Direct assembly of nanoparticles for large-scale fabrication of nanodevices and structures

Non-uniform electric fields are utilized to direct the large scale assembly of colloidal nanoparticles in nanoscale structures over large areas. Using micro- and nanoscale templates, various nanoparticles can be directly assembled into parallel wires, cross-wires, and many other complex structures. The assembly process is controlled by electric field, time, and geometric design of templates. The results show that single nanoparticle wires as small as 10 nm wide and 100,000 nm long as well as other nanoparticle structures can be fabricated using electrophoresis over a large area. In addition, the directed assembly of polymeric and conductive nanoparticle nanowires and networks has been demonstrated using dielectrophoresis. The nanoparticle wires can be further oriented along the direction of an externally introduced hydrodynamic flow. The presented technique is a promising approach for large scale manufacturing of nanoscale devices for many applications including biosensors and nanoelectronics.     

Temperature induced size selective synthesis of hybrid Cds/pepsin nanocrystals and their photoluminescence investigation

There is growing interest in materials chemistry for taking advantage of the physical and chemical properties of biomolecules in the development of next generation nanoscale materials for opto-electronic applications. A biomimetic approach to materials synthesis offers the possibility of controlling size, shape, crystal structure, orientation, and organization. The great progress has been made in the control that can be exerted over optical materials synthesis using biomolecules (protein, nucleic acid)/mineral interfaces as templates for directed synthesis. We have synthesized the CdS nanocrystals using pepsin by biomimetic technique at four different set temperatures. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) results showed that we are able to tune the size and distribution profile just by tuning the reaction (Rx) temperature and goes towards excitonic Bhor radius (2.5 nm) at low temperature (4 °C). The narrow absorption peak at 260 nm from Cd²⁺-pepsin complex dominates and indicates the size dispersion of the modified CdS nanoparticles are fairly monodisperse. Effective mass approximation (EMA) shows large blue-shift (~1 eV) in the band gap for the cubic phase from bulk hexagonal CdS. The photoluminescence (PL) and photoluminescence excitation (PLE) spectra are dominated by a strong and narrow band-edge emission tunable in the blue region indicating a narrow size distribution. The reduction in PL efficiency is observed when the Rx temperature increases however no change in PLE spectra and temporal profiles of the band-edge PL is observed. At 4 °C, high emission efficiency with shift of PL spectrum in the violet region is observed for 1.7 nm size CdS quantum dots (QDs). Presence of pepsin has slowed the PL decay which is of the order of 100 μs.     

Synthesis of ZnS hollow nanoneedles via the nanoscale Kirkendall effect

The facile synthesis of one-dimensional II–VI semiconductor hollow nanostructures with sharp tips is of particular interest for their applications in novel nanodevices. In this study, by employing ZnO nanoneedles with lower symmetry structures as self-sacrificed templates, ZnS hollow nanoneedles with homogeneous thickness have been synthesized by a low temperature hydrothermal route through in situ chemical conversion manner and the nanoscale Kirkendall effect. The hollow needlelike structures obtained in the present study can be used as starting materials to create fantastic nanoarchitectures and may have important applications in optoelectronic nanodevices.     

Carbon Nanostructures

An overview of the various carbon structures with characteristic sizes in the nanoscale region is presented, with special attention devoted to the structures and properties of ‘nanodiamond’ and carbon nanotubes. The term ‘nanodiamond’ is used broadly for a variety of diamond-based materials at the nanoscale ranging from single diamond clusters to bulk nanocrystalline films. Only selected properties of carbon nanotubes are discussed, with an aim to summarize the most recent discoveries. Current and potential applications of carbon nanostructures are critically analyzed.     

Synthesis of CdS nanostructures using template-assisted ammonia-free chemical bath deposition

CdS micro- and nano-structures (micro/nanotubes and nanostructured films) were obtained by ammonia-free chemical bath deposition using polymer templates (ion track-etched polycarbonate membranes and poly(styrene-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) nanosphere arrays). The semiconductor structures were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical absorption, photoluminescence and electrical measurements. The diameters of CdS tubes are between 300 nm and few microns and the lengths are up to tens of micrometers. The SEM images prove that the CdS films are nanostructured due to the deposition on the polymer nanosphere arrays. For both CdS structures (tubes and films) the XRD patterns show a hexagonal phase. The optical studies reveal a band gap value of about 2.5?2.6 eV and a red luminescence at ～1.77 eV. A higher increase of conductivity is observed for illuminating the CdS nanostructured film when compared to the simple semiconductor film. This is a consequence of the periodic patterning induced by the polymer nanosphere array.     

