Preparation of graphene/tetrathiafulvalene nanocomposite switchable surfaces

A one step process for simultaneous reduction and functionalization of graphene oxide using tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) is described. Chemical oxidation of TTF to TTF(2+) using an aqueous solution of Fe(ClO(4))(3) expels the charged molecule from the graphene nanosheets, while subsequent immersion in neutral TTF solution allows the capture of the TTF molecules.     

Regenerable electrochemical immunological sensing at DNA nanostructure-decorated gold surfaces

A regenerable electrochemical immunosensor with novel 3D DNA nanostructure-decorated gold surfaces was developed by taking advantage of DNA-directed antibody conjugation and high resistance to non-specific protein adsorption.     

TiO_2/12-磷钨杂多酸/金复合纳米材料的制备及电化学性能

采用水热法制备TiO2纳米管(TNTs),然后以12-磷钨杂多酸(PTA)作为交联剂,运用光催化方法在TiO2纳米管表面负载金纳米颗粒(GNPs),从而得到新型复合纳米材料——TNTs-PTA-GNPs;借助傅立叶变换红外光谱仪,X射线衍射仪和透射电子显微镜分析了新型复合纳米材料的结构及形貌,并利用循环伏安法测试了其电化学性能.结果表明,GNPs均匀分布在TNTs表面,从而大幅度改善纳米材料的导电性;但复合纳米材料中无游离的金纳米颗粒.与此同时,TNTs-PTA-GNPs纳米材料具有良好的生物相容性,且可促进酶与电极之间的直接电子转移.     

Toposelective electrochemical desorption of thiol SAMs from neighboring polycrystalline gold surfaces

We describe a method for the selective desorption of thiol self-assembled monolayers from gold surfaces having micrometer-scale separations on a substrate. In an electrolyte solution, the electrical resistance between the adjacent areas can be much lower than the resistance between a surface and the counter electrode. Also, both reductive and oxidative thiol desorption may occur. Therefore, the potentials of the surfaces must be independently controlled with a multichannel potentiostat and operating windows for a given thiol/electrolyte system must be established. In this study operating windows were established for 1-dodecanethiol-based SAMs in phosphate buffer, phosphate-buffered saline, and sodium hydroxide solution, and selective SAM removal was successfully performed in a four-electrode configuration.     

Synthesis of gold/polydopamine composite surfaces on glass substrates for localized surface plasmon resonance and catalysis

Composite materials of polydopamine (PDA) and gold nanoparticles on glass substrates (Au/PDA@slide) were obtained via a simple chemical process. First, PDA films (PDA@slide) were formed by immersing slides in 20 mg ml⁻¹ dopamine aqueous solution at pH = 8.5 for 1 h. Then, PDA@slide was dipped in 0.02 M chloroauric acid (HAuCl₄) aqueous solution for a certain time, Au/PDA@slide being formed. Gold nanoparticles were obtained by the reductive properties of PDA. The morphology and chemical composition of the composite material were characterized using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The catalytic properties of Au/PDA@slide were evaluated using the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NP) in the presence of sodium borohydride (NaBH₄) aqueous solution at room temperature. The catalytic activity of the optimal Au/PDA@slide was so satisfactory that the reduction of 4‐NP was completed within 10 min. Moreover, the Au/PDA@slide composite material was stable up to five cycles without significant loss of its catalytic activity. In addition, Au/PDA@slide also exhibited photocatalytic ability, photodegrading 2.5 ml of 17.5 mg l⁻¹ methyl orange in 100 min. By measuring the UV–visible absorption bands of Au/PDA@slide, it was proved that the condition of the strongest surface plasmon resonance of Au/PDA@slide was the optimal condition for catalytic reduction of 4‐NP.     

Spectroscopic and electrochemical characterization of interfacial biomimetic assemblies on electrochemically generated gold oxide surfaces

We report on the formation of a gold oxide layer and the reaction of this oxide with an acid chloride to form a stable, relatively complete monolayer bound through an ester-like bond to the gold oxide surface. We have used cyclic voltammetry, FTIR and optical ellipsometry to characterize this novel monolayer structure. The exposed functional groups of this monolayer can participate in subsequent surface reactions, opening the door to the use of oxide-based surface attachment chemistry on metallic substrates. This chemistry will allow for the formation of films tailored to contain both hydrophobic and hydrophilic regions, stacked at predetermined distances from the substrate that may serve as biomembrane mimetic assemblies.     

