Synthesis of gold@carbon dots composite nanoparticles for surface enhanced Raman scattering

Gold@carbon dots composite nanoparticles (Au@CDs) with ultrathin carbon dot (CD) shells of ca. 2 nm were prepared by reducing HAuCl(4) with CDs at 100 °C. By adjusting the feeding mass ratio of HAuCl(4) to CDs, the average diameters of Au@CDs can be modulated from 8 to 44 nm. The suspension of Au@CDs with an average diameter of ca. 24 nm was applied as a substrate for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and it exhibited a higher SERS effect for rhodamine 6G (Rh6G) than the suspension of pure Au nanoparticles with nearly the same size. The excellent SERS effect of Au@CDs is mainly attributed to their improved capability of adsorbing the aromatic probe molecules.     

Carbon composite electrodes: surface and electrochemical properties

Electrodes based on particulate carbon-epoxy or silicone composites have been formed and characterised using electrochemical methods, scanning electron microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy. These composites are rigid, exhibit high electrical conductivity and are stable in organic solvents for prolonged periods. The bulk resistance of the Araldite-M and Araldite-CW2215 based electrodes is low, 130+/-12 and 185+/-15 ohms, respectively. In contrast, the bulk resistance of the silicone based electrodes is 1480+/-112 ohms. The uncompensated resistance of electrochemical cells where the composites act as working electrodes is significantly larger than that expected on the basis of solution resistance alone, i.e., up to 7.5 kohms in the case of the silicone composites. These results are interpreted in terms of the presence of pores within the composite material. The response times of the composite electrodes to changes in the applied potential is between 3.1 and 7.2 ms which, although almost an order of magnitude longer than a comparable glassy carbon electrode, is sufficiently rapid to give useful voltammetric data for scan rates of several V s(-1). Close to ideal reversible cyclic voltammetry is observed for ferrocene under semi-infinite diffusion control for scan rates between 0.01 and 0.1 V s(-1) at the Araldite composites. In contrast, the large resistance associated with the silicone based materials causes quasi-reversible responses to be observed over this range of scan rate. Scan rate dependent cyclic voltammetry and time resolved chronoamperometry responses observed for ferrocene in solution are consistent with those expected for a random array of microelectrodes. Scanning electron microscopy and scanning electrochemical microscopy has been used to image the shape, size and electrochemical activity of the electroactive zones. In the case of Araldite-M, the quality of the electrode surface has been probed by comparing the rate of heterogeneous electron transfer at a composite microelectrode with that found for a carbon fibre electrode. The standard heterogeneous electron transfer rate constant, k degrees , is 6.0+/-0.1 x 10(-3) cm s(-1) for the composite compared to 1.5+/-0.1 x 10(-1) cm s(-1) for the carbon fibre electrode. While the smaller rate constant found for the composite suggests a less pristine surface, k degrees is sufficiently large to support reversible, electron transfer under typical electroanalytical conditions. These fundamental measurements will underpin the development of enzyme based biosensors for use in organic solvents.     

The surface enhanced Raman scattering effects of composite nanocrystals of Ag-TiO2

The composite particles of Ag-TiO2 both in a nanocrystal form was prepared by photoreduction of AgNO3 in the rutile colloidal solution. The surface plasmon absorption (SPA) band of the silver clusters supported on the TiO2 nanocrystal was red shift, and a strong surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect for the composite particles of Ag-nanocrystalline TiO2 was observed. The SERS effect is relating to the red shift phenomenon of SPA band, which could be explained by induced-resonance effect.     

