Showing papers in "Small in 2012"
TL;DR: The large-scale synthesis of an atomic-layered semiconductor directly on a dielectric layer paves the way for many facile device fabrication possibilities, expanding the important family of useful mono- or few-layer materials that possess exceptional properties, such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride.
Abstract: Atomic-layered MoS(2) is synthesized directly on SiO(2) substrates by a scalable chemical vapor deposition method. The large-scale synthesis of an atomic-layered semiconductor directly on a dielectric layer paves the way for many facile device fabrication possibilities, expanding the important family of useful mono- or few-layer materials that possess exceptional properties, such as graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN).
1,602 citations
TL;DR: Although the single-layer MoS(2) device shows a rapid response after exposure to NO, the current was found to be unstable, and these FET devices can be used as gas sensors to detect nitrous oxide.
Abstract: Single- and multilayer MoS(2) films are deposited onto Si/SiO(2) using the mechanical exfoliation technique. The films were then used for the fabrication of field-effect transistors (FETs). These FET devices can be used as gas sensors to detect nitrous oxide (NO). Although the single-layer MoS(2) device shows a rapid response after exposure to NO, the current was found to be unstable. The two-, three-, and four-layer MoS(2) devices show both stable and sensitive responses to NO down to a concentration of 0.8 ppm.
1,396 citations
TL;DR: Progress in the research and development of carbon nanomaterials during the past twenty years or so for advanced energy conversion and storage is reviewed, along with some discussions on challenges and perspectives in this exciting field.
Abstract: It is estimated that the world will need to double its energy supply by 2050. Nanotechnology has opened up new frontiers in materials science and engineering to meet this challenge by creating new materials, particularly carbon nanomaterials, for efficient energy conversion and storage. Comparing to conventional energy materials, carbon nanomaterials possess unique size-/surface-dependent (e.g., morphological, electrical, optical, and mechanical) properties useful for enhancing the energy-conversion and storage performances. During the past 25 years or so, therefore, considerable efforts have been made to utilize the unique properties of carbon nanomaterials, including fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, as energy materials, and tremendous progress has been achieved in developing high-performance energy conversion (e.g., solar cells and fuel cells) and storage (e.g., supercapacitors and batteries) devices. This article reviews progress in the research and development of carbon nanomaterials during the past twenty years or so for advanced energy conversion and storage, along with some discussions on challenges and perspectives in this exciting field.
1,287 citations
TL;DR: Several key issues for improving the structure of graphene-based materials and for achieving better capacitor performance, along with the current outlook for the field are discussed.
Abstract: Due to their unique 2D structure and outstanding intrinsic physical properties, such as extraordinarily high electrical conductivity and large surface area, graphene-based materials exhibit great potential for application in supercapacitors. In this review, the progress made so far for their applications in supercapacitors is reviewed, including electrochemical double-layer capacitors, pseudo-capacitors, and asymmetric supercapacitors. Compared with traditional electrode materials, graphene-based materials show some novel characteristics and mechanisms in the process of energy storage and release. Several key issues for improving the structure of graphene-based materials and for achieving better capacitor performance, along with the current outlook for the field, are also discussed.
1,195 citations
TL;DR: This flexible transistor array can be used as a highly sensitive gas sensor with excellent reproducibility and functionalization of the MoS(2) thin film with Pt nanoparticles further increases the sensitivity by up to ∼3 times.
Abstract: By combining two kinds of solution-processable two-dimensional materials, a flexible transistor array is fabricated in which MoS2 thin film is used as the active channel and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) film is used as the drain and source electrodes. The simple device configuration and the 1.5 mm-long MoS2 channel ensure highly reproducible device fabrication and operation. This flexible transistor array can be used as a highly sensitive gas sensor with excellent reproducibility. Compared to using rGO thin film as the active channel, this new gas sensor exhibits much higher sensitivity. Moreover, functionalization of the MoS2 thin film with Pt nanoparticles further increases the sensitivity by up to ∼3 times. The successful incorporation of a MoS2 thin-film into the electronic sensor promises its potential application in various electronic devices.