Directed assembly of nanostructured carbon materials on to patterned polymer surfaces

Directed assembly of single-walled carbon nanomaterials on to polymer surfaces has been achieved. The approach relies on selective interactions of the polymer functionalities with the surface structures present on the carbon materials. The successful immobilization of the carbon structures was confirmed by scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. By generating patterned polymer surfaces with chemically distinct components through the control of polymer–polymer or polymer–substrate interactions, directed assembly of single-walled carbon nanohorns and single-walled nanotubes was demonstrated. This new type of carbon assembly might open up new avenues in the construction of functional polymer/carbon composites and flexible nanocarbon nano-electronics.     

Nanoscale coatings for control of interfacial bonds and nanotube growth

This paper describes the usefulness of nanoscale coatings in improving some engineering materials having porous and uneven surfaces (microcellular foam, nanofibers, nanotubes, etc.). It is shown that 3-5 nm coatings deposited in microwave plasma can influence crucial properties for a wide variety of applications. Two coatings resulting in opposite chemistries have been studied, an oxide layer that increases surface reactivity_, and a similar fluorocarbon layer that makes it inert. In-depth atomic level microscopic and spectroscopic investigations of nucleation and growth of these layers on various substrates have been reported earlier. The effectiveness of such coatings in modifying bond strength, wettability and catalytic activity of various porous and uneven carbon surfaces have been shown here. The following influences of nanoscale functional coatings have been elaborated upon: (a) modification of carbon-polymer interfaces (b) controlled metallization of carbon (c) influence of nano-coatings on catalytic activity, for formation of carbon nanotubes on larger structures.     

Alumina nanotubes and nanowires from Al-based porous alumina membranes

Using ultrasonic vibrations, we have successfully fabricated alumina nanotubes and nanowires from Al-based porous alumina membranes, which are the products of bulk aluminium in oxalic acid via electrochemical etching. Fine configurations and structures of the alumina nanotubes and nanowires are clearly revealed following a series of atomic force microscope and transmission electron microscope observations. Their formation mechanisms are analyzed in detail by comparing different growth characteristics of Al-based alumina membranes with Si-based alumina membranes. Based on our experimental results, we have also pointed out that when using porous alumina templates to fabricate nanostructured materials, it is necessary to carefully distinguish the obtained products from the alumina nanotubes and nanowires. PACS 82.45.Qr; 81.07.De     

Gold‐Nanoparticle‐Decorated Boron Nitride Nanosheets: Structure and Optical Properties

Synergetic cooperation of individual components of the nanocomposites (NCs) is responsible for their novel properties that lead to various technological applications. A simple chemical process depicting the deposition of functionalized gold nanoparticles on the surface of boron nitride nanosheets (BNNSs) in solution is reported. The structure, chemical composition, and optical properties of nanosheets are systematically studied. The deposition of Au nanoparticles on BNNS (BNNS_Au) results in plasmonic band modulation, thus altering the optoelectronic properties of BNNSs. The intense surface plasmon absorption band of BNNS_Au is narrowed and red‐shifted relative to the absorption band of as synthesized monometallic BNNSs. The observations reflect the strong interfacial interaction between BNNS and Au nanoparticles. This approach constitutes a basis for a simple process leading to the preparation of functionalized BNNSs and their utilization as nanoscale templates for assembly and integration with other nanoscale materials for futuristic optoelectronic devices.     

Organisation of carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires using lateral alumina templates

Carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires have been thoroughly studied for the future replacement of silicon-based complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) devices and circuits. However, the organisation of these nanomaterials in dense transistor arrays, where each device is capable of delivering drive currents comparable with those of their silicon counterparts is still a big challenge. Here, we present a novel approach to the organisation of carbon nanotubes and semiconductor nanowires, based on the use of porous lateral alumina templates obtained by the controlled anodic oxidation of aluminium thin films. We discuss the growth of nanomaterials inside the pores of such templates and show the feasibility of our approach. Our first results point to further work on controlling the synthesis of catalyst nanoparticles at the bottom of the pores, these particles being necessary to nucleate and sustain the growth of carbon nanotubes or semiconductor nanowires. To cite this article: D. Pribat et al., C. R. Physique 10 (2009).     