Improvement of PBO fiber surface and PBO/PPESK composite interface properties with air DBD plasma treatment

The interface of fibrous composites is a key factor to the whole properties of the composites. In this study, the effects of air dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma discharge power density on surface properties of poly(p‐phenylene benzobisoxazole) (PBO) fiber and the interfacial adhesion of PBO fiber reinforced poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) composite were investigated by several characterization methods, including XPS, SEM, signal fiber tensile strength, interlaminar shear strength, and water absorption. After the air DBD plasma treatment at a power density of 41.4 W/cm³, XPS analysis showed that some polar functional groups were introduced on the PBO fiber surface, especially the emergence of a new oxygen‐containing group (?O–C = O group). SEM observations revealed that the air DBD plasma treatment had a great influence on surface morphologies of the PBO fiber, while the signal fiber tensile strength results showed only a small decline of 5.9% for the plasma‐treated fiber. Meanwhile, interlaminar shear strength value of PBO/PPESK composite was increased to 44.71 MPa by 34.5% and water absorption of the composite decreased from 0.46% for the untreated specimen to 0.27%. The results showed that the air DBD plasma treatment can effectively improve the properties of the PBO fiber surface and the PBO/PPESK composite interface. Results obtained from the above analyses also showed that both the fiber surface and the composite interface performance would be reduced when an undue plasma discharge power density was applied. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Mechano-chemically activated fly-ash and sisal fiber reinforced PP hybrid composite with enhanced mechanical properties

Cellulose - This study explores the hybridizing effect of mechano-chemical activated fly-ash (FA) in polypropylene (PP) composites reinforced with sisal fibers. Activation and resistance against...     

Synthesis of magnetic polyphosphazene-Ag composite particles as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates for the detection of melamine

Preparation process of the MPZS-Ag composite particles based on polyphosphazene and application for the detection of melamine as a novel SERS substrate.     

Synthesis of magnetic polyphosphazene-Ag composite particles as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy substrates for the detection of melamine

Magnetic polyphosphazene(MPZS) particles coated by Ag nanoparticles(MPZS-Ag) have been developed as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy(SERS) substrates for sensitive detection of melamine in aqueous solutions and milk samples.5,5'-Dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid)(DTNB) was used as model analyte to test the SERS activity of the MPZS-Ag particles.The prepared MPZS-Ag particles possess both magnetic responsiveness and excellent SERS properties.SERS detection of different concentrations of melamine aqueous solutions and spiked milk samples were performed by the MPZS-Ag particles.The limit of detection(LOD) of the melamine in aqueous solutions was 10-7 mol/L(0.0126 mg/L) and 0.6 mg/L in real milk samples using the MPZS-Ag particles as SERS substrates.The LOD of the melamine are much lower than the safety values of Food and Drug Administration and Codex Alimentarius Commission.These results indicate that the MPZS-Ag particles have promising application prospect for SERS analysis in food safety fields.     

The adsorption behavior of p-hydroxybenzoic acid on a silver-coated filter paper by surface enhanced Raman scattering

On dried filter paper coated with silver nanoparticles, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectra of p-hydroxybenzoic acid (PHBA) were studied, and high-quality SERS spectra were obtained, indicating that the silver-coated filter paper is a highly SERS-active substrate. The analysis showed that the adsorption behavior of PHBA molecules on silver nanoparticles coated on filter paper was different from that in silver aqueous colloids. On the filter paper, it was found that the SERS spectra of PHBA changed with the proportion of PHBA molecules and silver nanoparticles, indicating that the adsorption behavior of PHBA molecules changed with the proportion. The probable reasons are given.     

The influence of surface treatment on the tensile and tribological properties of wood fiber‐reinforced polyimide composite

In this paper, the effect of coupling agent surface treatment of wood fiber on tensile and tribological property of wood fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic polyimide (PI) composites was experimentally investigated. Experimental results revealed that coupling agent surface treatment could effectively improve the interfacial adhesion between wood fiber and PI matrix. Compared with the untreated wood fiber/PI composite, the coupling agent‐treated composite had better interfacial adhesion. The fracture surfaces and worn surface of samples were investigated by scanning electronic microscopy to analyze the effects of surface treatment methods.     

金银合金纳米粒子表面处理及其表面增强拉曼光谱研究

采用水合肼还原的方法制备了金银比例为1∶1的金银合金纳米粒子, 紫外可见吸收光谱显示合成的溶胶只有一个介于金和银之间的吸收峰, 证明了合金结构的形成. 通过氨基耦联方法将合金纳米粒子组装到硅片表面, 利用氯金酸与合金中银的反应对基底上合金纳米粒子表面进行了改性处理. 以吡啶为探针分子, 研究了表面处理前后基底的SERS效应的差别, 结果表明随着浸泡时间延长, 信号强度先逐渐增强后降低至不变, 这与合金纳米粒子表面结构的变化有关, 氯金酸与表面银的反应经历了两个过程, 即粒子表面形成小的孔洞(去合金过程)和AgCl(s)在粒子表面的沉积, 前者有利于SERS效应的提高, 而后者导致SERS效应快速衰减.     