842 citations
TL;DR: The results indicate that these Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2) microspheres may be attractive candidate materials for microwave absorption applications.
Abstract: Multifunctional composite microspheres with spinel Fe(3)O(4) cores and anatase TiO(2) shells (Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2)) are synthesized by combining a solvothermal reaction and calcination process. The size, morphology, microstructure, phase purity, and magnetic properties are characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), high-resolution TEM, selected-area electron diffraction, electron energy loss spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and superconducting quantum interference device magnetometry. The results show that the as-synthesized microspheres have a unique morphology, uniform size, good crystallinity, favorable superparamagnetism, and high magnetization. By varying the experimental conditions such as Fe(3)O(4) size and concentration, microspheres with different core sizes and shell thickneses can be readily synthesized. Furthermore, the microwave absorption properties of these microspheres are investigated in terms of complex permittivity and permeability. By integration of the chemical composition and unique structure, the Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2) microspheres possess lower reflection loss and a wider absorption frequency range than pure Fe(3)O(4). Moreover, the electromagnetic data demonstrate that Fe(3)O(4@TiO(2) microspheres with thicker TiO(2) shells exhibit significantly enhanced microwave absorption properties compared to those with thinner TiO(2) shells, which may result from effective complementarities between dielectric loss and magnetic loss. All the results indicate that these Fe(3)O(4)@TiO(2) microspheres may be attractive candidate materials for microwave absorption applications.
733 citations
TL;DR: Natural superhydrophobic surfaces are often thought to have antibiofouling potential, but when incubated on cicada wings, Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells are not repelled; instead they are penetrated by the nanopillar arrays present on the wing surface, resulting in bacterial cell death.
Abstract: Natural superhydrophobic surfaces are often thought to have antibiofouling potential due to their self-cleaning properties. However, when incubated on cicada wings, Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells are not repelled; instead they are penetrated by the nanopillar arrays present on the wing surface, resulting in bacterial cell death. Cicada wings are effective antibacterial, as opposed to antibiofouling, surfaces.
709 citations
TL;DR: The present Review focuses on TiO(2) nanotube arrays (and similar structures) that grow by self-organizing electrochemistry from a Ti metal substrate, as well as ways and means to modify critical tube properties.
Abstract: Photocatalytic approaches, that is the reaction of light-produced charge carriers at a semiconductor surface with their environment, currently attract an extremely wide scientific interest. This is to a large extent due to the high expectations: i) to convert sunlight directly into an energy carrier (H(2)), ii) to stimulate chemical synthetic reactions, or iii) to degrade unwanted environmental pollutants. Since the early reports in 1972, TiO(2) has been the most investigated photocatalytic material by far; this originates from its outstanding electronic properties that allow for a wide range of applications. Not only the material, but also its structure and morphology, can have a considerable influence on the photocatalytic performance of TiO(2). In recent years, particularly 1D (or pseudo 1D) structures such as nanowires and nanotubes have received great attention. The present Review focuses on TiO(2) nanotube arrays (and similar structures) that grow by self-organizing electrochemistry (highly aligned) from a Ti metal substrate. Herein, the growth, properties, and applications of these tubes are discussed, as well as ways and means to modify critical tube properties. Common strategies are addressed to improve the performance of photocatalysts such as doping or band-gap engineering, co-catalyst decoration, junction formation, or applying external bias. Finally, some unique applications of the ordered tube structures in various photocatalytic approaches are outlined.
600 citations
TL;DR: This work provides a facile method to synthesize Cdots as safe non-heavy-metal-containing fluorescent nanoprobes, promising for applications in biomedical imaging.
