空心微球结构Au/Ag合金泡沫块体的制备

将平均晶粒尺寸为4.6 nm的金粒子通过静电作用粘附于聚苯乙烯（PS）微球表面用于化学镀,化学镀金后PS表面的金沉积层几乎达到完全包覆,厚度70~90 nm;在Au/PS表面进行化学镀银,沉积的银颗粒堆积紧密,颗粒大小较先前沉积的金颗粒大,镀覆层厚度增厚至200~400 nm;模板去除后,获得了完全自支撑的Au40Ag60空心微球结构的圆柱状泡沫材料。制备的金银合金泡沫由直径约10 m的空心球壳组成,圆柱体直径约5 mm,密度约1.2 g/cm3。     

Two-dimensional nanopatterning by PDMS relief structures of polymeric colloidal crystals

A new constructive method of fabricating a nanoparticle self-assembly on the patterned surface of a poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) relief nanostructure was demonstrated. Patterned PDMS templates with close-packed microwells were fabricated by molding against a self-assembled monolayer of polystyrene spheres. Alkanethiol-functionalized gold nanoparticles with an average particle size of 2.5 nm were selectively deposited onto a hydrophobic self-assembled monolayer printed on the substrate by the micro-contact printing (μCP) of the prepared PDMS microwell, in which the patterned gold nanoparticles consisted of close-packed hexagons with an average diameter of 370 nm. In addition, two-dimensional colloidal crystals derived from PMMA microspheres with a diameter of 380 nm and a negative surface charge were successfully formed on the hemispherical microwells by electrostatic force using positively charged PAH-coated PDMS as a template to produce multidimensional nanostructures.     

中空Ag纳米球壳的制备及性能表征

 以改性聚苯乙烯微球为模板,采用化学镀法在聚苯乙烯微球表面包覆一层银,在四氢呋喃溶液中将聚苯乙烯微球溶解,得到中空Ag纳米球壳。采用扫描电镜、透射电镜和X射线衍射仪对样品进行了表征及分析,并用紫外可见分光光度计研究了粒子的光学性质。实验结果表明：运用此法成功地制备出中空Ag纳米球壳的内径为250 nm,壁厚约为15 nm,并且成功地使纳米粒子的紫外吸收光谱由600 nm红移至900 nm左右,实现了在可见光至近红外光区调节Ag纳米结构的吸收峰。     

Printed Dielectrophoretic Electrode-Based Continuous Flow Microfluidic Systems for Particles 3D-Trapping

Inkjet-printing is used to fabricate dielectrophoretic electrodes able to trap polystyrene (PS) microparticles as well as model planktonic cells. The possibility of rapid prototyping offered by inkjet-printing allows the rational design of microchannels with tailored electric field distributions experienced by the suspended particles, which in turn provides a handle to drive them towards target regions. Specifically, this goal is achieved using two facing substrates constituting the bottom and the top walls of the channel, with a pair of interdigitated electrodes previously patterned by inkjet-printing on each side. Influence of electrode polarization (magnitude and frequency of the input signal) is investigated both theoretically, by modeling the electric field distribution inside the channel, and experimentally using confocal fluorescence microscopy. The printed device is able to sort circulating PS particles as a function of their size, with diameters ranging from 0.5 to 5 µm, as well as to separate planktonic species according to their composition (Alexandrium minutum versus Prorocentrum micans). This work paves the way for the development of large-area, microstructured dielectrophoretic electrodes able to separate the constituents of samples at flow rates up to 150 µL mn⁻¹.     