New insight into the electrochemical desorption of alkanethiol SAMs on gold

A combination of Polarization Modulation Infrared Reflection Absorption Spectroscopy (PMIRRAS) under electrochemical control, Electrochemical Scanning Tunneling Microscopy (ECSTM) and Molecular Dynamics (MD) simulations has been used to shed light on the reductive desorption process of dodecanethiol (C12) and octadecanethiol (C18) SAMs on gold in aqueous electrolytes. Experimental PMIRRAS, ECSTM and MD simulations data for C12 desorption are consistent with formation of randomly distributed micellar aggregates stabilized by Na(+) ions, coexisting with a lying-down phase of molecules. The analysis of pit and Au island coverage before and after desorption is consistent with the thiolate-Au adatoms models. On the other hand, PMIRRAS and MD data for C18 indicate that the desorbed alkanethiolates adopt a Na(+) ion-stabilized bilayer of interdigitated alkanethiolates, with no evidence of lying down molecules. MD simulations also show that both the degree of order and tilt angle of the desorbed alkanethiolates change with the surface charge on the metal, going from bilayers to micelles. These results demonstrate the complexity of the alkanethiol desorption in the presence of water and the fact that chain length and counterions play a key role in a complex structure.     

Magnetoswitchable controlled hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity of electrode surfaces using alkyl-chain-functionalized magnetic particles: application for switchable electrochemistry

Magnetic nanoparticles consisting of undecanoate-capped magnetite (average diameter approximately 4.5 nm; saturated magnetization, M(s), 38.5 emu g(-1)) are used to control and switch the hydrophobic or hydrophilic properties of the electrode surface. A two-phase system consisting of an aqueous buffer solution and a toluene phase that includes the suspended capped magnetic nanoparticles is used to control the interfacial properties of the electrode surface. The magnetic attraction of the functionalized particles to the electrode by means of an external magnet yields a hydrophobic interface that acts as an insulating layer, prohibiting interfacial electron transfer. The retraction of the magnetic particles from the electrode to the upper toluene phase by means of the external magnet generates a hydrophilic electrode that reveals effective interfacial electron transfer. The electron-transfer resistance and double-layer capacitance of the electrode surface upon the attraction and retraction of the functionalized magnetic particles to and from the electrode, respectively, by means of the external magnet were probed by Faradaic impedance spectroscopy (R(et) = 170 Omega and C(dl) = 40 microF sm(-2) in the hydrophilic state of the electrode and R(et) = 22 k Omega and C(dl) = 0.5 microF sm(-2) in the hydrophobic state of the interface). The magnetoswitchable control of the interface enables magnetic switching of the bioelectrocatalytic oxidation of glucose in the presence of glucose oxidase and ferrocene dicarboxylic acid to "ON" and "OFF" states.     

基于纳米金/壳聚糖/石墨烯的癌胚抗原阻抗型免疫传感器

研究了在PBS缓冲介质中,一种检测癌胚抗原的新型免标记阻抗型免疫传感器的制备及应用,基于石墨烯、纳米金在玻碳电极表面组装制备传感器,通过循环伏安法、交流阻抗法对制备的传感器进行表征。在优化的实验条件下,该免疫传感器的阻抗值随着检测溶液中癌胚抗原(CEA)浓度的增大而增大,并在0.1～85 ng/mL CEA范围内呈线性关系,回归方程为△Ret=1605.55+39.26ρ;检测限为0.04 ng/mL(R=0.9992)。该免疫传感器可用于临床上对CEA的检测。     

Ultrasensitive electrochemical immunoassay for carcinoembryonic antigen based on three-dimensional macroporous gold nanoparticles/graphene composite platform and multienzyme functionalized nanoporous silver label

Three-dimensional macroporous gold nanoparticles/graphene composites (3D-AuNPs/GN) were synthesized through a simple two-step process, and were used to modify working electrode sensing platform, based on which a facile electrochemical immunoassay for sensitive detection of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in human serum was developed. In the proposed 3D-AuNPs/GN, AuNPs were distributed not just on the surface, but also on the inside of graphene. And this distribution property increased the area of sensing surface, resulting in capturing more primary antibodies as well as improving the electronic transmission rate. In the presence of CEA, a sandwich-type immune composite was formed on the sensing platform, and the horseradish peroxidase-labeled anti-CEA antibody (HRP-Ab₂)/thionine/nanoporous silver (HRP-Ab₂/TH/NPS) signal label was captured. Under optimal conditions, the electrochemical immunosensor exhibited excellent analytical performance: the detection range of CEA is from 0.001 to 10 ng mL⁻¹ with low detection limit of 0.35 pg mL⁻¹ and low limit of quantitation (LOQ) of 0.85 pg mL⁻¹. The electrochemical immunosensor showed good precision, acceptable stability and reproducibility, and could be used for the detection of CEA in real samples. The proposed method provides a promising platform of clinical immunoassay for other biomolecules     