Abstract: Oxidization of carbon nanotubes by a mixed acid has been utilized as a standard method to functionalize carbon nanomaterials for years. Here, the products obtained from carbon nanotubes and graphite after a mixed-acid treatment are carefully studied. Nearly identical carbon dot (Cdot) products with diameters of 3-4 nm are produced using this approach from a variety of carbon starting materials, including single-walled carbon nanotubes, multiwalled carbon nanotubes, and graphite. These Cdots exhibit strong yellow fluorescence under UV irradiation and shifted emission peaks as the excitation wavelength is changed. In vivo fluorescence imaging with Cdots is then demonstrated in mouse experiments, by using varied excitation wavelengths including some in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution and toxicology of those Cdots in mice over different periods of time are studied; no noticeable signs of toxicity for Cdots to the treated animals are discovered. This work provides a facile method to synthesize Cdots as safe non-heavy-metal-containing fluorescent nanoprobes, promising for applications in biomedical imaging.
594 citations
TL;DR: This review provides an overview of recent advances in state-of-the-art nanostructured metal-free electrocatalysts including nitrogen-doped carbons, graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C(3) N(4) )-based hybrids, and 2D graphene-based materials.
Abstract: Replacing precious and nondurable Pt catalysts with cheap and commercially available materials to facilitate sluggish cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is a key issue in the development of fuel cell technology. The recently developed cost effective and highly stable metal-free catalysts reveal comparable catalytic activity and significantly better fuel tolerance than that of current Pt-based catalysts; therefore, they can serve as feasible Pt alternatives for the next generation of ORR electrocatalysts. Their promising electrocatalytic properties and acceptable costs greatly promote the R&D of fuel cell technology. This review provides an overview of recent advances in state-of-the-art nanostructured metal-free electrocatalysts including nitrogen-doped carbons, graphitic-carbon nitride (g-C3N4)-based hybrids, and 2D graphene-based materials. A special emphasis is placed on the molecular design of these electrocatalysts, origin of their electrochemical reactivity, and ORR pathways. Finally, some perspectives are highlighted on the development of more efficient ORR electrocatalysts featuring high stability, low cost, and enhanced performance, which are the key factors to accelerate the commercialization of fuel cell technology.
550 citations
TL;DR: The potent antibacterial activity of CuO nanoparticles was found to be due to ROS-generation by the nanoparticles attached to the bacterial cells, which in turn provoked an enhancement of the intracellular oxidative stress.
Abstract: To date, there is still a lack of definite knowledge regarding the interaction of CuO nanoparticles with bacteria and the possible permeation of the nanoparticles into bacterial cells. This study was aimed at shedding light on the size-dependent (from the microscale down to the small nanoscale) antibacterial activity of CuO. The potent antibacterial activity of CuO nanoparticles was found to be due to ROS-generation by the nanoparticles attached to the bacterial cells, which in turn provoked an enhancement of the intracellular oxidative stress. This paradigm was confirmed by several assays such as lipid peroxidation and reporter strains of oxidative stress. Furthermore, electron microscopy indicated that the small nanoparticles of CuO penetrated the cells. Collectively, the results reported herein may reconcile conflicting concepts in the literature concerning the antibacterial mechanism of CuO nanoparticles, as well as highlight the potential for developing sustainable CuO nanoparticles-based devices for inhibiting bacterial infections.
TL;DR: This Review considers recent novel applications of plasmonics to chemical reactions, especially toPlasmon-driven surface-catalyzed reactions and surface-enhanced Raman scattering, and finds a novel method to synthesize new molecules, induced by local surface plasmons or plAsmon waveguides on the nanoscale.