The Role of Interfacial Interactions in the Toughening of Precipitated Calcium Carbonate–Polypropylene Nanocomposites

This paper investigates the effect of the interphase properties and the interfacial interactions between matrix and filler on mechanical properties of precipitated calcium carbonate (PCC)–polypropylene nanocomposites. PCC particles were coated with stearic acid (SA). The weight ratio of SA on the particles (w _SA) ranged from 0 to 0.135 g SA/g PCC. The introduction of PCC particles resulted in an increase in stiffness and yield stress compared with the pristine polymeric matrix and, at the same time, it increased the impact resistance. The maximum improvement in the impact behaviour was achieved for the composites with w _SA =0.045 corresponding to the theoretical monolayer ratio. A decrease in interfacial interactions between monolayer coated PCCs and the matrix with respect to the uncoated particles was observed by using a semi-empirical equation developed by Pukànszky. The low degree of interfacial interactions between particulate filler and matrix allows a matrix–particle debonding phenomenon, as shown by scanning electron microscopy analysis. Extensive plastic deformations were evident as well, promoting an improvement in toughness. The thickness of the interphase between particles and matrix was evaluated by using the Shen–Li model which is based on the hypothesis of a non-homogeneous interphase. It results that the thickness increased in the order uncoated < monolayer coated < 3% SA coated ? 13.5% SA coated particles. The thinner and stronger interphase found for the composite with uncoated particles can be explained with the high interaction between matrix and filler and the consequent low mobility of the polymeric chains.     

Hollow graphene oxide spheres: facile synthesis and formation mechanism

In this work, we introduced a facile approach for preparing hollow graphene oxide spheres (HGOSs). By electrostatic self-assembly polystyrene (PS)/graphene oxide (GO), core/shell microspheres were synthesized. After removal of the sacrificial PS colloidal spheres by toluene solution treatment, HGOSs were prepared successfully. Based on the DLVO theory, van der Waals force and electric double layer repulsion were proposed to quantitatively analyze the self-assembly of the composite structure. The theoretical formulation for the resultant interaction force F versus separation between the surfaces d showed a significant low energy barrier for the aggregation of the GO and PS, which predicted the favorable HGOSs formation.     

Polystyrene Microspheres in Tissue-Simulating Phantoms Can Collisionally Quench Fluorescence

Tissue-simulating phantoms that replicate intrinsic optical properties in a controlled manner are useful for quantitative studies of photon transport in turbid biological media. In such phantoms, polystyrene microspheres are often used to simulate tissue optical scattering. Here, we report that using polystyrene microspheres in fluorescent tissue-simulating phantoms can reduce fluorophore quantum yield via collisional quenching. Fluorescence lifetime spectroscopy was employed to characterize quenching in phantoms consisting of a fluorescein dye and polystyrene microspheres (scattering coefficients _s 100-600cm^–1). For this range of tissue-simulating phantoms, analysis using the Stern-Volmer equation revealed that collisional quenching by polystyrene microspheres accounted for a decrease in fluorescence intensity of 6-17% relative to the intrinsic intensity value when no microspheres (quenchers) were present. The intensity decrease from quenching is independent of additional, anticipated losses arising from optical scattering associated with the microspheres. These results suggest that quantitative fluorescence measurements in studies employing such phantoms may be influenced by collisional quenching.     

Spectral narrowing and lasing threshold in self-assembled active photonic crystal

Laser-induced emission from rhodamine-B dye embedded in pseudo band gap opaline photonic crystals is discussed. The photonic crystals are fabricated using rhodamine-B doped polystyrene colloids and show 65% reflectance at the stop band centered at 604 nm. The reflectance of the crystal is increased to 74% by coating with a thin layer of gold. Both spontaneous and stimulated emissions of the dye are observed in the photonic stop band environment by exciting the crystal with the second harmonic (532 nm) of a Q-switched Nd:YAG laser. The thin layer of gold functioned as a high reflecting end mirror to the dye-doped cavity when the crystal is pumped from the substrate side. Angle-dependent suppression at the stop band wavelength is observed in the spontaneous emission of the dye. Spectrally narrow stimulated emission and lasing is achieved in the gold coated dyed PhC at a threshold pump power of 60 mW in a selective direction of 22° from the direction of excitation. By studying emission from several photonic crystals with different number of layers, it is concluded that a sharp threshold for lasing is not observed in uncoated photonic crystals when they contained fewer than 30 ordered layers and lesser than 70% reflectance.     