Experimental assessment of stiffness and energy dissipation properties of disk-shaped polymer-based composite specimens by in-plane torsion testing

Torsion testing machines are widely used either to measure the strength, stiffness and stress-strain properties of materials or to replicate real-life service conditions. In this paper, a novel experimental method is presented, based on the development of a dedicated steel structure to be used in conjunction with a universal testing machine. This equipment allows applying cyclic in-plane torsion loads on disk-shaped components. The proposed approach aims to enable the assessment of stiffness and damping properties on specimens enabling the application of higher loads in comparison with the traditional machines.Specifically, dynamic trials were performed by attaching the composite specimens and the steel structure to the testing machine, such that the uniaxial controlled displacements can be used to exert the desired cyclic loads onto the specimen. Both torsional stiffness and energy loss were measured from the steady-state load-displacement hysteresis cycles. Amplitudes of sine signals, from 0.05 to 0.2 mm, and a frequency ranging between 1 and 20 Hz, were used in the experiments. The results are presented comparing the behaviour of two polymer matrix composites, with the same number of identical laminae, but characterized by different stacking sequences, namely unidirectional and quasi-isotropic configurations.     

Tailoring plasmonic substrates for surface enhanced spectroscopies

Our understanding of how the geometry of metallic nanostructures controls the properties of their surface plasmons, based on plasmon hybridization, is useful for developing high-performance substrates for surface enhanced spectroscopies. In this tutorial review, we outline the design of metallic nanostructures tailored specifically for providing electromagnetic enhancements for surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS). The concepts developed for nanoshell-based substrates can be generalized to other nanoparticle geometries and scaled to other spectroscopies, such as surface enhanced infrared absorption spectroscopy (SEIRA).     

TiO2-WO3 composite nanotubes by alloy anodization: growth and enhanced electrochromic properties

The present work demonstrates that uniform and highly ordered arrays of TiO(2)-WO(3) nanotubes can be grown by anodization of Ti alloys in an ethylene glycol/fluoride based electrolyte under selected electrochemical conditions. These aligned mixed oxide nanotube structures are highly suitable for enhanced electrochromic reactions; in particular we show that already small amounts of WO(3) (such as 0.2 at%) present in the tube oxide drastically improve the electrochromic properties (contrast, onset potential, cycling stability) of nanotube layer based devices.     

Structural-phase state and surface properties of composite materials based on polylactide and hydroxyapatite

The phase composition and unit cell parameters were determined for composites based on polylactide and hydroxyapatite with the polylactide/hydroxyapatite weight ratios of 90/10, 80/20, 70/30, and 60/40. As the polylactide content of the composites is increased, they become less hydrophilic, and the surface energy σ_S-G increases from 29.13 to 74.35 mJ m^–2. The sample with the component weight ratio of 70/30 is characterized by the maximal roughness, and the Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺ ions from simulated body fluid are actively adsorbed onto its surface, as proved by SEM examination of the composites.     

Effect of direct-current discharge treatment on the surface properties of chitosan-poly(L,L-lactide)-gelatin composite films

The surface of films made from a chitosan-poly(L,L-lactide)-gelatin mixture stabilized with a grafted-copolymer fraction has been modified by dc discharge treatment, as well as that of films made of the individual components. The surface properties of the films (wettability, surface energy), the chemical structure of surface layers, and their morphology have been examined by goniometric measurement of contact angles, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy.     

Non-aqueous solvents for DNP surface enhanced NMR spectroscopy

A series of non-aqueous solvents combined with the exogenous biradical bTbK are developed for DNP NMR that yield enhancements comparable to the best available water based systems. 1,1,2,2-tetrachloroethane appears to be one of the most promising organic solvents for DNP solid-state NMR. Here this results in a reduction in experimental times by a factor of 1000. These new solvents are demonstrated with the first DNP surface enhanced NMR characterization of an organometallic complex supported on a hydrophobic surface.     