Abstract: The first experimental and theoretical evidence of the surface-catalyzed reaction of p,p'-dimercaptoazobenzene (DMAB) produced from para-aminothiophenol (PATP) by local surface plasmons was reported in 2010, and since that time a series of investigations have supported these findings using different experimental and theoretical methods. Recent work has also found that local plasmons can drive a surface-catalyzed reaction of DMAB converted from 4-nitrobenzenethiol (4NBT), assisted by local surface plasmons. There are at least three important discoveries in these investigations: 1) in the field of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) the widely accepted misinterpretation (since 1994) that the chemical mechanism resulting in three additional Raman peaks of PATP in Ag or Au solutions has been corrected with a new mechanism; 2) it is confirmed that SERS is not always a noninvasive technique, and under certain conditions cannot always obtain the vibrational fingerprint information of the original surface species; 3) a novel method to synthesize new molecules, induced by local surface plasmons or plasmon waveguides on the nanoscale, has been found. This Review considers recent novel applications of plasmonics to chemical reactions, especially to plasmon-driven surface-catalyzed reactions.
TL;DR: Experimental results prove that the electrical transition is due to the charge trapping and detrapping behavior of MoS2 in the PVP dielectric material, paving a way of employing two-dimensional nanomaterials as both functional materials and conducting electrodes for the future flexible data storage.
Abstract: A facile method for exfoliation and dispersion of molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) with the aid of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) is proposed. The resultant PVP-coated MoS2 nanosheets, i.e., MoS2-PVP nanocomposites, are well dispersed in the low-boiling ethanol solvent, facilitating their thin film preparation and the device fabrication by solution processing technique. As a proof of concept, a flexible memory diode with the configuration of reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/MoS2-PVP/Al exhibited a typical bistable electrical switching and nonvolatile rewritable memory effect with the function of flash. These experimental results prove that the electrical transition is due to the charge trapping and detrapping behavior of MoS2 in the PVP dielectric material. This study paves a way of employing two-dimensional nanomaterials as both functional materials and conducting electrodes for the future flexible data storage.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that flexible magnetic nickel-silver nanoswimmers are able to transport micrometer particles at high speeds of more than 10 μm s(-1) (more than 0.2 body lengths per revolution in dimensionless speed).
Abstract: Fuel-free nanomotors are essential for future in-vivo biomedical transport and drug-delivery applications. Herein, the first example of directed delivery of drug-loaded magnetic polymeric particles using magnetically driven flexible nanoswimmers is described. It is demonstrated that flexible magnetic nickel-silver nanoswimmers (5-6 μm in length and 200 nm in diameter) are able to transport micrometer particles at high speeds of more than 10 μm s(-1) (more than 0.2 body lengths per revolution in dimensionless speed). The fundamental mechanism of the cargo-towing ability of these magnetic (fuel-free) nanowire motors is modelled, and the hydrodynamic features of these cargo-loaded motors discussed. The effect of the cargo size on swimming performance is evaluated experimentally and compared to a theoretical model, emphasizing the interplay between hydrodynamic drag forces and boundary actuation. The latter leads to an unusual increase of the propulsion speed at an intermediate particle size. Potential applications of these cargo-towing nanoswimmers are demonstrated by using the directed delivery of drug-loaded microparticles to HeLa cancer cells in biological media. Transport of the drug carriers through a microchannel from the pick-up zone to the release microwell is further illustrated. It is expected that magnetically driven nanoswimmers will provide a new approach for the rapid delivery of target-specific drug carriers to predetermined destinations.
TL;DR: This review gives a brief overview of the recent research concerning chemical and thermal approaches toward the production of well-defined graphene-based nanomaterials and their applications in energy-related areas, including solar cells, lithium ion secondary batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis.
Abstract: A 'gold rush' has been triggered all over the world for exploiting the possible applications of graphene-based nanomaterials. For this purpose, two important problems have to be solved; one is the preparation of graphene-based nanomaterials with well-defined structures, and the other is the controllable fabrication of these materials into functional devices. This review gives a brief overview of the recent research concerning chemical and thermal approaches toward the production of well-defined graphene-based nanomaterials and their applications in energy-related areas, including solar cells, lithium ion secondary batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis. With a focus on chemical and thermal approaches toward the production of well-defined graphene-based nanomaterials, this paper gives a brief overview of the recent exciting research results and the potential applications of graphene nanomaterials in energy-related areas including solar cells, lithium ion secondary batteries, supercapacitors, and catalysis which have attracted great attention all over the world.