Characterization of self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) on silicon substrate comparative with polymer substrate for Escherichia coli O157:H7 detection

This article presents the characterization of two substrates, silicon and polymer coated with gold, that are functionalized by mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) in order to efficiently immobilize the anti-Escherichia coli O157:H7 polyclonal purified antibody.A biosurface functionalized by SAMs (self-assembled monolayers) technique has been developed. Immobilization of goat anti-E. coli O157:H7 antibody was performed by covalently bonding of thiolate mixed self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) realized on two substrates: polymer coated with gold and silicon coated with gold. The F(ab′)₂ fragments of the antibodies have been used for eliminating nonspecific bindings between the Fc portions of antibodies and the Fc receptor on cells. The properties of the monolayers and the biofilm formatted with attached antibody molecules were analyzed at each step using infrared spectroscopy (FTIR-ATR), atomic force microscopy (AFM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). In our study the gold-coated silicon substrates approach yielded the best results.These experimental results revealed the necessity to investigate each stage of the immobilization process taking into account in the same time the factors that influence the chemistry of the surface and the further interactions as well and also provide a solid basis for further studies aiming at elaborating sensitive and specific immunosensor or a microarray for the detection of E. coli O157:H7.     

Use of atomic layer deposition to improve the stability of silver substrates for in situ,high‐temperature SERS measurements

A method to stabilize silver surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) substrates for in situ, high‐temperature applications is demonstrated. Silver island films grown by thermal evaporation were coated with a thin layer (from 2.5 to 5 nm) of alumina by atomic layer deposition (ALD), which protects and stabilizes the SERS‐active substrate without eliminating the Raman enhancement. The temporal stability of the alumina‐coated silver island films was examined by measurement of the Raman intensity of rhodamine 6G molecules deposited onto bare and alumina‐coated silver substrates over the course of 34 days. The coated substrates showed almost no change in SERS enhancement, while the uncoated substrates exhibited a significant decrease in Raman intensity. To demonstrate the feasibility of the alumina‐coated silver substrate as a probe of adsorbates and reactions at elevated temperatures, an in situ SERS measurement of calcium nitrate tetrahydrate on bare and alumina‐coated silver was performed at temperatures ranging from 25 to 400 °C. ALD deposition of an ultrathin alumina layer significantly improved the thermal stability of the SERS substrate, thus enabling in situ detection of the dehydration of the calcium nitrate tetrahydrate at an elevated temperature. Despite some loss of Raman signal, the coated substrate exhibited greater thermal stability compared to the uncoated substrate. These experiments show that ALD can be used to synthesize stable SERS substrates capable of measuring adsorbates and processes at high temperature. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The Tensile Properties of Uncoated and TiO2 Coated Bombyx Mori Silk Yarns Exposed to Thermal Treatment

Bombyx mori silk yarns were coated with a TiO₂ network by sol-gel processing. The tensile properties of TiO₂ coated silk yarns heated at various temperatures were examined and compared with those of uncoated silk yarns. The thermal properties of uncoated silk yarns and TiO₂ coated silk yarns were also discussed. Prominent changes were seen in the rigidity and Young's modulus. The Young's modulus of TiO₂ coated silk yarn increased by 13% at room condition and remained higher than that of uncoated silk yarns with increasing temperature. The shape of the stress–strain curve of TiO₂ coated silk yarns became the same as uncoated silk yarns and showed a similar tendency of change to uncoated silk yarns with increasing temperature. The rupture values of uncoated silk yarns and TiO₂ coated silk yarns decreased significantly, e.g., the breaking extension decreased from 17.28 to 2.44% and from 15.25 to 1.96% for uncoated silk yarns and TiO₂ coated silk yarns, respectively, when the temperature was increased from 25 to 225°C. Structural changes and degradation processes due to thermal effects for both uncoated and TiO₂ coated silk yarns are discussed.     