New switchable smectic phases in banana-shaped compounds

A new series of achiral compounds with banana-shaped molecules ('E _n ') has been synthesized and studied by the classical techniques (optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, X-ray diffraction, miscibility studies and electro-optic investigations). The short homologues (E₇-E₁₀) give switchable smectic mesophases. Nevertheless their textures clearly differ from those of the B2 mesophase. In addition, the E₁₀ compound displays a smectic polymorphism involving a new bilayered structure.     

Polymer control of ligand display on gold nanoparticles for multimodal switchable cell targeting

The function of cell-specific ligands on gold nanoparticles can be selectively gated by the action of co-grafted thermosensitive polymers. Below the LCST the responsive chain-extended polymers prevent cell-surface receptors from accessing the affinity ligands while above the LCST, the polymers collapse exposing the ligands and allowing binding to receptors, which in turn promotes cell internalisation.     

Synthesis of gold nanorod/single-wall carbon nanotube heterojunctions directly on surfaces

This contribution describes the synthesis of gold nanorod (Au NR)/single-wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) heterojunctions assembled directly on Si/SiOx substrates. SWCNTs are attached to amine-functionalized Si/SiOx substrates, and Au monolayer-protected clusters (MPCs) are adsorbed to the surface of SWCNTs through hydrophobic interactions. Seed-mediated reduction of HAuCl4 with ascorbic acid in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) onto the Au MPCs leads to the growth of larger Au nanostructures directly on the SWCNTs. Au NRs account for 19% of the nanostructures, some of which are attached directly to the sidewall and some at the ends of the SWCNTs. Raman spectroscopic measurements of SWCNTs before and after growth of the Au nanostructures reveal that the presence of Au leads to an approximately 50-fold enhancement of the Raman scattering signal. Combining 1D nanostructures of different materials (Au and carbon in this example) is of fundamental interest and may find use in nanoelectronics, chemical sensing, electrochemical, and spectroscopy applications.     

Surface characterization by underpotential deposition: Lead on gold surfaces

The kinetics of chelation of Pb(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) with the ligand EDTA have been followed at the realistic trace concentration level 10^?8–10^?7M for both reactants in sea water and model solutions of its major salinity components by differential pulse stripping voltammetry. In this manner the specific influences of the salinity components on the formation rate constants [having in sea water for PbEDTA the order of 3×10³ and for the EDTA chelates of Zn(II) and Cd(II) of 3×10² l M^?1 s^?1] could be determined. The measurements emphasize the pronounced specific influences of Ca(II) on the kinetics and course of the trace metal chelation in media where this alkaline earth ion is present in substantial excess to organic chelating agents. The experiments with EDTA are to be regarded as a close simulation of the chelation processes occurring for the trace metals studied by components with suitable chelation power of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in the sea and the resulting conclusions on the mechanism are thus of general significance.     

Copper underpotential deposition at gold surfaces in contact with a deep eutectic solvent: New insights

The electrodeposition of copper on a polycrystalline gold electrode and on Au(hkl) single crystals was investigated in a deep eutectic solvent (DES). The DES employed consisted of a mixture of choline chloride and urea (1:2). The Au(hkl)/DES interface was studied using cyclic voltammetry in the capacitive region. The blank voltammograms showed characteristic features, not previously reported, that demonstrate the surface sensitivity of this solvent. Copper electrodeposition was then studied and it was found that this takes place through the formation of an underpotential deposition (UPD) adlayer, demonstrating the surface sensitivity of this process. Voltammetric profiles showed similarities with those obtained in aqueous solutions containing chloride, suggesting that the copper UPD in this DES is strongly influenced by the presence of chloride.     