TL;DR: The electrochemical study of single-layer, 2D MoS₂ nanosheets reveals a reduction peak in the cyclic voltammetry in NaCl aqueous solution and this novel material is believed to be a good electrode material for electrochemical sensing applications.
Abstract: The electrochemical study of single-layer, 2D MoS₂ nanosheets reveals a reduction peak in the cyclic voltammetry in NaCl aqueous solution. The electrochemically reduced MoS₂ (rMoS₂) shows good conductivity and fast electron transfer rate in the [Fe(CN)₆]³⁻/⁴⁻ and [Ru(NH₃)₆]²⁺/³⁺ redox systems. The obtained rMoS₂ can be used for glucose detection. In addition, it can selectively detect dopamine in the presence of ascorbic acid and uric acid. This novel material, rMoS₂, is believed to be a good electrode material for electrochemical sensing applications.
TL;DR: A PEGylated nano-graphene oxide (NGO-SS-mPEG) with redox-responsive detachable PEG shell is developed that can rapidly release an encapsulated payload at tumor-relevant glutathione levels and inhibition of cell proliferation is directly correlated with increased intracellular GSH concentrations due to rapid DXR release.
Abstract: In biomedical applications, polyethylene glycol (PEG) functionalization has been a major approach to modify nanocarriers such as nano-graphene oxide for particular biological requirements. However, incorporation of a PEG shell poses a significant diffusion barrier that adversely affects the release of the loaded drugs. This study addresses this critical issue by employing a redox-responsive PEG detachment mechanism. A PEGylated nano-graphene oxide (NGO-SS-mPEG) with redox-responsive detachable PEG shell is developed that can rapidly release an encapsulated payload at tumor-relevant glutathione (GSH) levels. The PEG shell grafted onto NGO sheets gives the nanocomposite high physiological solubility and stability in circulation. It can selectively detach from NGO upon intracellular GSH stimulation. The surface-engineered structures are shown to accelerate the release of doxorubicin hydrochloride (DXR) from NGO-SS-mPEG 1.55 times faster than in the absence of GSH. Confocal microscopy shows clear evidence of NGO-SS-mPEG endocytosis in HeLa cells, mainly accumulated in cytoplasm. Furthermore, upon internalization of DXR-loaded NGO with a disulfide-linked PEG shell into HeLa cells, DXR is effectively released in the presence of an elevated GSH reducing environment, as observed in confocal microscopy and flow cytometric experiments. Importantly, inhibition of cell proliferation is directly correlated with increased intracellular GSH concentrations due to rapid DXR release.
TL;DR: Flexible graphene paper (GP) pillared by carbon black (CB) nanoparticles using a simple vacuum filtration method is developed as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors that exhibit excellent electrochemical performances and cyclic stabilities.
Abstract: Flexible graphene paper (GP) pillared by carbon black (CB) nanoparticles using a simple vacuum filtration method is developed as a high-performance electrode material for supercapacitors. Through the introduction of CB nanoparticles as spacers, the self-restacking of graphene sheets during the filtration process is mitigated to a great extent. The pillared GP-based supercapacitors exhibit excellent electrochemical performances and cyclic stabilities compared with GP without the addition of CB nanoparticles. At a scan rate of 10 mV s −1 , the specific capacitance of the pillared GP is 138 F g −1 and 83.2 F g −1 with negligible 3.85% and 4.35% capacitance degradation after 2000 cycles in aqueous and organic electrolytes, respectively. At an extremely fast scan rate of 500 mV s −1 , the specific capacitance can reach 80 F g −1 in aqueous electrolyte. No binder is needed for assembling the supercapacitor cells and the pillared GP itself may serve as a current collector due to its intrinsic high electrical conductivity. The pillared GP has great potential in the development of promising flexible and ultralight-weight supercapacitors for electrochemical energy storage.
