The development of novel materials is a fundamental focal point of chemical research; and this interest is mandated by advancements in all areas of industry and technology. A good example of the synergism between scientific discovery and technological development is the electronics industry, where discoveries of new semiconducting materials resulted in the evolution from vacuum tubes to diodes and transistors, and eventually to miniature chips. The progression of this technology led to the development * To whom correspondence should be addressed. B.L.C.: (504) 2801385 (phone); (504) 280-3185 (fax); bcushing@uno.edu (e-mail). C.J.O.: (504)280-6846(phone);(504)280-3185(fax);coconnor@uno.edu (e-mail). 3893 Chem. Rev. 2004, 104, 3893−3946

http://depa.fquim.unam.mx/amyd//archivero/FidelmarLechugaSanabria_4940.pdf

Recent advances in the liquid-phase syntheses of inorganic nanoparticles.

Optical generation of hot electrons in metallic structures and its potential as an alternative to conventional electron–hole separation in semiconductor devices are reviewed. The possibilities for realizing high conversion efficiencies with low fabrication costs are discussed along with challenges in terms of the materials, architectures and fabrication methods

Plasmon-induced hot-electron generation at nanoparticle/metal-oxide interfaces for photovoltaic and photocatalytic devices

Electrochromics for smart windows: Oxide-based thin films and devices

Nanomaterials are finding increasing use for biomedical applications such as imaging, diagnostics, and drug delivery. While it is well understood that nanoparticle (NP) physico-chemical properties can dictate biological responses and interactions, it has been difficult to outline a unifying framework to directly link NP properties to expected in vitro and in vivo outcomes. When introduced to complex biological media containing electrolytes, proteins, lipids, etc., nanoparticles (NPs) are subjected to a range of forces which determine their behavior in this environment. One aspect of NP behavior in biological systems that is often understated or overlooked is aggregation. NP aggregation will significantly alter in vitro behavior (dosimetry, NP uptake, cytotoxicity), as well as in vivo fate (pharmacokinetics, toxicity, biodistribution). Thus, understanding the factors driving NP colloidal stability and aggregation is paramount. Furthermore, studying biological interactions with NPs at the nanoscale level requires an interdisciplinary effort with a robust understanding of multiple characterization techniques. This review examines the factors that determine NP colloidal stability, the various efforts to stabilize NP in biological media, the methods to characterize NP colloidal stability in situ, and provides a discussion regarding NP interactions with cells.

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Nanoparticle colloidal stability in cell culture media and impact on cellular interactions

The development of new electrode materials for lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) has always been a focal area of materials science, as the current technology may not be able to meet the high energy demands for electronic devices with better performance. Among all the metal oxides, tin dioxide (SnO₂) is regarded as a promising candidate to serve as the anode material for LIBs due to its high theoretical capacity. Here, a thorough survey is provided of the synthesis of SnO₂-based nanomaterials with various structures and chemical compositions, and their application as negative electrodes for LIBs. It covers SnO₂ with different morphologies ranging from 1D nanorods/nanowires/nanotubes, to 2D nanosheets, to 3D hollow nanostructures. Nanocomposites consisting of SnO₂ and different carbonaceous supports, e.g., amorphous carbon, carbon nanotubes, graphene, are also investigated. The use of Sn-based nanomaterials as the anode material for LIBs will be briefly discussed as well. The aim of this review is to provide an in-depth and rational understanding such that the electrochemical properties of SnO₂-based anodes can be effectively enhanced by making proper nanostructures with optimized chemical composition. By focusing on SnO₂, the hope is that such concepts and strategies can be extended to other potential metal oxides, such as titanium dioxide or iron oxides, thus shedding some light on the future development of high-performance metal-oxide based negative electrodes for LIBs.

SnO2‐Based Nanomaterials: Synthesis and Application in Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Aligned Polythiophene Micro- and Nanotubules

Flexible transparent conductive films (TCFs) are used in a variety of optoelectronic devices. However, their use is limited due to poor thermostability. We report hybrid TCFs incorporation in both aluminum-doped zinc oxide (AZO) and silver nanowires (AgNWs). The layered AZO/AgNWs/AZO structure was deposited onto a transparent polyimide (PI) substrate and displayed excellent thermostability. When heated to 250 °C for 1 h, the change in resistivity (Rc) was less than 10% (Rc of pure AgNW film > 500) while retaining good photoelectric properties (Rsh = 8.6 Ohm/sq and T = 74.4%). Layering the AgNW network between AZO films decreased the surface roughness (Rrms < 8 nm) and enhances the mechanical flexibility of the hybrid films. The combination of these characteristics makes the hybrid film an excellent candidate for substrates of novel flexible optoelectronic devices which require high-temperature processing.

Highly thermostable, flexible, transparent, and conductive films on polyimide substrate with an AZO/AgNW/AZO structure.

Highly flexible and transparent film heaters (TFHs) with superior mechanical and thermal stability were fabricated by embedding silver nanowires (AgNWs) into transparent polyimide (PI) films using a solution coating method. The fabricated AgNW/PI hybrid TFHs exhibited higher heating temperatures (∼96 °C) with lower input voltage (∼6 V), shorter response time (T < 40 s), and lower power consumption (160.6 °C cm2 W−1) than ITO/FTO heaters, as well as stability after repeated use. The AgNW/PI hybrid TFHs also showed excellent resistance to bending. After undergoing outer bending for a 1000 times, the change of sheet resistance was less than 18%. The effective embedment of the AgNW network in the surface of the transparent PI film not only decreased the surface roughness (Rrms < 1 nm) but also enhanced the resistance against oxidation and moisture. Potential applications of the AgNW/PI TFHs in window defogging and thermochromics are demonstrated.

Highly flexible and transparent film heaters based on polyimide films embedded with silver nanowires

Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution using Fe3O4–SiO2-poly(1,2-diaminobenzene) core–shell sub-micron particles

The adsorption behavior and mechanism of methyl blue (MB) on zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles were investigated in this work. The adsorption capacity of MB on the ZnO nanoparticles reached 10.70 ± 0.80 mmol/g, which was the highest among today’s adsorbents for removing MB. The adsorption process was independent of pH and temperature in the experimental range. The adsorption kinetics was elucidated by the pseudo-second-order model and exhibited 2-stage intra-particle diffusion model. The adsorption isotherm fitted well with the Temkin model. The calculated parameter from Temkin model indicated the adsorption process was spontaneous with a uniform distribution of binding energies. The mechanism studies by XPS analysis confirmed that ionic bonding between Zn2+ in Zn(OH)+ and sulfonic groups of MB was the major interaction between MB and ZnO nanoparticles. The adsorption for MB by ZnO nanoparticles was selective. This work indicates that ZnO nanoparticles are promising adsorbents for removal of MB from waste water.

Ruiqin Tan

Papers

Aligned Polythiophene Micro- and Nanotubules

Highly thermostable, flexible, transparent, and conductive films on polyimide substrate with an AZO/AgNW/AZO structure.

Highly flexible and transparent film heaters based on polyimide films embedded with silver nanowires

Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solution using Fe3O4–SiO2-poly(1,2-diaminobenzene) core–shell sub-micron particles

Adsorption behavior and mechanism of methyl blue on zinc oxide nanoparticles