Biomolecule-coated metal nanoparticles on titanium

Immobilizations of nanoparticles and biomolecules on biocompatible substrates such as titanium are two promising approaches to bringing new functionalities to Ti-based biomaterials. Herein, we used a variety of X-ray spectroscopic techniques to study and better understand metal-thiolate interactions in biofunctionalized metal nanoparticle systems supported on Ti substrates. Using a facile one-step procedure, a series of Au nanoparticle samples with varied biomolecule coatings ((2-mercatopropionyl)glycine (MPG) and bovine serum albumin (BSA)) and biomolecule concentrations are prepared. Ag and Pd systems are also studied to observe change with varying metal composition. The structure and properties of these biomolecule-coated nanoparticles are investigated with scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and element-specific X-ray techniques, including extended X-ray absorption fine structure (Au L(3)-edge), X-ray absorption near-edge structure (Au L(3), Ag L(3), Pd L(3), and S K-edge), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (Au 4f, Ag 3d, Pd 3d, and S 2p core level). It was found that, by comparison of SEM and X-ray spectroscopy results, the coating of metal nanoparticles with varying model biomolecule systems can have a significant effect on both surface coverage and organization. This work offers a facile chemical method for bio- and nanofunctionalization of Ti substrates as well as provides a physical picture of the structure and bonding of biocoated metal nanoparticles, which may lead to useful applications in orthopedics and biomedicine.     

Au-Ag hybrid nanoparticle patterns of tunable size and density on glass and polymeric supports

This paper describes a method to pattern surfaces with Au-Ag hybrid nanoparticles. We used block copolymer micelle lithography of Au nanoparticles and electroless deposition of Ag. The combination of these two methods enables independent tuning of nanoparticle spacing and Ag-shell size. For this purpose, 8 nm large patterned Au nanoparticle seeds served as nuclei for the electroless deposition of silver that is based on a modified Tollens process with glucose. By adjusting the reaction conditions, specific growth of Ag on top of the Au seeds has been accomplished and analyzed by SEM, HRTEM, XEDS, and UV-vis spectroscopy. We could show that this versatile and green method is feasible on glass as well as on biomedical-relevant polymers like poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels and amorphous Teflon. In conclusion, this method provides a new route to pattern glass and polymeric surfaces with Au-Ag hybrid nanoparticles. It will have many uses in applications such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) or antimicrobial coatings for which hybrid nanoparticle density, size, and morphology are important.     

Decoration of Diatom Biosilica with Noble Metal and Semiconductor Nanoparticles (<10 nm): Assembly,Characterization, and Applications

Diatom‐templated noble metal (Ag, Pt, Au) and semiconductor (CdTe) nanoparticle arrays were synthesized by the attachment of prefabricated nanoparticles of defined size. Two different attachment techniques—layer‐by‐layer deposition and covalent linking—could successfully be applied. The synthesized arrays were shown to be useful for surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) of components, for catalysis, and for improved image quality in scanning electron microscopy (SEM).     

以碳微球为核的金纳米壳球体的制备

通过水热合成法制备了单分散碳微球, 并以此单分散碳微球为核, 利用其表面修饰的银纳米粒子作为种子, 进一步还原制备了以碳微球为核、以金为壳的金纳米壳(Nanoshell)球体. 通过透射电子显微镜和紫外可见吸收光谱对其形态以及光谱性质进行了表征. 研究结果表明, 采用该种方法制备出来的碳微球具有良好的单分散性, 表面修饰简便快捷, 利用碳微球为核制备的金纳米壳球体尺寸可控, 在近红外范围内有强吸收. 实验结果证明该方法是制备金纳米壳球体的一种有效新方法.     