TL;DR: Using an optical imaging method combined with image analysis software, a high-contrast image of the MoS₂ sheets can be extracted from the red (R) channel of the color optical microscopy image.
Abstract: A simple approach is developed to identify the layer number of 2D MoS₂ sheets. By using an optical imaging method combined with image analysis software, a high-contrast image of the MoS₂ sheets can be extracted from the red (R) channel of the color optical microscopy image. The value of the intensity difference in the grayscale image of the R channel between MoS₂ sheets (1-3 layers) and the SiO₂ substrate can be used to identify the layer number of the sheet.
TL;DR: This study clearly suggests that the observed toxicity effects of pristine graphene towards macrophage cells can be easily averted by surface functionalization and both the systems show excellent hemocompatibility.
Abstract: Graphene and its derivatives are being proposed for several important biomedical applications including drug delivery, gene delivery, contrast imaging, and anticancer therapy. Most of these applications demand intravenous injection of graphene and hence evaluation of its hemocompatibility is an essential prerequisite. Herein, both pristine and functionalized graphene are extensively characterized for their interactions with murine macrophage RAW 264.7 cells and human primary blood components. Detailed analyses of the potential uptake by macrophages, effects on its metabolic activity, membrane integrity, induction of reactive oxygen stress, hemolysis, platelet activation, platelet aggregation, coagulation cascade, cytokine induction, immune cell activation, and immune cell suppression are performed using optimized protocols for nanotoxicity evaluation. Electron microscopy, confocal Raman spectral mapping, and confocal fluorescence imaging studies show active interaction of both the graphene systems with macrophage cells, and the reactive oxygen species mediated toxicity effects of hydrophobic pristine samples are significantly reduced by surface functionalization. In the case of hemocompatibility, both types of graphene show excellent compatibility with red blood cells, platelets, and plasma coagulation pathways, and minimal alteration in the cytokine expression by human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Further, both samples do not cause any premature immune cell activation or suppression up to a relatively high concentration of 75 μg mL(-1) after 72 h of incubation under in vitro conditions. This study clearly suggests that the observed toxicity effects of pristine graphene towards macrophage cells can be easily averted by surface functionalization and both the systems show excellent hemocompatibility.
TL;DR: This review highlights strategies for modulating the physical properties of surfaces, the influence of these changes on cell responses, and the promise and limitations of these surfaces in in-vitro settings.
Abstract: The cellular environment impacts a myriad of cellular functions by providing signals that can modulate cell phenotype and function. Physical cues such as topography, roughness, gradients, and elasticity are of particular importance. Thus, synthetic substrates can be potentially useful tools for exploring the influence of the aforementioned physical properties on cellular function. Many micro- and nanofabrication processes have been employed to control substrate characteristics in both 2D and 3D environments. This review highlights strategies for modulating the physical properties of surfaces, the influence of these changes on cell responses, and the promise and limitations of these surfaces in in-vitro settings. While both hard and soft materials are discussed, emphasis is placed on soft substrates. Moreover, methods for creating synthetic substrates for cell studies, substrate properties, and impact of substrate properties on cell behavior are the main focus of this review.
TL;DR: Titania nanoparticles (P25) are successfully chemically bonded with graphdiyne (GD) nanosheets by a facile hydrothermal treatment, to form a novel nanocomposite photocatalyst that exhibits higher photocatalytic activity for degrading methylene blue under UV irradiation and might find potential application in a wide range of fields including air purification and waste water treatment.