Visible‐Light‐Induced Directed Gold Microwires by Self‐Organization of Nanoparticles on Aspergillus Niger

A directional point‐to‐point growth of microwires of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) self‐organized on Aspergillus niger (A. niger) templates by utilizing positive phototropic fungal response to different spectral ranges of visible light is reported. A. niger serves as a living template for the self‐organization of monosodium glutamate (MSG) capped gold colloids under controlled nutrient trigger and appropriate light, temperature, and humidity conditions. The experimental results show that control of these parameters eliminates the need for any microchannels for the directional growth of microwires. The growth rate of fungal hyphae increases exponentially under light illumination compared to its growth in the dark under similar conditions. White light is found to be most suitable to trigger the directional growth. Gold microwires of about 1 to 2 μm diameter and length exceeding 1 mm are grown within a week with a maximum divergence of 40–50° from the light path regardless of the wavelength of the light irradiation. Phototropic response of fungi has been investigated intensively over the last three decades, but this is the first report on the collective use of microbial tropism and directed biomimetic self‐organization of metallic nanoparticles on living organisms.     

Nanoparticles Engineering for Lithium‐Ion Batteries

Lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) have been extensively investigated due to the ever‐increasing demand for new electrode materials for electric vehicles (EVs) and clean energy storage. A wide variety of nano/microstructured LIBs electrode materials are hitherto created via self‐assembly, ranging from 0D nanospheres; 1D nanorods, nanowires, or nanobelts; and 2D nanofilms to 3D nanorod array films. Nanoparticles can be utilized to build up integrated architectures. Understanding of nanoparticles’ self‐assembly may provide information about their organization into large aggregates through low‐cost, high‐efficiency, and large‐scale synthesis. Here, the focus is on the recent advances in preparing hierarchically nano/microstructured electrode materials via self‐assembly. The hierarchical electrode materials are assembled from single component, binary to multicomponent building blocks via different driving forces including diverse chemical bonds and non‐covalent interactions. It is expected that nanoparticle engineering by high‐efficient self‐assembly process will impact the development of high‐performance electrode materials and high‐performance LIBs or other rechargeable batteries.     

脑科学与量子理论

简要回顾了生物学与物理学之间的紧密关系,其中包括人工神经网络的经典物理模型和脑的某些量子理论;概要综述了细胞骨架微管的结构和生物功能及有关近期理论研究。注意到微声是细胞和神经元中重要的组成和功能单元,进而以较大篇幅介绍了近期关于微管的理论研究工作,特别是基于量子场论中两能级系统的赝自旋模型,对微管管壁上电子的动力学行为作了较深入的探讨;此外,基于量子场论,对微管中的水分子系统可能存在微波受激辐射也作了阐述。The present paper briefly reviews the relationship between biology and physics, especially including the classical physics models for the artificial neuron networks, some quantum theories for brains, and simply describes the structures and functions of cytoskeletal microtubules （MTs） in cells and some recent theoretical studies on MTs.Noting MTs are the important components and function units in cells and neurons, furthermore, the paper lays emphasis on our recent theoretical work on MTs. Particularly, based on the pseudo-spin quantum theory, the dynamic behavior of electrons on the MT wall has been discussed in some detail. Based on the quantum field theory, it has been described that the maser radiation might exist in the water molecular system within the MT.     

Carbon nanotubes: opportunities and challenges

Carbon nanotubes are graphene sheets rolled-up into cylinders with diameters as small as one nanometer. Extensive work carried out worldwide in recent years has revealed the intriguing electrical and mechanical properties of these novel molecular scale wires. It is now well established that carbon nanotubes are ideal model systems for studying the physics in one-dimensional solids and have significant potential as building blocks for various practical nanoscale devices. Nanotubes have been shown to be useful for miniaturized electronic, mechanical, electromechanical, chemical and scanning probe devices and materials for macroscopic composites. Progress in nanotube growth has facilitated the fundamental study and applications of nanotubes. Gaining control over challenging nanotube growth issues is critical to the future advancement of nanotube science and technology, and is being actively pursued by researchers.     

模板技术制备一维纳米纤维及其阵列

以阳极多孔氧化铝膜为模板 ,制备了一系列一维结构材料及其阵列体系 ,材料的结构和阵列方式可调 .主要包括两方面内容 :通过功能单体的自由基聚合 ,制备了核壳结构的双重凝胶纳米纤维PDMA/PNH4AA及其阵列 ,控制氧化铝膜表面的润湿性 ,双重凝胶纳米纤维的核壳结构可以发生相反转 ,通过银离子与PNH4AA相的选择性复合 ,制备了柔性银纳米纤维或管 ;结合嵌段共聚物的自组装和无机物的溶胶 /凝胶过程 ,制备了一维有序介孔二氧化硅及其阵列体系 ,改变嵌段共聚物的浓度 ,可以控制二氧化硅的介观结构 .此材料易于进行异质复合 ,因而便于制备功能性一维复合材料及其阵列体系     