Evaluation of quantum dots applied as switchable layer in a light-controlled electrochemical sensor

Gold electrodes with switchable conductance are created by coating the gold surface with different colloidal quantum dots. For the quantum dot immobilization, a dithiol compound was used. By polarizing the electrode and applying a light pointer, local photocurrents were generated. The performance of this setup was characterized for a variety of different nanoparticle materials regarding drift and signal-to-noise ratio. We varied the following parameters: quantum dot materials and immobilization protocol. The results indicate that the performance of the sensor strongly depends on how the quantum dots are bound to the gold electrode. The best results were obtained by inclusion of an additional polyelectrolyte film, which had been fabricated using layer-by-layer assembly.      

Adsorption of cellulose derivatives on flat gold surfaces and on spherical gold particles

The adsorption of hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC), ethyl(hydroxyethyl)cellulose (EHEC), and their hydrophobically modified counterparts HM-HEC and HM-EHEC has been studied on planar gold and citrate-covered gold surfaces by means of quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM-D), and on citrate-covered gold particles with the aid of dynamic light scattering (DLS). The QCM-D results indicate that larger amounts of polymer are adsorbed from aqueous solutions of HM-HEC and HM-EHEC on both substrates than from solutions of their unmodified analogues. The adsorption affinity for all the polymers, except EHEC, is higher on the citrate-covered surfaces than on the bare gold substrate. This indicates that more adsorption sites are activated in the presence of the citrate layer. The experimental adsorption data for all the polymers can be described fairly well by the Langmuir adsorption isotherm. However, at very low polymer concentrations significant deviations from the model are observed. The value of the hydrodynamic thickness of the adsorbed polymer layer (delta h), determined from DLS, rises with increasing polymer concentration for all the cellulose derivatives; a Langmuir type of isotherm can be used to roughly describe the adsorption behavior. Because of good solvent conditions for HEC the chains extend far out in the bulk at higher concentrations and the value of delta h is much higher than that of HM-HEC. The adsorption of EHEC and HM-EHEC onto gold particles discloses that the values of delta h are considerably higher for the hydrophobically modified cellulose derivative, and this finding is compatible with the trend in layer thickness estimated from the QCM-D measurements.     

Mixed alkanethiol monolayers on gold surfaces: Wetting and stability studies

Studies of wetting and stability of mixed monolayers containing hydrophobie and hydrophilic components are discussed. We are reporting the observation of an apparent concentration-driven transition in the cosine of the contact angles of liquids on mixed monolayers. It is suggested that this phenomenon is due to a possible (true or rounded) surface phase transition, resulting in the formation of a prewetting water layer. This formation is triggered by variations in the quenched distribution of random surface fields. The variation of the surface free-energy, both polar and dispersive parts, has been determined as a function of surface OH-concentration. The surface free-energy of the 100% OH surface is close to that found for water, as might be expected for a surface coated with several monolayers of water. Zisman plots obtained for several of the surfaces using polar and nonpolar liquids give γ_c values which follow the observed dispersive contribution to the total surface free energy, and thus do not present a good approximation to the surface free energy (i.e., γ_c < γ_sv).Contact angle variation was studied on self-assembled alkanethiol monolayers containing mixtures of OH and CH₃ groups at their air-monolayer interface. It was found that these high free energy organic surfaces yielded contact angles which were not stable over long periods of time. The extent of the variation was found to be related to the surface free energy (%OH). The effect of different storage environments and temperature on the changing contact angles are discussed. We propose that monolayer surfaces containing high concentrations of OH groups on mobile organic chains are not stable. Such monolayer surfaces may stabilize over time, depending on the chain length, by surface reorganization and the adsorption of contaminants.     

超氧化物歧化酶在纳米金/L-半胱氨酸修饰金电极上的电化学行为

通过L-半胱氨酸将纳米金修饰到金电极上,把超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)固定在修饰电极表面,制备了SOD-纳米金/L-半胱氨酸修饰电极。运用交流阻抗法、循环伏安法等方法表征了该电极,发现SOD在该电极上于0.15V和-0.05V左右产生较明显的氧化还原峰,在0.04～0.24V/s扫描速率范围内,其还原峰电流与扫描速速呈线性关系,表明该电极过程受吸附控制。研究了H2O2对SOD-纳米金/L-半胱氨酸修饰电极伏安行为的影响,发现该电极的还原峰电流与H2O2浓度在1.0×10-6～2.0×10-4mol/L范围内呈良好的线性关系,相关系数为-0.996,可用于对H2O2的分析检测。