Abstract: Titania nanoparticles (P25) are successfully chemically bonded with graphdiyne (GD) nanosheets by a facile hydrothermal treatment, to form a novel nanocomposite photocatalyst. The as-prepared P25-GD nanocomposite exhibits higher photocatalytic activity for degrading methylene blue under UV irradiation than not only P25 and P25-carbon nanotube composite but also the current well-known P25-graphene composite photocatalysts. Moreover, P25-GD also shows considerable visible-light-driven photocatalytic activity, since the formation of chemical bonds between P25 and GD effectively decreases the bandgap of P25 and extends its absorbable light range. The photocatalytic activity of P25-GD can be adjusted by changing the content of GD in composites and the optimized value is about 0.6 wt%. Such a nanocomposite photocatalyst might find potential application in a wide range of fields including air purification and waste water treatment.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that AuNPs possessing negative surface potential serve as nano-chaperones to inhibit and redirect Aβ fibrillization, which could contribute to applications for AD.
Abstract: Amyloids are pathogenic hallmarks in many neurodegenerative diseases such as amyloid-β (Aβ) fibrils in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Here, the effect of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) on amyloids is examined using Aβ as a model system. It is found that bare AuNPs inhibited Aβ fibrillization to form fragmented fibrils and spherical oligomers. Adding bare AuNPs to preformed Aβ fibrils results in ragged species where AuNPs bind preferentially to fibrils. Similar results are demonstrated with carboxyl- but not amine-conjugated AuNPs. Co-incubation of negatively charged AuNPs with Aβ relieved Aβ toxicity to neuroblastoma. Overall, it is demonstrated that AuNPs possessing negative surface potential serve as nano-chaperones to inhibit and redirect Aβ fibrillization, which could contribute to applications for AD.
TL;DR: An overview on the design and synthesis of LTMC nanomaterials by solution-based strategies is presented along with their ORR performances, and recent advances have emphasized that decorating the surface of theLTMC nanostructures with other functional nanoparticles can lead to much better ORR catalytic activity.
Abstract: Late transition metal chalcogenide (LTMC) nanomaterials have been introduced as a promising Pt-free oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts because of their low cost, good ORR activity, high methanol tolerance, and facile synthesis. Herein, an overview on the design and synthesis of LTMC nanomaterials by solution-based strategies is presented along with their ORR performances. Current solution-based synthetic approaches towards LTMC nanomaterials include a hydrothermal/solvothermal approach, single-source precursor approach, hot-injection approach, template-directed soft synthesis, and Kirkendall-effect-induced soft synthesis. Although the ORR activity and stability of LTMC nanomaterials are still far from what is needed for practical fuel-cell applications, much enhanced electrocatalytic performance can be expected. Recent advances have emphasized that decorating the surface of the LTMC nanostructures with other functional nanoparticles can lead to much better ORR catalytic activity. It is believed that new synthesis approaches to LTMCs, modification techniques of LTMCs, and LTMCs with desirable morphology, size, composition, and structures are expected to be developed in the future to satisfy the requirements of commercial fuel cells.
TL;DR: In this article, recent advances in microfluidic platforms for the generation of cell-laden hydrogel particles (microgels) are reported and currently used methods for the encapsulation of cells in polymer microgels are discussed.
Abstract: In this Concept article, recent advances in microfluidic platforms for the generation of cell-laden hydrogel particles (microgels) are reported. Advances in the continuous microfluidic encapsulation of cells in droplets and microgels are critically reviewed, and currently used methods for the encapsulation of cells in polymer microgels are discussed. An outlook on current applications and future directions in this field of research are also presented. This article will be of interest to chemists, materials scientists, cell biologists, bioengineers, and pharmacologists.
TL;DR: The results indicate that CRGO is a potential substrate for efficient enzyme immobilization, and is an ideal candidate as a macromolecule carrier and biosensor.