PS/Ag核壳结构复合微球的制备与性能

以乳液聚合法制备的平均粒径1.2~1.5μm单分散聚苯乙烯(PS)微球为核,经过超声敏化、化学镀、还原等过程制备了PS/Ag核壳结构复合微球。采用透射电镜、X射线衍射、红外光谱、紫外可见光谱对其形貌、物相、结构与光学性质进行了表征与分析。结果表明:PS/Ag复合微球粒径相对均一;通过多次敏化、控制二次银氨溶液浓度(0.002~0.006 mol/L),可实现对纳米银壳层厚度的调控;纳米银壳层沉积生长过程中,随着PS微球表面银粒子的增多、增大,复合微球的光学等离子体共振吸收峰产生显著的展宽与红移。     

Laser driven shock wave studies in gold coated Plexiglas targets

Abstract

Laser-driven shock wave propagation in a transparent material such as Plexiglas coated with a thin overlayer of gold is studied using the technique of high speed optical shadowgraphy. A Nd: glass laser was focussed to produce intensities in the range of 10′²-10′⁴W/cm² on the target, within an irradiation spot diameter of 160 pm, optical shadowgrams were recorded bya second harmonic (0.53 pm wavelength) pulse. Shock pressures and scaling of pressure with laser intensity was studied. Shock pressures in gold-coated Plexiglas target was observed to be considerably higher compared to those in uncoated targets. This enhancement of shock pressure has been explained on the basis of contribution of an X-ray driven ablative heat wave in the gold plasma. Shock pressure values show a close agreement with those obtained from a one-dimensional Langrangian hydrodynamic simulation. Shadowgrams of shock fronts produced by non-uniform spatial laser beam irradiation profiles have shown complete smoothing when a gold layer is used on a Plexiglas target.     

Synthesis and characterization of superparamagnetic nanoparticles coated with fluorescent gold nanoclusters

Multifunctional nanoparticles (NPs) combining the superparamagnetism of Mn−Zn ferrite and the fluorescence property of gold nanoclusters (NCs) have been prepared by wet chemistry. Magnetic NPs synthesized by co-precipitation method were coated several times with oppositely charged polyelectrolytes (PEs) using the layer-by-layer technique. Common techniques (Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electron microscopy, zeta potential, etc.) indicated the monodispersity and the stability of the coated NPs providing a positive charged surface. Fluorescent gold NCs bound to a standard protein bovine serum albumin were adsorbed on the surface of the magnetic NPs. Structural investigations proved the presence of small gold clusters (~2 nm) in a shell surrounding the magnetic nanomaterial. The stable nanocomposite kept the original fluorescence property of the metal clusters with 211-fold increase of the red emission (λ = 690 nm) compared to the uncoated NPs. These NPs can be moved with a permanent magnet despite a 72-wt% increase of the non-magnetic fraction due to the PE coating and the protein adsorption.     

Fluorescence of polystyrene microspheres during photochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles

The results of investigation of the fluorescence of carboxylated polystyrene microspheres in the process of photochemical synthesis of gold nanoparticles are presented. The introduction of an aqueous solution of hydrogen tetrachloroaurate (III) into an unirradiated polymer dispersion causes a decay of the excimer fluorescence in polystyrene at 335 nm. UV irradiation (λ_exc = 254 nm) of polystyrene dispersions in the presence of AuCl ₄ ^? ions leads to the formation of metal particles, which occurs after an induction period and affects the polystyrene fluorescence.     

