Journal of Cluster Science 

About: Journal of Cluster Science is an academic journal published by Springer Science+Business Media. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Catalysis & Nanochemistry. It has an ISSN identifier of 1040-7278. Over the lifetime, 2859 publications have been published receiving 33014 citations.

Electrodynamics of Noble Metal Nanoparticles and Nanoparticle Clusters

Abstract: In this paper we examine the electrodynamics of silver nanoparticles and of clusters of nanoparticles, with an emphasis on extinction spectra and of electric fields near the particle surfaces that are important in determining surface-enhanced Raman (SER) intensities. The particles and clusters are chosen to be representative of what has been studied in recent work on colloids and with lithographically prepared particles. These include spheres, spheroids, truncated tetrahedrons, and clusters of two or three of these particles, with sizes that are too large to be described with simple electrostatic approximations but small compared to the wavelength of light. The electrodynamics calculations are mostly based on the discrete dipole approximation (DDA), which is a coupled-finite element approach which produces exact or nearly exact results for particles of arbitrary size and shape if fully converged. Mie theory results are used to study the validity of the DDA for spherical particles, and we also study the validity of the modified long wavelength approximation (MLWA), which is based on perturbative corrections to the electrostatic limit, and of the single dipole per particle approximation (SDA). The results show how the dipole plasmon resonance properties and the electric field contours around the particle vary with particle shape and size for isolated particles. For clusters of particles, we study the effect of interparticle spacing on plasmon resonance characteristics. We also show that the quadrupole resonance is much less sensitive to particle shape and interparticle interactions than the dipole plasmon resonance. These results provide benchmarks that will be used in future comparisons with experiment.

Copper Oxide Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Their Antibacterial Activity

Abstract: Copper oxide nanoparticles were prepared by electrochemical reduction method using tetra butyl ammonium bromide (TBAB) as structure directing agent in an organic medium viz. tetra hydro furan (THF) and acetonitrile (ACN) in 4:1 ratio by optimizing current density and molar concentration of the ligand. The reduction process takes place under inert atmosphere of nitrogen over a period of 2 h. Such nanoparticles are prepared using simple electrolysis cell in which the sacrificial anode as a commercially available copper metal sheet and platinum (inert) sheet act as a cathode. The parameters such as current density, solvent polarity, distance between electrodes, and concentration of stabilizers are used to control the size of nanoparticles. The synthesized copper oxide nanoparticles were characterized by using UV–Visible, FT-IR, XRD, SEM–EDS and TEM analysis techniques. The nanoparticles were tested for antibacterial activity against human pathogens like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Staphylococcus strains and which was proved to be excellent.

Gas Phase Ion Chemistry of Transition Metal Clusters: Production, Reactivity, and Catalysis

Abstract: This review focuses on the use of mass spectrometry to examine the gas phase ion chemistry of metal clusters. Ways of forming gas phase clusters are briefly overviewed and then the gas phase chemistry of silver clusters is discussed to illustrate the concepts of “magic numbers” and how reactivity can be size dependent. The chemistry of other bare and ligated metal clusters is examined, including mixed metal dimer ions as models for microalloys. Metal clusters that catalyze gas phase chemical reactions such as the oxidation of CO and organic substrates are reviewed. Finally the interface between nanotechnology and mass spectrometry is also considered.

Commentary: Making Green Pesticides Greener? The Potential of Plant Products for Nanosynthesis and Pest Control

Abstract: The resurgence of interest on natural substances and their progressive affirmation in the market open doors for novel marketed products, with intrinsic original approaches. Evident examples are in the food supplements sector as well as in mix of synthetic drugs and natural substances, as novel drugs. A decisive key role will be played by technology and the capacity of throw novel opportunities out of the normal landscape. As in other fields, most of the future technology developments rely on nanotechnology. In this Commentary, after the discussion focused on the novel roles of natural products, we report the recent results in the application of nanotechnology in one of the most relevant challenge for mankind, consisting in the resurgence of important vector-borne diseases and emergence of new epidemic alerts. In particular, the green synthesis of nanopesticides is cheap and environmental friendly, since it does not require the employment of highly toxic chemicals or elevate energy inputs. In the conclusions, a brief agenda summarizing the challenges for nano-based pest control is outlined.

Shape Control of Colloidal Semiconductor Nanocrystals

Abstract: Shape control of inorganic nanocrystals is important for understanding basic size- and shape-dependent scaling laws, and may be useful in a wide range of applications. Methods for controlling the shapes of inorganic nanocrystals are evolving rapidly. This paper will focus on how we currently control the shape of semiconductor nanocrystals using CdSe as example.