Abstract: Biochemical and biomedical applications of graphene oxide (GO) critically rely on the interaction of biomolecules with it. It has been previously reported that the biological activity of the GO-enzyme conjugate decreases due to electrostatic interaction between the enzymes and GO. Herein, the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and oxalate oxidase (OxOx) on chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) are reported. The enzymes can be adsorbed onto CRGO directly with a tenfold higher enzyme loading than that on GO, and maximum enzyme loadings reach 1.3 and 12 mg mg(-1) for HRP and OxOx, respectively. Significantly, the more CRGO is reduced, the higher the enzyme loading. The CRGO-HRP conjugates also exhibit higher enzyme activity and stability than GO-HRP. Excellent properties of the CRGO-enzyme conjugates are attributed to hydrophobic interaction between the enzymes and the CRGO. The hydrophobic interaction mode of the CRGO-enzyme conjugates can be applied to other hydrophobic proteins, and thus could dramatically improve the performance of immobilized proteins. The results indicate that CRGO is a potential substrate for efficient enzyme immobilization, and is an ideal candidate as a macromolecule carrier and biosensor.
TL;DR: Bottom-gate, top-contact organic thin-film transistors with excellent static characteristics and fast unipolar ring oscillators with significant contribution of the transfer length to the relation between channel length, contact length, Contact resistance, effective mobility, and cutoff frequency are fabricated.
Abstract: Keywords: organic thin-film transistors ; contact length ; contact resistance ; cutoff frequency ; Thin-Film Transistors ; Field-Effect Transistors ; Artificial Skin ; Performance ; Fabrication ; Dielectrics ; Matrix Reference EPFL-ARTICLE-175161doi:10.1002/smll.201101677View record in Web of Science Record created on 2012-02-23, modified on 2017-05-12
TL;DR: The amperometric measurements show the Au NPs@POM-GNSs nanohybrids have high catalytic activity with good sensitivity, good long-term stability, wide linear range, low detection limit, and fast response towards H( 2)O(2) detection for application as an enzyme-free biosensor.
Abstract: A green, facile, one-pot synthesis of well-defined Au NPs@POMGNSs tricomponent nanohybrids is reported (POM stands for polyoxometalate and GNSs for graphene nanosheets). The synthesis is convenient, rapid and environmentally friendly. The POMs serve as both reducing, encapsulating molecules, and bridging molecules; this avoids the introduction of other organic toxic molecules. Characterization using transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and Raman spectroscopy analysis is performed, and the structure of the prepared nanohybrids of Au NPs@POMGNSs is verified. Most importantly, the amperometric measurements show the Au NPs@POMGNSs nanohybrids have high catalytic activity with good sensitivity, good long-term stability, wide linear range, low detection limit, and fast response towards H2O2 detection for application as an enzyme-free biosensor. Transformation of the POMs during H2O2 detection does not affect the catalytic activities of the nanohybrids. Thus, the synergistic effect of Au NPs and GNSs in the nanohybrids leads to the enhanced catalytic property.
TL;DR: The results demonstrate the importance of ion dehydration in transport through narrow pores, which increases the current level of mechanistic understanding of membrane-based desalination and transport in biological channels.
Abstract: The transport of hydrated ions through narrow pores is important for a number of processes such as the desalination and filtration of water and the conductance of ions through biological channels. Here, molecular dynamics simulations are used to systematically examine the transport of anionic drinking water contaminants (fluoride, chloride, nitrate, and nitrite) through pores ranging in effective radius from 2.8 to 6.5 A to elucidate the role of hydration in excluding these species during nanofiltration. Bulk hydration properties (hydrated size and coordination number) are determined for comparison with the situations inside the pores. Free energy profiles for ion transport through the pores show energy barriers depend on pore size, ion type, and membrane surface charge and that the selectivity sequence can change depending on the pore size. Ion coordination numbers along the trajectory showed that partial dehydration of the transported ion is the main contribution to the energy barriers. Ion transport is greatly hindered when the effective pore radius is smaller than the hydrated radius, as the ion has to lose some associated water molecules to enter the pore. Small energy barriers are still observed when pore sizes are larger than the hydrated radius due to re-orientation of the hydration shell or the loss of more distant water. These results demonstrate the importance of ion dehydration in transport through narrow pores, which increases the current level of mechanistic understanding of membrane-based desalination and transport in biological channels.