Conformal Surface Coatings to Enable High Volume Expansion Li‐Ion Anode Materials

An alumina surface coating is demonstrated to improve electrochemical performance of MoO₃ nanoparticles as high capacity/high‐volume expansion anodes for Li‐ion batteries. Thin, conformal surface coatings were grown using atomic layer deposition (ALD) that relies on self‐limiting surface reactions. ALD coatings were tested on both individual nanoparticles and prefabricated electrodes containing conductive additive and binder. The coated and non‐coated materials were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycling. Importantly, increased stability and capacity retention was only observed when the fully fabricated electrode was coated. The alumina layer both improves the adhesion of the entire electrode, during volume expansion/contraction and protects the nanoparticle surfaces. Coating the entire electrode also allows for an important carbothermal reduction process that occurs during electrode pre‐heat treatment. ALD is thus demonstrated as a novel and necessary method that may be employed to coat the tortuous network of a battery electrode.     

Bimetallic (Ag)Au nanoparticles prepared by the seed growth method: two-dimensional assembling, characterization by energy dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and surface enhanced raman spectroscopy, and proposed mechanism of growth

Layered core-shell bimetallic silver-gold nanoparticles were prepared by overdeposition of Au over Ag seeds by the seed-growth method using tetrachloroauric acid, with hydroxylamine hydrochloride as the reductant. The effects of pH, reduction rate, and seeding conditions on the morphology and surface plasmon extinction of the bimetallic nanoparticles were investigated. Nanoparticles prepared by a rapid reduction in the neutral ambient and assembled into two-dimensional nanoparticulate films by adsorption of 2,2'-bipyridine were characterized by energy-dispersive X-ray analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, surface-enhanced Raman scattering spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The results are consistent with Ag core and Ag/Au-alloyed shell composition of the nanoparticles. Evidence of the presence of Ag on the surface of the nanoparticles, of enrichment of the Ag/Au alloy shell by Ag toward or at the nanoparticle surface, and of modification of the nanoparticle surface by adsorbed chlorides is also provided. Reduction of the size of the Ag seeds, alloying of Ag and Au in the shell of the nanoparticles, and modification of their surfaces by adsorbed chlorides are tentatively attributed to positive charging of the nanoparticles during the electrocatalytic overdeposition of Au over Ag seeds.     

Surface‐interface microstructures and binding strength of cathodic arc ion plated TiCN coatings on YT14 cutting tools

A titanium carbonitride (TiCN) coating was deposited on YT14 cutting tool by using a CAIP (cathodic arc ion plating). The surface‐interface morphologies, chemical compositions, and phases of TiCN coatings were observed by using a FESEM (field emission scanning electron microscopy), EDS (energy dispersive spectroscopy), XRD (X‐ray diffraction), respectively, and the bonding energy, surface roughness, and bonding strength were characterized with an XPS (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy), AFM (atomic force microscope), and scratch test, respectively. The results show that the phases of the TiCN coating are primarily composed of TiN, TiC, and amorphous C, of which the TiC and TiN increases the coating hardness, and the amorphous C atom improves friction and lubrication properties of the coating. The effect of CAIP on the topography of the TiCN coating is at nano‐scale, the Ti and N atoms are enriched in the coating at the bonding interface, and the part of chemical elements are diffused in the gradual transformation layer. The bonding form of the TiCN coating interface is primarily composed of mechanical combination, accompanying with slight metallurgical combination, and the bonding strength is characterized with 60.85 N by scratch test. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Preparation and characterization of crack-free sol–gel based SiO2–TiO2 hybrid nanoparticle film

Owing to the diverse potential applications of hybrid silica–titania thin films, the synthesis and characterization of these films have been carried out with a special focus on application as a medium index layer for multilayered functional coatings. For synthesis, tetraethylorthosilicate and titanium tetraisopropoxide were chosen as precursors for the formation of silica-titania hybrid thin films/nano-composites through an in situ sol–gel process. These films were sequentially obtained on Cu substrate utilizing spin coating. The hybrids were characterized by field emission scanning electron microscope, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray diffraction, atomic force microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Field emission scanning electron microscope morphology displayed a smooth, densified and crack- free layer of silica-titania hybrid nanoparticles in the range of 20–71 nm after calcinations at low temperature of 300ºC for 1 h. X-ray diffraction pattern confirms the phases of titania with higher crystallinity and phase transformation at low temperature. The prepared films were uniform with low 8.852 nm RMS value. The stoichiometry of films was confirmed by EDX results. The FTIR spectroscopy indicated the establishment of heterogeneous chemical bonding between the Ti and Si surfaces through oxygen.     