Synthesis and characterization of uncoated and gold-coated magnetite nanoparticles

We report on the synthesis and characterization of uncoated and gold coated magnetite nanoparticles. Structural characterizations, carried out using X-ray diffraction, confirm the formation of magnetite phase with a mean size of ~7 and ~8 nm for the uncoated and gold covered magnetite nanoparticles, respectively. The value of the gold coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is consistent with the mean physical size determined from transmission electron microscopy images. Mössbauer spectra at room temperature are consistent with the thermal relaxation of magnetic moments mediated by particle-particle interactions. The 77 K Mössbauer spectra are modeled with four sextets. Those sextets are assigned to the signal of iron ions occupying the tetrahedral and octahedral sites in the core and shell parts of the particle. The room-temperature saturation magnetization value determined for the uncoated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles is roughly ~60 emu/g and suggests the occurrence of surface effects such as magnetic disorder or the partial surface oxidation. These surface effects are reduced in the gold-coated Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles. Zero-field–cooled and field-cooled curves of both samples show irreversibilities which are consistent with a superparamagnetic behavior of interacting nanoparticles.     

Strengthening sapphire at elevated temperatures by SiO2 films

SiO₂ films have been prepared on sapphire by radio frequency magnetron reactive sputtering in order to increase the optical and mechanical properties of infrared windows and domes of sapphire at elevated temperatures. Infrared transmission and flexural strength of uncoated and coated sapphires have been investigated at different temperatures. SiO₂ films were shown to have apparent antireflective effect on sapphire substrate at room temperature. With increasing temperature, the coated sapphires have larger average transmission than the uncoated ones. The temperature was proven to only weakly affect the absorption coefficient and antireflection capability of the deposited films. It is also indicated that the flexural strengths of the c-axis sapphire samples coated with SiO₂ films are increased by 1.2 and 1.5 times than those of uncoated at 600 and 800 °C, respectively.     

Large-scale protein/antibody patterning with limiting unspecific adsorption

A simple synthetic route based on nanosphere lithography has been developed in order to design a large-scale nanoarray for specific control of protein anchoring. This technique based on two-dimensional (2D) colloidal crystals composed of polystyrene spheres allows the easy and inexpensive fabrication of large arrays (up to several centimeters) by reducing the cost. A silicon wafer coated with a thin adhesion layer of chromium (15 nm) and a layer of gold (50 nm) is used as a substrate. PS spheres are deposited on the gold surface using the floating-transferring technique. The PS spheres were then functionalized with PEG-biotin and the defects by self-assembly monolayer (SAM) PEG to prevent unspecific adsorption. Using epifluorescence microscopy, we show that after immersion of sample on target protein (avidin and anti-avidin) solution, the latter are specifically located on polystyrene spheres. Thus, these results are meaningful for exploration of devices based on a large-scale nanoarray of PS spheres and can be used for detection of target proteins or simply to pattern a surface with specific proteins.     

微流动细胞颗粒中介电泳力的分析

介电泳分离方法的研究在微电子机械系统及生物领域具有广泛的应用前景.本文对介电泳作用下细胞颗粒在微通道电解溶液内流动进行了理论分析,对作用在分离流动方向细胞颗粒上的介电泳力和粘性力进行了分析.模拟了交流电场在频率1000 kHz微通道内三维电势分布和不同时间的介电泳力分布变化.     

Interfacial investigation and strengthening behaviour of Zn–Ni multifacial TEA/MEA thin films induced by electrodeposition

Zinc–nickel films were obtained by electrocodeposition using electrolytic deposition techniques in the presence of TEOA (C₆H₁₅NO₃) and a surfactants consisting of triethylamine and monoethylamine with other bath additives. The modified structure of the films was analysed with scanning electron microscopy attached to energy-dispersive spectrometer, atomic force microscope and X-ray diffraction. Micro-hardness and corrosion of the coated body was examined and used as a criterion to justify the adhesion of the crystal deposited. The corrosion resistance of the coated and uncoated composites was studied in 3.5 % sodium chloride static solution using linear polarization technique. The hardness value increased from 38HV—substrate to 180HV—coated body, indicating a 78.89 % improvement. Equally, the corrosion resistance of the deposited matrix was enhanced by 84.62 %.