Shell-cross-linked cylindrical Polyisoprene-b-polyferrocenylsilane (PI-b-PFS) block copolymer micelles: one-dimensional (1D) organometallic nanocylinders

We report the creation and properties of colloidally stable shell-cross-linked cylindrical organometallic block copolymer micelles with adjustable length and swellability. The one-dimensional (1D) structures with semicrystalline polyferrocenylsilane (PFS) cores and polyisoprene (PI) coronas were initially self-assembled from PI-b-PFS block copolymers in a PI-selective solvent such as hexane. The length of the cylinders could be varied from hundreds of nanometers to several tens of micrometers by adjusting solution conditions, using various solvents such as hexane, decane, or hexane/THF (or toluene) mixtures. The cylindrical micelles with vinyl groups in the PI corona were cross-linked through a Pt(0)-catalyzed hydrosilylation reaction using 1,1,3,3-tetramethyl disiloxane as a cross-linker at room temperature. The shell cross-linking significantly increased the stability of the micelles relative to the un-cross-linked precursors as no fragmentation was observed upon sonication in solution. In addition, the structural integrity of the micelles was also enhanced after solvent removal; a solid sample was successfully microtomed and then examined using TEM, which revealed circular cross-sections for the PI-b-PFS micelles with an average diameter of ca. 15 nm. We also discovered that shell cross-linking is a prerequisite for generating ceramic replicas through the pyrolysis of PI-b-PFS aggregates. Moreover, we were able to pattern the cross-linked micelles on a flat substrate by microfluidic techniques, generating perpendicularly crossed lines of aligned micelles. In short, the shell-cross-linked PI-b-PFS 1D organometallic aggregates are a promising new type of nanomaterial with intriguing potential applications.     

Redox-induced synthesis and encapsulation of metal nanoparticles in shell-cross-linked organometallic nanotubes

A new approach to encapsulate silver nanoparticles inside block copolymer nanotubes is reported and involves an in situ redox reaction between a polyferrocenylsilane (PFS) inner wall and silver ions. Partial preoxidation of the PFS domains was found to be a key step for the efficient formation of one-dimensional arrays of silver nanoparticles confined within the nanotubes.     

Reversible cross-linking of polyisoprene coronas in micelles, block comicelles, and hierarchical micelle architectures using Pt(0)-olefin coordination

Previous work has established that polyisoprene (PI) coronas in cylindrical block copolymer micelles with a poly(ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PFS) core can be irreversibly cross-linked by hydrosilylation using (HSiMe(2))(2)O in the presence of Karstedt's catalyst. We now show that treatment of cylindrical PI-b-PFS micelles with Karstedt's catalyst alone, in the absence of any silanes, leads to PI coronal cross-linking through Pt(0)-olefin coordination. The cross-linking can be reversed through the addition of 2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane (dppe), a strong bidentate ligand, which removes the platinum from the PI to form Pt(dppe)(2). The Pt(0) cross-linking of PI was studied with self-assembled cylindrical PI-b-PFS block copolymer micelles, where the cross-linking was found to dramatically increase the stability of the micellar structures. The Pt(0)-alkene coordination-induced cross-linking can be used to provide transmission electron microscopy contrast between PI and poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) corona domains in block comicelles as the process selectively increases the electron density of the PI regions. Moreover, following the assembly of a hierarchical scarf-shaped comicelle consisting of a PFS-b-PDMS platelet template with PI-b-PFS tassels, Pt(0)-induced cross-linking of the PI coronal regions allowed for the selective removal of the PFS-b-PDMS center, leaving behind an unprecedented hollowed-out scarf structure. The addition of Karstedt's catalyst to PI or polybutadiene homopolymer toluene/xylene solutions resulted in the formation of polymer gels which underwent de-gelation upon the addition of dppe.     

Fragmentation of fiberlike structures: sonication studies of cylindrical block copolymer micelles and behavioral comparisons to biological fibrils

In alkane solvents, poly(isoprene-b-ferrocenyldimethylsilane) (PI-b-PFS) block copolymer forms fiberlike micelles, which show intriguing similarities with biological fibers such as amyloid fibers. Both systems exhibit fiber growth by a nucleated self-assembly mechanism and rapidly fragment upon exposure to the shear forces of ultrasonic irradiation. Sonication of PI-b-PFS cylindrical micelles was studied quantitatively by static light scattering and by electron microscopy. Both techniques are in excellent agreement and show that the weight-average length of sonicated micelles decreases as a function of sonication time. Simulation of the cleavage of micelles using different scission models shows that micelle fragmentation follows a Gaussian model and that the scission is highly dependent on micelle length, in contrast to DNA and polymer chain scission. We speculate that biological fibers, which are similar in length and rigidity to PFS block copolymer micelles, fragment by a similar mechanism when subjected to sonication.     