Assembly of highly ordered nanoparticle monolayers at a water/hexane interface

This paper reports a methodology for preparing ordering hydrophilic metal nanoparticles into close-packed 2-dimensional arrays at a hexane-water interface with alkanethiol in the hexane layer. The destabilization of metal nanoparticles by the addition of alcohol caused the nanoparticles to adsorb to an interface where the surface of entrapped Au nanoparticle was in situ coated with the long-chain alkanethiols present in a hexane layer. The adsorption of alkanethiol to the nanoparticle surface caused the conversion of the electrostatic repulsive force to a van der Waals interaction, which is a key feature in forming highly ordered close-packed nanoparticle arrays.     

Platinum monolayers stabilized on dealloyed AuCu core-shell nanoparticles for improved activity and stability on methanol oxidation reaction

Deposition of platinum(Pt)monolayers(PtML)on Au substrate represents a robust strategy to maximally utilize the Pt atoms and meanwhile achieve high catalytic activity towards methanol oxidation reaction for direct methanol fuel cells owing to a substrate-induced tensile strain effect.However,recent studies showed that Pt(ML)on Au substrate are far from perfect smooth monoatomic layer,but actually exhibited three-dimensional nanoclusters.Moreover,the Pt(ML)suffered from severe structural instability and thus activity degradation during long-term electrocatalysis.To regulate the growth of Pt(ML)Au surface and also to improve its structural stability,we exploit dealloyed AuCu core-shell nanoparticles as a new substrate for depositing Pt(ML).By using high-resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray elemental mapping combined with electrochemical characte rizations,we reveal that the dealloyed AuCu core-shell nanoparticles can effectively promote the deposition of Pt(ML)closer to a smooth monolayer structure,thus leading to a higher utilization efficiency of Pt and higher intrinsic activity towards methanol oxidation compared to those on pure Au nanoparticles.Moreover,the Pt(ML)deposited on the AuCu core-shell NPs showed substa ntially enhanced stability compared to those on pure Au NPs during long-term electrocatalysis over several hours,during which segregation of Cu to the Au/Pt interface was revealed and suggested to play an important role in stabilizing the Pt(ML)catalysts.     

不同受限状态下链硫醇的非线性光学响应

以和频(SFG)振动光谱技术探测了正十二硫醇(DDT)在不同受限状态下的分子振动信号,包括金属基底上的自组装单层(SAM)分子,放置在二氧化硅基底上的表面DDT化的金纳米粒子以及金纳米粒子的甲苯溶液.在三种状态下都探测到了来自于DDT分子的振动光谱,振动光谱的区别提供了在不同受限态下DDT分子的结构信息.在金属基底上DDT分子排列规整,放置在二氧化硅基底上的金纳米粒子表面的DDT分子具有一定的柔性,在空气-甲苯溶液界面金纳米粒子表面的DDT分子高度无序.此外,光谱实验显示,金纳米粒子表面的分子振动信号产生了局域场增强的效应,相对于金基底上的自组装单层分子而言,增强系数为102-103,取决于光谱的偏振组合.     

钛基表面纳米羟基磷灰石涂层的电泳沉积

应用沉淀法合成纳米羟基磷灰石,并以电泳沉积法在粗糙化的钛表面制备纳米结构的羟基磷灰石涂层.纳米涂层有利于保持羟基磷灰石的化学组成和结构,制备的涂层均匀并且无裂缝,烧结后涂层仍保持纳米结构,其烧结温度也明显降低。钛表面经化学处理后,可形成很多微孔和TiO2薄层,增强了涂层和基体之间的结合.涂层的结合力为 18±2. 5MPa,硬度和杨式模量分别为 32. 0和 2. 4GPa.     