A review of hyperspectral imaging for nanoscale materials research

As an emerging technology, hyperspectral imaging (HSI), which combines both advanced spectroscopy and imaging techniques, provides sufficient information for spectral and spatial analysis and is thus suitable for distribution and property investigation of nanoscale materials. Considering the applications of HSI have spread from remote sensing to quality control of macro products such as food and milk, this article reviews recent research of HSI in a new field of nanoscale materials. On the basis of fundamental parts of a HSI system, new techniques fitting specifically for nanoscale materials imaging such as dark field and Raman spectroscopy are introduced. Nanoscale materials, including metal nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes and graphene, biological components in cells and tissues, as well as multi-layer nanoscale materials, are the research hotspots utilizing HSI technology. Related research reports of the above materials are reviewed based on the physical distinction of these nanoscale materials. It is believed that HSI technology is a strongly potential technique for property investigation and manipulation of nanomaterial for various applications.     

Symmetry,phonons and rigid-layers modes in commensurate double wall carbon nanotubes

For translationally periodic double-wall carbon nanotubes stable configurations and full symmetry groups are determined. Using this, the phonon dispersions and eigenvectors are calculated and assigned by the complete set of conserved quantum numbers. In particular, the modes corresponding to the relative coaxial motions of the rigid layers are studied in the context of low inter-wall interaction.Received: 19 June 2003, Published online: 9 September 2003PACS: 63.22.+m Phonons or vibrational states in low-dimensional structures and nanoscale materials - 61.46.+w Nanoscale materials: clusters, nanoparticles, nanotubes, and nanocrystals - 78.30.Na Fullerenes and related materials     

Synthesis of quantum-confined CdS nanotubes

CdS nanotubes with wall thickness comparable to excitonic diameter of the bulk material are synthesized by a chemical route. A change in experimental conditions result in formation of nanowires, and well-separated nanoparticles. The diameter and wall thickness of nanotubes measured to be 14.4 ±  6.1 and 4.7 ± 2.2 nm, respectively. A large number of CdS nanocrystallites having wurzite structure constitute these nanotubes. These nanotubes show high energy shifting of optical absorption and photoluminescence peak positions, compared to its bulk value, due to quantum confinement effect. It is proposed that nucleation and growth of bubbles and particles in the chemical reaction, and their kinetics and interactions are responsible for the formation of nanotubes.     

Substrate preparation techniques for direct investigation by TEM of single wall carbon nanotubes grown by chemical vapor deposition

We have investigated and evaluated different TEM sample preparation techniques for studying carbon single-walled nanotube (C-SWNT) nucleation and growth, issued from CVD processes when the catalyst is supported on a substrate. This kind of study requires means to observe individual and isolated tubes. It implies using synthesis conditions able to produce only a low density of tubes and to thin the substrate to electron transparency, to observe the nanotubes and the catalytic particles from which they have grown in their native state. We have tested two approaches, depending if the substrate is thinned after or before the synthesis. The low tube density requirement led us to exclude all the techniques where the substrate is thinned to electron transparency after the synthesis. We have shown, that, with this last approach, all TEM preparation techniques dramatically suffer from a lack of control of thin areas with respect to the location of the tubes, which is unknown. However we have demonstrated that the suitable approach is to perform synthesis directly on transparent substrates presenting several holes. We have tested the capabilities and the potentialities of these supports for studying the size distribution and composition of the catalytic particles, the nucleation mode, the diameter and helicity of the tubes. These results are very promising and represent an important step for performing specific nanoscale TEM analyses necessary for the study of the growth mechanism of nanotubes on substrates.     

Lipid Nanotubes: Formation,Templating Nanostructures and Drug Nanocarriers

Drawing from nature's amazing ability to form highly ordered structures, designed lipid molecules can organize via noncovalent self-assembly in liquid media to form open-ended, hollow cylindrical structures, which are composed of rolled-up bilayer membrane walls. The generated lipid nanotubes (LNTs) represent a potentially powerful architecture, and are considered among the largest self-organized nonliving structures yet observed. LNTs have a few unique properties well suited for a variety of applications in chemistry, biochemistry, materials science, and medicine. The lipid headgroups can function as templates for the nucleation, growth, and deposition of inorganic substances on the external and internal surfaces of preformed LNTs. The well designed cylindrical form of the LNTs, with tunable dimensions (e.g., inner and outer diameters and lengths as well as wall thickness), biocompatible membrane surfaces, and easy surface modification, makes them an ideal nanocarrier for drug delivery. This review assesses recent progress in the formation of the LNTs and in their application as templates for structured nanomaterials and drug nanocarriers.