基于聚合物／金属纳米结构镶嵌型柔性基底的表面增强拉曼光谱技术

表面增强拉曼光谱（SERS）技术可极大增强传统拉曼光谱的信号强度,从而拓展拉曼光谱的应用范围．针对SERS技术在分析对象、分析环境的普适性和分析效率方面的限制,本文设计并发展了一种透明、柔性、自支撑SERS基底的制备、保存和使用方法．该基底由聚合物聚甲基丙烯酸甲酯（PMMA）和在其表面镶嵌的金属纳米结构组成,可以通过背入射法用于任意形貌样品表面的直接和在线检测．柔性SERS（Ag）基底在R6G水溶液表面的检测限小于1pmol／L．     

An optofluidic device for surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy

We have developed an optofluidic device that improves the sensitivity of surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) when compared to other SERS approaches. This device has a pinched and step microchannel-nanochannel junction that can trap and assemble nanoparticles/target molecules into optically enhanced SERS active clusters by using capillary force. These SERS active clusters provide an electromagnetic enhancement factor of approximately 10(8). In addition, due to the continuous capillary flow that can transport nanoparticles/target molecules into the junction sites, the numbers of nanoparticles/target molecules and SERS active sites are increased. As a result, the detection limit of SERS for adenine molecules was better than 10 pM.     

Evaluation of the effect of cleaning on the morphological properties of ancient paper surface

In the conservation field, the original morphology and texture of the paper surface represent an important aspect to be preserved as historical evidence of the papermaking process. The aim of this preliminary research is to evaluate the effects of aqueous (cellulose ethers, rigid gels of Agar and Gellan gum) and not aqueous cleaning treatments (a typical dry cleaning treatment with wishab sponge) on the original surface morphology of late nineteenth century paper. Nineteenth century newspaper paper was chosen because it is strongly affected by cellulose oxidation and depolimerization due to the rough materials (wood pulp) and the papermaking process used at the time and to the environmental conditions (light, humidity, temperature) to which such paper has been subjected. A preliminary characterization of the paper with Herzberg and Phloroglucinol reactives and Fourier Transform infrared Spectroscopy analysis was performed to understand the paper composition and the type of inorganic fillers used. The paper surface microtopography was then measured by contact profilometry to analyze the effects of the cleaning treatments on paper surface roughness. The effects of the cleaning action was qualitatively evaluated by means of stereo microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Preliminary results suggest that the treatments which are most respectful of the original surface micromorphology of the paper are those based on the use of rigid gels (Agar and Gellan gum), because they determine the smallest variation in the roughness of surface paper, unlike the application of cellulose ethers by brush. This finding was confirmed by statistical analysis of the roughness results by means of ANOVA and Tukey HSD post hoc test.     

Modification of TiO2 for enhanced surface properties: finite Ostwald ripening by a microwave hydrothermal process

The effect of microwave modification of colloidal TiO2 suspensions under extended periods of treatment is presented. The nanoparticulate TiO2 is compared and contrasted to similar convection hydrothermally treated TiO2 and a commercial titania product, namely Degussa P25. Microwave-treated samples were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Raman spectroscopy to determine their physicochemical characteristics. Comparative surface area analyses were performed by N2 adsorption and calculated from a Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) isotherm. The complementary techniques of XRD and TEM showed good correlation between observed and calculated particle sizes (by application of the Scherrer equation), with the material being highly crystalline anatase TiO2, as identified by XRD and Raman. This investigation identified that extended periods of microwave hydrothermal treatment do not greatly enhance the crystallinity and primary grain size. Treatment of >180 min has a negative effect on crystallite growth; however, treatment up to this time had a significant effect on the material's surface area. The limiting regime of Ostwald ripening for hydrothermal treatment is discussed in relation to the mechanism of microwave treatment, that is, rapid heating to temperature and extremely rapid rates of crystallization. The effect of these property modifications are further discussed in relation to photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical applications of TiO2 nanoparticles.