Adsorption mechanism of water molecules surrounding Au nanoparticles of different sizes

Molecular dynamic simulation is used to investigate the adsorption mechanism of water molecules surrounding Au nanoparticles with different sizes. Our results show that the adsorption mechanism of the water molecules in the first water shell will be influenced by the size of the Au nanoparticle. For the larger Au nanoparticles, the hydrogen bonding of water molecules adsorbed on the surface of the Au nanoparticles are arranged in a two-dimensional structure, while those adsorbed on the edge of the surface of the Au nanoparticles are arranged in a three-dimensional structure. However, in the case of the smallest Au nanoparticle, the hydrogen bonding of the water molecules on the first adsorbed layer are arranged only in a three-dimensional structure. The arrangement of the water molecules in the first water shell can be determined by orientation order parameter. The water molecules that adsorb on the larger Au nanoparticles tend to arrange in an irregular arrangement, while those adsorbed on the smallest Au nanoparticle tend to arrange a regular arrangement. Interestingly, the water molecules adsorbed on the smallest nanoparticle are arranged in a bulklike structure in the first shell.     

不同受限状态下链硫醇的非线性光学响应

以和频(SFG)振动光谱技术探测了正十二硫醇(DDT)在不同受限状态下的分子振动信号, 包括金属基底上的自组装单层(SAM)分子, 放置在二氧化硅基底上的表面DDT化的金纳米粒子以及金纳米粒子的甲苯溶液. 在三种状态下都探测到了来自于DDT分子的振动光谱, 振动光谱的区别提供了在不同受限态下DDT分子的结构信息. 在金属基底上DDT分子排列规整, 放置在二氧化硅基底上的金纳米粒子表面的DDT分子具有一定的柔性, 在空气-甲苯溶液界面金纳米粒子表面的DDT分子高度无序. 此外, 光谱实验显示, 金纳米粒子表面的分子振动信号产生了局域场增强的效应, 相对于金基底上的自组装单层分子而言, 增强系数为10²-10³, 取决于光谱的偏振组合.     

Selective surface chemistry using alumina nanoparticles generated from block copolymers

Developing orthogonal surface chemistry techniques that perform at the nanoscale is key to achieving precise control over molecular patterning on surfaces. We report the formation and selective functionalization of alumina nanoparticle arrays generated from block copolymer templates. This new material provides an alternative to gold for orthogonal surface chemistry at the nanometer scale. Atomic force microscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy confirm these particles show excellent selectivity over silica for phosphonic and carboxylic acid adsorption. As this is the first reported synthesis of alumina nanoparticles from block copolymer templates, characterizations via Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy are presented. Reproducible formation of alumina nanoparticles was dependent on a counterintuitive synthetic step wherein a small amount of water is added to an anhydrous toluene solution of block copolymer and aluminum chloride. The oxidation environment of the aluminum in these particles, as measured by Auger electron spectroscopy, is similar to that of native aluminum oxide and alumina grown by atomic layer deposition. This discovery expands the library of available surface chemistries for nanoscale molecular patterning.     

Homogeneous silver-coated nanoparticle substrates for enhanced fluorescence detection

A simple method has been developed for the deposition of uniform silver-coated nanoparticles on glass substrates, with a homogeneous distribution shown by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). UV-visible spectroscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) have been used to characterize both the optical density and elemental content of the deposited nanoparticles. The fluorescence enhancement was investigated using a monolayer of FITC-conjugated human serum albumin (FITC-HSA) and tested using laser scanning microscopy at 488 nm excitation wavelength. The enhancement factor was calculated from individual spectra recorded with a Fluorolog-Tau-3 spectrofluorometer. We identified the nanoparticle growth regime which led to fluorescence enhancement. Such enhancement is detectable when Au core-Ag shell nanoparticles increased their size to 47 nm, in agreement with theoretical estimates. The origin of this enhancement for appropriate size nanoparticles is attributed to the effect of an increased excitation rate from the local field enhanced by the interaction of incident light with the nanoparticles and/or higher quantum yield from an increase of the intrinsic decay rate of the fluorophore. We thus demonstrated that the Au core-Ag shell nanostructures on glass surfaces are promising substrates for fluorescence enhancement with outstanding macroscopic homogeneity. This important feature will pave the way for the application of our substrates in biotechnology and life sciences such as imaging and sensing of biomolecules in proteomics.     

