shell Nanoparticles: Classes, Properties, Synthesis Mechanisms, Characterization, and Applications

Platinum-based nanostructured materials: synthesis, properties, and applications.

Recent development of polymer electrolyte membranes for fuel cells.

The interest in superhydrophobic surfaces has grown exponentially over recent decades. Since the lotus leaf dual hierarchical structure was discovered, researchers have investigated the foundations of self-cleaning behavior. Generally, surface micro/nanostructuring combined with low surface energy of materials leads to extreme anti-wetting properties. The great number of papers on this subject attests the efforts of scientists in mimicking nature to generate superhydrophobicity. Besides the thirst for knowledge, scientists have been driven by the many possible industrial applications of superhydrophobic materials in several fields. Many methods and techniques have been developed to fabricate superhydrophobic surfaces, and the aim of this paper is to review the recent progresses in preparing manmade superhydrophobic surfaces.

Recent advances in designing superhydrophobic surfaces.

The surface chemical properties and the electronic properties of vapor grown carbon nanofibers (VGCNFs) have been modified by treatment of the oxidized CNFs with NH3. The effect of treatment temperature on the types of nitrogen functionalities introduced was evaluated by synchrotron based X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), while the impact of the preparation methods on the surface acid−base properties was investigated by potentiometric titration, microcalorimetry, and zeta potential measurements. The impact of the N-functionalization on the electronic properties was measured by THz-Time Domain spectroscopy. The samples functionalized via amination are characterized by the coexistence of acidic and basic O and N sites. The population of O and N species is temperature dependent. In particular, at 873 K nitrogen is stabilized in substitutional positions within the graphitic structure, as heterocyclic-like moieties. The surface presents heterogeneously distributed and energetically different basic sites....

Tuning the acid/base properties of nanocarbons by functionalization via amination

Efficient aerobic oxidation of alcohols in water catalysed by microgel-stabilised metal nanoclusters

Branched gold nanoparticles were grown on oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes by one-step reduction of gold chloride in water. The carbon nanotube/gold hybrids were used for the delivery of the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride into A549 lung cancer cell line. Doxorubicin (Dox) can be adsorbed in high quantity on both inner and outer surfaces of oxidized carbon nanotubes by π-π stacking interactions between doxorubicin aromatic groups and carbon nanotube (CNT) backbone. Carbon nanotube/gold hybrids display a broad absorption band in the red and near-infrared regions allowing their use for imaging applications. In vitro cellular tests showed that the nanostructures can efficiently transport and deliver doxorubicin inside the cells.

Multifunctional branched gold-carbon nanotube hybrid for cell imaging and drug delivery.

Oxidized multiwalled carbon nanotubes were produced by strong acid treatment with the aid of sonication. Short-length carbon nanotubes obtained by filtration of the oxidized carbon nanotubes were analyzed by means of X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopies, and scanning electron microscopy. Direct evidence of the modifications of the electronic properties of the carbon nanotubes was obtained by the valence band analysis. The oxidation induced by the acid treatment led to deep changes of the carbon nanotubes density of states. Analysis of the photoluminescence spectra showed that the short carbon nanotubes are luminescent in the visible range. Interestingly, the spectral intensities and lineshapes are strongly dependent on the pH of the CNT solution. This effect is explained by a modification of the local environment of the defects induced by the protonation/deprotonation of the carboxylic groups formed by the oxidation process.

Luca Minati

Papers

Efficient aerobic oxidation of alcohols in water catalysed by microgel-stabilised metal nanoclusters

Multifunctional branched gold-carbon nanotube hybrid for cell imaging and drug delivery.

Investigation on the Electronic and Optical Properties of Short Oxidized Multiwalled Carbon Nanotubes

One-step synthesis of star-shaped gold nanoparticles

Active Ribosome Profiling with RiboLace