Nanoparticle‐Loaded Cylindrical Micelles from Nanopore Extrusion of Block Copolymer Spherical Micelles

Hybrid cylindrical micelles loaded with nanoparticles are fabricated via extrusion of spherical micelles in solution phase through small long cylindrical pores. Small gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are pre‐coated with thiol‐terminated polystyrene and then further encapsulated in the core part of block copolymer spherical micelles by a precipitation method. By varying the starting mass ratio of AuNPs and the diblock copolymers polystyrene‐b‐polyisoprene (PS‐b‐PI) during the encapsulation, the AuNPs loading density along the cylindrical micelles can be controlled. The mechanism for this sphere‐to‐cylinder transition induced by extruding hybrid spherical micelles through small cylindrical nanopores is discussed. These findings provide a novel way to manufacture high‐quality and functional polymeric nano­wires, which may open the door to new applications such as in plasmonic waveguides.

     

Synthesis and characterization of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles in hybrid micelles of poly[styrene-<Emphasis Type="Italic">block</Emphasis>-(ethylene oxide)] and sodium dodecyl sulfate

Cobalt ferrite nanoparticles are synthesized in hybrid micelles of poly[styrene-block-(ethylene oxide)] and sodium dodecyl sulfate in water at room temperature. The nanoparticles are prepared by the chemical precipitation method via the exchange reaction between iron and cobalt salts with sodium dodecyl sulfate and the redox reaction under the action of an aqueous solution of methylamine. As evidenced by small-angle X-ray scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and ferromagnetic resonance examination, cobalt ferrite nanoparticles occurring in hybrid micelles of the block copolymer and sodium dodecyl sulfate are polydisperse (their size is 0.3–50 nm) and ferromagnetic.     

Structure and morphology controllable synthesis of Ag/carbon hybrid with ionic liquid as soft-template and their catalytic properties

Ag/carbon hybrids were fabricated by the redox of glucose and silver nitrate (AgNO₃) in the presence of imidazolium ionic liquid ([C₁₄mim]BF₄) under hydrothermal condition. Monodisperse carbon hollow sub-microspheres encapsulating Ag nanoparticles and Ag/carbon cables were selectively prepared by varying the concentration of ionic liquid. Other reaction parameters, such as reaction temperature, reaction time and the mole ratio of silver nitrate to glucose, play important roles in controlling the structures of the products. The products were characterized by XRD, TEM (HRTEM), SEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), FTIR spectroscopy and a Raman spectrometer. The possible formation mechanism was proposed. The catalytic property of the hybrid in the oxidation of 1-butanol by H₂O₂ was also investigated.     

Antibacterial polyelectrolyte micelles for coating stainless steel

In this study, we report on the original synthesis and characterization of novel antimicrobial coatings for stainless steel by alternating the deposition of aqueous solutions of positively charged polyelectrolyte micelles doped with silver-based nanoparticles with a polyanion. The micelles are formed by electrostatic interaction between two oppositely charged polymers: a polycation bearing 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine units (DOPA, a major component of natural adhesives) and a polyanion (poly(styrene sulfonate), PSS) without using any block copolymer. DOPA units are exploited for their well-known ability to anchor to stainless steel and to form and stabilize biocidal silver nanoparticles (Ag(0)). The chlorine counteranion of the polycation forms and stabilizes biocidal silver chloride nanoparticles (AgCl). We demonstrate that two layers of micelles (alternated by PSS) doped with silver particles are enough to impart to the surface strong antibacterial activity against gram-negative E. coli. Moreover, micelles that are reservoirs of biocidal Ag(+) can be easily reactivated after depletion. This novel water-based approach is convenient, simple, and attractive for industrial applications.     