In situ auger electron spectroscopy study of atomic layer deposition: growth initiation and interface formation reactions during ruthenium ALD on Si-H, SiO2, and HfO2 surfaces

Growth initiation and film nucleation in atomic layer deposition (ALD) is important for controlling interface composition and achieving atomic-scale films with well-defined composition. Ruthenium ALD is studied here using ruthenocene and oxygen as reactants, and growth initiation and nucleation are characterized on several different growth surfaces, including SiO2, HfO2, and hydrogen terminated silicon, using on-line Auger electron spectroscopy and ex-situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The time needed to reach the full growth rate (typically approximately 1 A per deposition cycle) is found to increase as the surface energy of the starting surface (determined from contact angle measurements) decreased. Growth starts more readily on HfO2 than on SiO2 or Si-H surfaces, and Auger analysis indicates distinct differences in surface reactions on the various surfaces during film nucleation. Specifically, surface oxygen is consumed during ruthenocene exposure, so the nucleation rate will depend on the availability of oxygen and the energetics of surface oxygen bonding on the starting substrate surface.     

Investigation of the Ti/MgCl2 interface on a Si(111) 7 × 7 substrate

Photoelectron spectroscopy with synchrotron radiation, low energy electron diffraction, and ion-scattering spectroscopy were used in order to study the Ti/MgCl(2) interface grown on an atomically clean Si(111) 7 × 7 substrate. A series of high resolution spectra after deposition of a thick MgCl(2) layer, step by step deposition of Ti and gradual annealing, indicated a very reactive interface even at room temperature. Strong interaction between the incoming Ti atoms and the MgCl(2) layer, leads to the formation of Ti(2+) and Ti(4+) oxidation states. The interfacial interaction continues even at multilayer Ti coverage mainly by the partial disruption of Mg-Cl bonds and the formation of Ti-Cl sites, rendering this interface a very promising UHV-compatible model of a pre-catalyst for olefin polymerization. After the final annealing, the MgCl(2) multilayers desorb while Ti remains on the surface forming a silicide layer on which Cl and Mg atoms are attached.     

Thin metal films on quasicrystalline surfaces

Thin metal films with a thickness of one or over one monolayer formed on quasicrystalline surfaces were studied using reflection high-energy electron diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron diffraction and scanning tunneling microscopy. The substrates were the 10f surface of d-Al–Ni–Co and the 5f surface of i-Al–Pd–Mn. The metals deposited were Au, Pt, Ag and In. None of these metals forms any ordered layer by deposition onto clean quasicrystalline surfaces. However, if a submonolayer of In is present atop the 10f surface, an epitaxial layer of multiply-twinned AuAl₂ crystals is formed by Au deposition and subsequent annealing. This is also the case for Pt deposition, but not for Ag deposition. Although the surfactant effect of In is also observed in the case of Au deposition on the 5f surface of i-Al–Pd–Mn, the ordered layer formed is a film of Au–Al alloy with icosahedral symmetry. No ordered films are formed by Pt or Ag deposition onto the 5f surface, regardless of the presence of an In-precovered layer. A Sn film monolayer induced by surface diffusion was also studied.     

Ag/Au纳米粒子的没食子酸还原制备及其共振瑞利散射光谱测定人血清总蛋白

以没食子酸为还原剂和稳定剂,用种子生长法制备出粒径均匀、单分散性和稳定性好、近球形的Ag/Au 核壳纳米粒子.高分辨透射电镜(HRTEM)与 X-射线能量色散光谱仪(EDX)测试表明,在Ag/Au摩尔比为1:1.6时,Au已完全包裹在Ag纳米粒子表面时,平均粒径为25 nm.以此摩尔比制备的Ag/Au核壳纳米粒子为探针...