Tuning of redox properties of iron and iron oxides via encapsulation within carbon nanotubes

We report the tuning of the redox properties of iron and iron oxide nanoparticles by encapsulation within carbon nanotubes (CNTs) with varying inner diameters. Raman spectroscopy was employed to investigate the interaction of the encapsulated nanoparticles with the CNTs. A red shift of the Fe-O mode is observed in the nanoparticles deposited on the outer CNT surfaces with respect to bulk Fe2O3. However, this mode is found to be stepwise blue-shifted with decreasing inner diameter in the CNT-encapsulated Fe2O3 nanoparticles, suggesting an enhanced interaction of Fe2O3 with the inner CNT surface as its curvature increases. The autoreduction of the encapsulated Fe2O3 is significantly facilitated inside CNTs with respect to the outside nanoparticles. Interestingly, it becomes more facile with decreasing CNT channel diameter as evidenced by temperature programmed reaction, in situ XRD, and Raman spectroscopy. The oxidation of encapsulated metallic Fe nanoparticles on the other hand is retarded in comparison to that of the outside Fe particles as shown by in situ XRD and gravimetrical measurements with an online microbalance. We attribute this tunable redox behavior of transition metal nanoparticles inside CNTs to a particular electronic interaction of the encapsulates with the interior CNT surface, which stabilizes the metallic state of Fe.     

Large-scale synthesis of size-controllable Ag nanoparticles by reducing silver halide colloids with different sizes

By reducing the colloidal silver halide, we successfully synthesized a series of micro-nano Ag particles.     

Electrochemical solid-state phase transformations of silver nanoparticles

Adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-capped silver nanoparticles (ATP-Ag NPs) were synthesized by reduction of AgNO(3) with borohydride in water with ATP as a capping ligand. The NPs obtained were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV-vis absorption spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis. A typical preparation produced ATP-Ag NPs with diameters of 4.5 ± 1.1 nm containing ~2800 Ag atoms and capped with 250 ATP capping ligands. The negatively charged ATP caps allow NP incorporation into layer-by-layer (LbL) films with poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride at thiol-modified Au electrode surfaces. Cyclic voltammetry in a single-layer LbL film of NPs showed a chemically reversible oxidation of Ag NPs to silver halide NPs in aqueous halide solutions and to Ag(2)O NPs in aqueous hydroxide solutions. TEM confirmed that this takes place via a redox-driven solid-state phase transformation. The charge for these nontopotactic phase transformations corresponded to a one-electron redox process per Ag atom in the NP, indicating complete oxidation and reduction of all Ag atoms in each NP during the electrochemical phase transformation.     

Formation of Silver and Copper Nanoparticles upon the Reduction of Their Poorly Soluble Precursors in Aqueous Solution

The possibility of preparing silver and copper sols with a concentration of disperse phase of 10^–3 mol/l upon the reduction of poorly soluble precursors (AgI, CuI) is studied. It is established that reduction of AgI proceeds according to the solid-state mechanism with the formation of smaller Ag particles and is kinetically retarded because of the formation (on the AgI surface) of a silver shell, thus hindering the access of the reductant to AgI. The reduction of copper iodide occurs through the solution with the formation of Cu nanoparticles, the sizes of which are comparable to those of the initial iodide particles, and is limited only by the CuI dissolution rate.     

Ag/SBA-15复合材料的制备及其抗菌性质

本文采用二维六方结构的介孔硅SBA-15作为主体, 先将其浸渍在葡萄糖溶液中, 利用土伦试剂在原位发生氧化-还原反应, 成功地在介孔孔道中制备出分散的银纳米粒子, 并以金黄葡萄球菌为研究对象, 对Ag/SBA-15的抑菌性能及持续抑菌能力进行了检测, 结果表明, 样品对金黄葡萄球菌有明显的抑菌作用并具有持续的抑菌能力.     

Cylindrical micelles from the aqueous self-assembly of an amphiphilic poly(ethylene oxide)-b-poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PEO-b-PFS) block copolymer with a metallo-supramolecular linker at the block junction

A supramolecular AB diblock copolymer has been prepared by the sequential self-assembly of terpyridine end-functionalized polymer blocks by using Ru(III)/Ru(II) chemistry. By this synthetic strategy a hydrophobic poly(ferrocenylsilane) (PFS) was attached to a hydrophilic poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) block to give an amphiphilic metallo-supramolecular diblock copolymer (PEO/PFS block ratio 6:1). This compound was used to form micelles in water that were characterized by a combination of dynamic and static light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. These complementary techniques showed that the copolymers investigated form rod-like micelles in water; the micelles have a constant diameter but are rather polydisperse in length, and light scattering measurements indicate that they are flexible. Crystallization of the PFS in these micelles was observed by differential scanning calorimetry, and is thought to be the key behind the formation of rod-like structures. The cylindrical micelles can be cleaved into smaller rods whenever the temperature of the solution is increased or they are exposed to ultrasound.     

Synthesis of mixed silver halide nanocrystals in reversed micelles

The specifics of the synthesis of silver halide nanocrystals of mixed composition and the core-shell structures in reversed micelles were experimentally studied. It was shown that homogeneous AgBr _x I_{1 ? x} nanocrystals of ～5 nm in size with the iodide concentration up to 70%, as well as the core-shell structures AgI/AgBr and AgBr/AgI, can be synthesized by the micellar synthesis. It was found that the relation of the crystalline structures of the core and shell materials plays an important role in the shell formation. The shell of γ-AgI alone is formed on the AgBr nanocrystals with a close lattice type, whereas β-AgI with the hexagonal lattice forms an individual phase of nanoparticles, rather than the shell.     

Catalytic performance in 4-nitrophenol reduction by Ag nanoparticles stabilized on biodegradable amphiphilic copolymers

Biodegradable copolymers have received much more attention in the last decades due their potential applications in the fields related to environmental protection, medicine, agriculture, and the chemical processes. Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were prepared via reduction of silver nitrate (AgNO₃) using biodegradable amphiphilic copolymers in aqueous solution. The micelles were constructed from the amphiphilic copolymer composed of poly(2-ethyl-2-oxazoline) and poly(ε-caprolactone). The Ag NPs with a diameter of 10–15?nm were found to show a comparable high catalytic activity toward the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) in the presence of an excess amount of NaBH₄. The synthesized Ag NPs-loaded copolymer exhibits high catalytic activity for the reduction of 4-NP to 4-aminophenol.     

Polymer particles with dendrimer@SiO2-Ag hierarchical shell and their application in catalytic column

Polymer particles with dendrimer@SiO₂–Ag hierarchical shell were prepared, and their application in the catalytic column for the reduction of 4-nitrophenol (4-NP) was also investigated. The PS microspheres with the carboxyl group were used as the supports for the immobilization of dendrimer@SiO₂–Ag shell. The polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer was grafted on the surface of PS microsphere through repetitive Michael addition reaction of methyl acrylate (MA) and amidation of the obtained esters with a large excess of ethylenediamine (EDA) successively. The silver nanoparticles formed inside the PAMAM shell. Then, the silver nanoparticles, which were used as center of nucleation, were coated with SiO₂ shell through improved Stöber method. Moreover, the more silver nanoparticles were dispersed on the surface of SiO₂ shell. The contents of silver element were measured using inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). The obtained PS@PAMAM@SiO₂–Ag nanoparticles were packed in stainless steel column, which has been used effectively for the catalytic reduction of 4-NP. Under column pressures, the rigid SiO₂ shell plays a better role in immobilization of silver nanoparticles than the soft PAMAM shell. This technique for packing catalytic nanoparticles in column improves the efficiency of application with metal catalysts as well as reduces the tedious separation processes in catalytic reaction.     

Thin films of Ag nanoparticles prepared from the reduction of AgI nanoparticles in self-assembled films

A novel method for the preparation of thin films of Ag nanoparticles is reported. Using mercaptoacetic acid as the stabilizing agent, AgI nanoparticles were prepared in aqueous solution. And based on electrostatic interactions, the thiol-passivated AgI nanoparticles were assembled in a self-assembled film by alternative deposition with a cationic polyelectrolyte. Then the AgI nanoparticles in the composite film were reduced by NaBH(4), which resulted in the formation of a thin film of Ag nanoparticles. UV-visible spectra and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy data confirmed the transformation from AgI to Ag. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) showed that the formed Ag nanoparticles distributed on the film homogeneously. Surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) measurement indicated that the prepared thin films could be used as effective SERS substrates. The reduction process was also carried out by UV light at selective surface regions, which resulted in the formation of patterned nanoparticle arrays.     

纳米银掺杂二氧化硅复合颗粒的制备及表征

0引言金属纳米颗粒因其粒子尺寸小(1￣100nm),比表面积大,表面原子数多,表面能和表面张力随粒径的下降急剧增大而具有量子尺寸效应[1]、小尺寸效应[2]、表面效应[3]及宏观量子隧道效应[4]等,从而出现了不同于常规固体的新奇特性,如:光学性质、磁性质以及电磁学性质[5],使其在催化、信息存储及非线性光学等领域展示了广阔的应用前景[6]。虽然制备金属纳米颗粒的方法有很多[6],但是由于纳米尺寸的金属颗粒具有较高的表面能,容易发生聚集,所以如何保持其稳定性依旧是比较困难的问题。随着纳米科技的发展,人们正尝试用各种方法来解决这个问题:如…